Category: The Citizen

Kigoma. Residents of Kigoma Municipality have called on the government to provide clarity and take decisive action on the long-delayed Katosho Dry Port project, a strategic investment intended to strengthen transport and trade between Tanzania and neighbouring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi.

The project, located in Katosho area in Kigoma Ujiji Municipality, was launched in 2019 following agreements among Great Lakes region countries that rely on Lake Tanganyika for cargo transport. Its primary objective is to ease congestion at the ports of Dar es Salaam and Kigoma while improving the efficiency of cargo movement within and beyond Tanzania.

Once operational, the dry port is expected to streamline cargo handling, storage and distribution services, reducing both transport time and costs for traders. It is also seen as a key driver for enhancing trade flows across East and Central Africa, especially for countries that depend on Lake Tanganyika as a major transport corridor.

In addition, the project is anticipated to stimulate economic growth in Kigoma and surrounding areas by creating employment opportunities and expanding commercial activities. However, nearly five years since its launch, progress has remained slow, raising concerns among residents about its future and overall management.

Residents question fate of project Residents of Kibirizi Ward say they are increasingly frustrated by the lack of visible progress, despite being relocated from the area as early as 2015 to pave the way for construction. Instead of development, they claim the site has been turned into a parking area for trucks travelling to Rwanda.

A Soweto resident, Mr Malik Bocho, said the public has not been informed about the reasons behind the delays. “We do not understand what is happening with this project.

If it had been completed, many young people would have secured employment and improved their livelihoods,” he said. He said that unemployment among youth remains high, with many left idle and without direction.

“We urge the government to revisit the original purpose of the project. It should not remain a mere parking yard for vehicles,” he said.

Another resident, Mr Buchumi Ali, said the absence of official communication has fuelled speculation that the project may have been abandoned or relocated. “If the government is unable to continue with the project, it would be better to return the land to residents so they can develop it themselves,” he said, noting that some affected families are still struggling without permanent housing.

One of the compensated residents, Mr Ruegwa Juma said the prolonged delay has deprived locals of potential income opportunities. He warned that the idle land has become unsafe, particularly at night, citing incidents of robbery and sexual violence.

“The area has turned into a bush. There are frequent criminal incidents, including attacks on women and theft of phones and motorcycles,” he said.

Mr Juma, who is involved in community policing, recounted rescuing women who had been surrounded by a group of youths after being robbed. Similarly, Butunga Street chairperson, Mr Hamisi Yasini, said residents were assessed for compensation in 2012 and began receiving payments in 2015 to vacate the area.

He noted that insecurity has persisted around the project site, with between seven and eight reported cases from 2019 to 2025, including rape and child abuse. “We have reported some perpetrators to the police and courts, but incidents continue to occur,” he said.

Mr Yasini urged the government to complete the project, noting that substantial public funds have already been invested. He also highlighted concerns over compensation, saying some residents were fully paid, others received partial payments, while some have yet to be compensated, prompting legal action.

The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) said recently that it disbursed Sh12 billion in 2021 to compensate 1,228 residents of Katosho and Kigoma affected by the project. Of these, 1,196 accepted the payments, while 31 declined, arguing that the compensation did not reflect the actual value of their properties.

The project has been described as one of TPA’s major investments, expected to serve not only Tanzania but also countries in East Africa and the Great Lakes region. Government explanation Kigoma District Commissioner Mr Rashidi Chuachua said the project officially began in 2019, covering 67 hectares in its first phase, including designated areas for Burundi and the DRC.

He said more than Sh2.4 billion was allocated for the initial phase, which involved constructing a perimeter fence–a stage that has been completed. “As part of opening up Kigoma, there are plans to strengthen railway and road infrastructure and bring services closer to Burundi and the DRC, so that cargo can be handled in Kigoma instead of Dar es Salaam,” he said.

Mr Chuachua explained that the second phase involves feasibility studies and the design of essential infrastructure such as water, electricity and paved surfaces. Parliamentary concerns The project has also been raised in Parliament.

In 2022, then Kigoma Urban MP Mr Kilumbe Ng’enda asked the government about its plans to complete the dry port. The delay in implementing the project raises questions about compliance with the Tanzania Investment Act of 2022, which requires authorities to establish effective systems for coordinating, promoting and protecting investments.

The law, which repealed the 1997 Investment Act, aligns with broader reforms, including a 2025 framework integrating investment zones with special economic zones to improve accountability and efficiency in strategic projects such as dry ports and other economic infrastructure. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Mainland Premier League heavyweights Azam FC begin their Union Cup campaign today with a tricky encounter against Zanzibar’s KVZ at the New Amaan Complex.

