President John Magufuli of Tanzania reshuffled his cabinet on Monday and has sworn in three new ministers to their posts after a shake-up which saw the sacking of the minister of Home Affairs.

Mwigulu Nchemba had been at the helm of Home Affairs ministry whose portfolio includes domestic security and the police force but is now replaced by Kangi Lugola, the former deputy at the ministry of environment.

In a statement released by the presidency, the Sunday cabinet reshuffle did not give further details explaining the change with fresh faces also being appointed to the ministries of infrastructure and water supply.

An additional deputy minister was appointed to Agriculture ministry, tapping Omary Tebwete Mgumba to fill it the spot.

Having been nicknamed ”The Bulldozer” for his firm approach in leadership and implementing strict anti-corruption measures, President Mugufuli has pushed tough economic reforms since he came to power in November 2015. He spearheaded cuts to government spending, overhauled the fiscal and regulatory policy of the country’s mining industry, with the country being the continent’s fourth-largest producer of gold.

Detractors and critics of the president say his cost-slashing measures are somewhat excessive and will dissuade foreign investment by stifling growth, especially in the East African nation most lucrative mining sector.

Just last month, the Minister of Finance forecast this year’s economic growth of 7.2 percent slightly above the 7.1 reported last year.

Neba Benson,

BaretaNews Foreign Correspondent/Analyst