SPEECH BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY- MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS LT GEN JOSEPH MUSANYUFU AT THE DCIC STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT RETREAT ON 7TH MARCH 2025

Permanent Secretary’s Remarks

The Director, Citizenship & Immigration Control

Commissioners,

 Senior Managers of the Directorate

Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon,

It is both a privilege and a responsibility to stand before you today as we IIcome to the end of this important retreat which was aimed at reflecting on the previous performance and on ways of enhancing the way we approach Migration and citizenship management.

I want to start by expressing my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.

I'm constantly impressed by the talent, expertise, and passion that exists within DCIC. You are, in many aspects, the torch bearers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

As senior leaders in the field, we all understand the tremendous impact that Migration, Citizenship policies and strategies have on the lives of individuals, families, in country as citizens, intending to visit our country or who live in, or intending to live in our country. Our work touches on the core of human dignity, opportunity, business environment, justice and national security. But, beyond the humanitarian aspects and rights, it also shapes economic growth, security, and social cohesion. This makes our roles not only important but essential to the wellbeing and prosperity of our societies.

Reminded by the theme of this retreat: “enhancing performance through strategic initiatives for National Development: as we end this retreat today, I would like to remind us all that performance is at the heart of effective governance. The laws, policies, regulations, procedures and processes we create, and the services we deliver, require us to meet the highest standards of efficiency, responsiveness, fairness and integrity.

I am informed, you have agreed on a number of resolutions and recommendations focused on refining strategies, streamlining processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across our teams and institution.

Whether it's optimizing digital platforms, legal reforms, improving procedural workflows, or enhancing the management of resources, performance enhancement will be a key theme. You have shared and learnt best practices, I therefore urge you all to commit to action, commit to steps that will take your work and indeed the work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the next level.

The landscape of migration is constantly evolving. Global movements of people are shaped by factors like conflict, climate change, economic inequality, and technological advancement. In the Great Lakes Region, we are now faced with a refugee situation and the M23 conflict in DRC. I am convinced that as Immigration Officers, you are following the developments there, and others lessons shaping our understanding of Citizenship and Migration Management in the region.

Presidential Executive Order  – issues of implementation

In this regard therefore, as you go back to your respective duty stations, all should continuously examine the emerging challenges and opportunities in citizenship and migration landscape to shape or address areas ranging from irregular migration and refugee management, border control policies, to the evolving dynamics of work permit management, visa management, citizenship legal reforms and investment facilitation in order to remain agile and forward-thinking.

In particular, I urge everyone to continue reflecting on how policies can be adapted to be more inclusive, more just, and more responsive to the complex realities of migration, facilitating the citizenry; e.g benefit from EAC regional bloc etc. What does a 21^st Century migration management law, system, and officer look like, and how can we ensure that our approach is aligned with the changing global context.

issues of Eritreans, Ethiopian, Pakistanis and Chinese

Another critical aspect of our work is the relationship with our diaspora communities which I believe you have discussed. The diaspora community often plays a significant role in the economic development of our country, through remittances, investment, and knowledge transfer. Engaging them effectively, facilitating them to cement that connection with home requires us to rethink how we deliver services. I made to understand that the first cohort of the Immigration Attaches is present and has shared their experiences to better services to the diaspora. I will use this opportunity to congratulate them for the successful completion of their tour of duty.

It is no longer enough to simply offer traditional consular services. Today, diaspora communities are increasingly digital, transnational, and deeply engaged with their countries of origin in new ways. We need to explore innovative approaches to connect with them, enhance their participation in national development, and create services that truly meet their needs.  hope this has been discussed during the retreat We need to firm up our next steps on interventions in this area.

Most of all, a robust and sustainable migration management system needs to be financially viable. Improved revenue collection, particularly through mechanisms such as visa and other service fees, foreign investment facilitation, and the leveraging of diaspora contributions, is essential. I hope all the discussions have focused on how we can enhance systems to monitor, track, and optimize revenue collection from migration-related activities while ensuring transparency and efficiency.

Together, we can unlock new solutions and strategies that will not only improve the management of migration but also foster stronger, more connected, and more prosperous communities, both at home and abroad.

We're stronger together, and I'm proud to see how DCIC as a team always comes together to support each other and drive results. Let's continue to foster a culture of openness, transparency, and collaboration. Your input and ideas are invaluable to the shared success.

Always consider yourselves not only as public servants but as stewards of change. The work you do has a lasting impact, and it is only by continually learning, adapting, and collaborating that we will rise to the challenges of the future.

I am happy the retreat gave you the opportunity to have conversations and discussions over the last three days, helped you to gain insights and made resolutions which will enable making progress all together as a Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Again thank you for your tireless efforts and commitment to not only service delivery but to excellence. I'm honored to work with such a talented and dedicated team.

Let's keep striving for greatness, and make our DCIC the best it can be. I have no doubt that together, we can achieve anything.

Thank you all for sparing time to attend this important Management Retreat.

The retreat is hereby closed and I wish you all journey mercies.

Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu

PERMANENT SECRETARY