The much-anticipated fixture is set to kick off at 7:15pm under floodlights, with both sides fully aware that victory is the only route to the semifinals in the knockout-format tournament. The match is expected to set the tone for what promises to be an intense and competitive edition of the competition.

Azam FC head coach Florent Ibenge has expressed confidence in his squad ahead of the clash, despite acknowledging the quality and experience of their opponents. “It will be a tough match because KVZ are among the strongest teams in Zanzibar.

They finished second in the Zanzibar Premier League and have also competed in the CAF Confederation Cup,” said Ibenge. “My players have prepared well, and I believe they will rise to the occasion.

” The Congolese tactician emphasized that his players are focused on starting the tournament on a positive note, warning against complacency in knockout football. “KVZ is a good team, and in this kind of competition you cannot underestimate anyone.

We respect them, but at the same time we believe in our quality and what we can deliver on the pitch,” he added. Ibenge further stressed the importance of discipline and concentration, particularly in the early stages of the tournament where mistakes can prove costly.

“We have worked on improving consistency and decision-making. These are key factors in knockout competitions because a single error can decide the outcome.

The players understand the responsibility they carry,” he said. The stakes are high for both teams, with the winner advancing to face the victor of the clash between Young Africans S.

C. and Muembe Makumbi, who met in another quarterfinal encounter.

This year’s Union Cup has attracted increased attention following a significant boost in prize money. The champions will pocket Sh150 million, while the runners-up will receive Sh100 million, a move designed to enhance competitiveness and raise the tournament’s profile.

Action in the competition continues on April 23, when Zanzibar champions Mlandege take on Singida Black Stars in the afternoon fixture. Later in the evening, Simba SC will face Mafunzo in another eagerly awaited showdown.

With pride, progression, and lucrative rewards all at stake, Azam FC and KVZ are expected to leave everything on the pitch in what could be one of the standout matches of the tournament’s early stages. .

England international Jude Bellingham has expanded his sporting footprint by acquiring a minority stake in Birmingham Phoenix, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The Real Madrid midfielder will take a 1.

2 percent share in the franchise, which competes in The Hundred — a fast-paced 100-ball cricket tournament in England. Warwickshire County Cricket Club will remain the majority owner with 50.4 percent, while Knighthead Capital Management holds 48.4 percent.

Bellingham’s role will go beyond investment, with a strong focus on community engagement and youth development initiatives in his hometown of Birmingham. “I feel like I owe the city something,” said the 22-year-old.

“Growing up, I had the chance to play both cricket and football, but not every kid gets those opportunities. If I can help shine a light and create chances for others, that’s important.

” The move highlights Bellingham’s growing influence off the pitch, as he looks to give back to the community that shaped his early career. The sixth season of The Hundred is scheduled to run from July 21 to August 16, with Birmingham Phoenix aiming to make a strong impact both on and off the field with their new high-profile stakeholder.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian football has entered a new digital and economic chapter following the official launch of “Kona ya NBC,” a football analysis show introduced by National Bank of Commerce (NBC) in partnership with Azam TV, aimed at reshaping how fans engage with the game.

The launch brought together key stakeholders from the football ecosystem, including NBC Managing Director Theobald Sabi, Tanzania Premier League Board CEO Cornel Barnabas, and Azam Media Head of Public Relations Christina Korosso, alongside journalists, analysts, and players such as Nassor Saadun. The event was staged in a unique hybrid format, broadcast live on Azam TV while invited guests experienced a stadium-like atmosphere at Century Cinemax Mlimani City, where football, media, and technology converged.

Speaking at the launch, Sabi said NBC’s football investment strategy goes beyond sponsorship, focusing on building a sustainable football economy. “‘Kona ya NBC’ expands football’s value chain–from players and clubs to media and businesses.

It is about jobs, innovation and empowering youth,” he said. He revealed that since 2023, NBC has invested more than TZS 32.6 billion into football development, supporting the NBC Premier League, lower divisions, and youth competitions–strengthening competition, improving club finances and boosting fan engagement.

Sabi also compared Tanzania’s ambitions with global leagues such as Germany’s Bundesliga and England’s Premier League, noting how football can drive wider economic sectors including tourism, media and employment. Azam TV’s Korosso described the show as a content revolution.

“This platform connects everyone in football, from the pitch to living rooms. We aim to elevate sports storytelling and deepen engagement,” she said.

TPLB’s Barnabas praised NBC’s continued investment, saying it is transforming Tanzanian football by raising competitiveness and creating opportunities for young talent. Set to air every Monday at 7pm on Azam Sports HD 1, with a Tuesday repeat, the programme is expected to reach over 14 million viewers weekly.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have embarked on a significant new phase of economic cooperation, signalling a shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of their trade partnership.

