MWE Correspondent
The Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, Mussa Azzan Zungu, has urged members of the 13th Parliament to respect the dignity of their positions and uphold the trust placed in them by the people.
Speaking moments after the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected Members of Parliament on 12 November 2025, Zungu reminded legislators that holding public office comes with both privilege and responsibility. He stressed that every MP must act as a role model to their communities and demonstrate integrity both inside and outside Parliament.
“You now hold the legal honour of being Members of Parliament,” he said. “This position carries great respect — respect yourselves in public, in this House, and before the citizens who elected you.”
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The ceremony, which marked the official beginning of Tanzania’s 13th parliamentary term, was filled with optimism and anticipation. As MPs took their oaths, the Speaker’s message served as a reminder that leadership is not about status but about service, accountability, and moral example.
Zungu’s remarks also come at a crucial moment for the Tanzanian legislature, which faces pressing national priorities including economic reforms, governance transparency, and social welfare improvement. The Speaker underscored that maintaining the dignity of Parliament is essential to sustaining public trust in democratic institutions.
He also reminded MPs that Parliament is a symbol of the nation’s sovereignty and democratic will. “The way you carry yourselves reflects not only on you as individuals but on the entire country,” he noted, encouraging members to maintain humility and discipline in the execution of their duties.
Observers say Zungu’s remarks set the tone for what could become one of the most dynamic sessions of Parliament in recent years. His emphasis on respect, ethics, and public service echoes long-standing calls for a more accountable and people-centered legislature.
