Camillus Mongoso Wambura is a Tanzanian career police officer and civil servant who serves as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Tanzania Police Force, the highest-ranking officer in the national law enforcement body.
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His position makes him a central figure in Tanzania’s internal security and the enforcement of order, particularly during periods of political tension and social unrest.
Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Camillus Mongoso Wambura |
| Nationality | Tanzanian |
| Current Office | Inspector General of Police (IGP) |
| Appointment Date | July 19, 2022 |
| Appointed By | President Samia Suluhu Hassan |
| Predecessor | Simon Sirro |
| Former Roles | Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI); Regional Police Commander (RPC) for Dar es Salaam Special Zone |
| Significance | Head of national law enforcement during the crackdown on opposition (CHADEMA) and the disappearance of activists. |
Career and Rise to IGP
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Police Career: Wambura has held various command roles throughout his career, including serving as the Regional Police Commander (RPC) for the Kinondoni region and the Dar es Salaam Special Zone.
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Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI): Prior to his appointment as IGP, he served as the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), heading the investigative arm of the police force.
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Appointment as IGP: Wambura was appointed as the 11th Inspector General of Police (IGP) on July 19, 2022, by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The appointment came at a time when the government was signaling a shift toward more open political dialogue after the strict rule of the late President Magufuli.
The Police Force under Wambura
Wambura’s leadership has been characterized by his public commitment to professionalizing the police force, improving customer service, and adhering to the recommendations of the Criminal Justice Commission.
However, his tenure has been marked by significant controversy due to the use of police power against political opponents:
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Handling of Opposition: The Tanzanian police force under his command has been heavily criticized by opposition parties (like CHADEMA) and international human rights organizations for its role in the suppression of political rallies and protests, particularly during the lead-up to the 2025 general election.
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Human Rights Concerns: His police force has been the subject of accusations regarding the enforced abductions, torture, and murder of political activists, including the murder of CHADEMA elder Ali Mohamed Kibao and the disappearance of former high-ranking CCM official Humphrey Polepole. These cases have drawn international alarm and calls for accountability from his office.
As the head of the police force, Camillus Wambura is a central figure in the ongoing debate over human rights, rule of law, and the state of political freedom in contemporary Tanzania.