This initiative is designed to accelerate cross-border trade, attract greater investment flows, and create more opportunities for private sector engagement on both sides. The two countries aim to improve trade collaboration and reduce barriers to commerce, enhance market access, and stimulate sustainable economic growth.

The move also reflects a broader vision of regional integration, positioning Tanzania and the DRC as key drivers of economic transformation within East and Central Africa. Speaking during the engagement, TanTrade Director General, Dr Latifa Khamis, underscored Tanzania’s readiness to serve as a strategic trade hub for Congolese businesses.

“TanTrade remains a bridge for trade. We welcome businesspeople from the DRC to explore and take full advantage of the opportunities available in Tanzania.

We are committed to improving transport services and strengthening trade in industrial goods and food products to increase the private sector’s contribution to the regional economy,” said Dr Khamis. “This visit is a success of the efforts made during the Lake Tanganyika Trade Conference.

Stakeholders have identified Kigoma as a key gateway for trade with neighbouring countries, particularly the DRC, where significant business activity already takes place,” she added. Furthermore, she said Tanzania is focused on expanding this trade by leveraging shared borders and strengthening logistics and infrastructure networks.

On his part, South Kivu Governor, Prof Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, encouraged Tanzanian investors to explore opportunities in the DRC, assuring them of a supportive business environment. “There are many business and investment opportunities across various sectors in the DRC.

Our government will continue to ensure a safe environment for investors as we strengthen economic relations and promote regional trade,” said Prof Sadiki. He also revealed plans to mobilise Congolese traders to participate in the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF 2026), further deepening commercial ties between the two nations.

Prof Sadiki issued a direct call to Tanzanians to seize emerging opportunities in eastern DRC. “My fellow Tanzanians, this is your opportunity.

Let us cooperate with our Congolese counterparts. The Congolese market has very few restrictions.

It is a chance for us due to our proximity and shared cultural ties. We speak languages that we better understand and are major buyers of our products,” stressed Prof Sadiki.

He also addressed security concerns, “It is safer than often portrayed. Despite what we hear about conflict, there are real opportunities.

Let us seize them to expand incomes and strengthen our economies.” The visit by Congolese leaders is a direct outcome of the Lake Tanganyika Trade Conference, which aimed to unlock regional trade potential through closer collaboration.

The Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (Taffa) President, Mr Edward Urio, commended TanTrade’s efforts in facilitating regional trade. “We are key facilitators of cargo transported from the Port of Dar es Salaam to the DRC,” he said.

“Kigoma is the main route to Kivu via water, and there is a great opportunity to develop a dry port where goods can be consolidated before crossing into the DRC,” added Mr Urio. .

Dodoma. The government has acknowledged a critical shortage of anaesthesia and safe sedation specialists in the country, saying it is taking steps to address the gap.

The government said it is introducing a diploma programme aimed at increasing the number of professionals and strengthening surgical services, particularly for pregnant women. Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Florence Samizi, said the shortage remains a major challenge to the delivery of safe surgical care, adding that the new training initiative is part of broader reforms to strengthen the health workforce.

Dr Samizi said each health centre and hospital is expected to have at least two anaesthesia specialists, but in reality, the country has only 2,950 specialists serving an estimated 8,000 health facilities nationwide, a gap she described as significant. She made the remarks on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Dodoma during the fourth general meeting of the Tanzania Association of Anaesthesia and Safe Sedation Specialists (TANPA).

Dr Samizi stressed that anaesthesia specialists play a central role in the health system, warning that no surgical procedure can safely take place without their expertise. “You are a very important group in our hospitals and in the world at large because without you, the lives of mothers and babies who need surgery to deliver would be at risk, because no surgery is performed without you,” she said.

She added that the government had expanded emergency surgical services to 580 health centres to improve access to life-saving procedures such as caesarean sections, particularly in rural areas. The expansion, she noted, has further increased demand for anaesthesia specialists.

TANPA president, Ms Julia Mahemba, said the shortage has placed immense pressure on existing specialists, forcing many to work long hours with limited rest. She said the nature of anaesthesia services requires precision and high-level expertise, as the administration of sedation and anaesthetic drugs directly affects patient survival during surgery.

“These drugs require highly trained experts in this field. Not just anyone can provide this service, so you find these specialists are forced to work overtime, which is often unpaid, unlike other health cadres,” she said.

Ms Mahemba added that the shortage has led to delays in surgical care, with some health facilities unable to conduct operations and instead referring patients to higher-level hospitals with specialists, a situation she said can be dangerous, especially for pregnant women in emergencies. She also noted that in some cases, anaesthesia specialists are assigned duties outside their professional scope, further reducing efficiency in already overstretched facilities.

Anaesthesia and safe sedation specialist at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH), Dr Venance Pesa, said even major referral hospitals are not spared from the shortage, noting that his facility has only three specialists in the field. He said anaesthesia remains a critical pillar of modern healthcare, particularly in surgery and maternal services, warning that without adequate specialists, patient safety cannot be guaranteed.

“Therefore, investment in training and employment of specialists in this cadre is an important step in improving health services in the country and reducing preventable deaths, especially for mothers and newborns,” he said. Health stakeholders have continued to call for accelerated recruitment, improved training capacity, and better working conditions for anaesthesia specialists to prevent further strain on surgical services across the country.

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Dar es Salaam. Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has unveiled a strategy to leverage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, where Tanzania will be the host, by launching services and packages aimed at encouraging participation of football fans from local and international markets.

AFCON 2027 is set to begin on June 19 and end on July 18, 2027, with Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda hosting the prestigious tournament for the first time in East Africa in a historic joint arrangement. Speaking during a recent exclusive interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, ATCL Director General Peter Ulanga said AFCON 2027 is a key platform not only for sport but also for boosting tourism, business, and promoting Tanzania across the world.

“Because we are the AFCON 2027 host country, ATCL, as the national airline, wants to be at the forefront of promoting participation of Tanzanians and visitors from Africa and globally,” he said. He said discussions have been initiated with experts to design a special product enabling fans to enjoy matches while also experiencing tourism in Tanzania.

“We want visitors to stay in Zanzibar, watch football in different cities or match venues, then return to Zanzibar to sleep,” he said, stressing that the product is being prepared. According to his description, ATCL plans to launch special packages enabling visitors to become tourists while also attending matches in various cities where matches are hosted.

Besides that, he said the company also has a plan to enhance the appearance of its aircraft both inside and outside to align with the AFCON theme, a move aimed at promoting Tanzania as the host of the tournament across Africa. A project to give all aircraft an AFCON look, destinations include countries with strong football passion, such as Ghana and Nigeria, noting that there were plans to visit Abidjan, Dakar, and Cairo.

He said those trips will be part of a broader international marketing strategy where ATCL aircraft will act as ambassadors promoting Tanzania as AFCON 2027 host across the world. When flying to Zambia, he said the aircraft will display messages showing Tanzania as AFCON host, something that will demonstrate the country’s readiness to host the tournament.

Additionally, he noted that the strategy will go hand in hand with the provision of special travel packages and match tickets, a move he believes will bring a new experience of enjoying football across the continent and improve fan engagement across the entire region. “We will have special packages linking travel tourism and football entertainment.

We believe this will create a new way for fans to enjoy sport,” said Mr Ulanga. Regarding the company’s capacity, the ATCL boss said that currently it has a total of 16 aircraft, 15 of which are passenger aircraft and one cargo.

However, he explained that passenger aircraft can also carry cargo through the belly cargo system in aircraft holds. Thus, he said the company has two main markets: passenger transport through 15 aircraft and cargo services served by all 16 aircraft.

On its network, he said ATCL currently serves 32 destinations while expansion plans continue. In April, it will open a new destination, while in May it will commence flights to Seychelles, bringing the total to 34 destinations.

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Dar es Salaam. Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has unveiled a strategy to leverage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, where Tanzania will be the host, by launching services and packages aimed at encouraging participation of football fans from local and international markets.

AFCON 2027 is set to begin on June 19 and end on July 18, 2027, with Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda hosting the prestigious tournament for the first time in East Africa in a historic joint arrangement. Speaking during a recent exclusive interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, ATCL Director General Peter Ulanga said AFCON 2027 is a key platform not only for sport but also for boosting tourism, business, and promoting Tanzania across the world.

“Because we are the AFCON 2027 host country, ATCL, as the national airline, wants to be at the forefront of promoting participation of Tanzanians and visitors from Africa and globally,” he said. He said discussions have been initiated with experts to design a special product enabling fans to enjoy matches while also experiencing tourism in Tanzania.

“We want visitors to stay in Zanzibar, watch football in different cities or match venues, then return to Zanzibar to sleep,” he said, stressing that the product is being prepared. According to his description, ATCL plans to launch special packages enabling visitors to become tourists while also attending matches in various cities where matches are hosted.

Besides that, he said the company also has a plan to enhance the appearance of its aircraft both inside and outside to align with the AFCON theme, a move aimed at promoting Tanzania as the host of the tournament across Africa. A project to give all aircraft an AFCON look, destinations include countries with strong football passion, such as Ghana and Nigeria, noting that there were plans to visit Abidjan, Dakar, and Cairo.

He said those trips will be part of a broader international marketing strategy where ATCL aircraft will act as ambassadors promoting Tanzania as AFCON 2027 host across the world. When flying to Zambia, he said the aircraft will display messages showing Tanzania as AFCON host, something that will demonstrate the country’s readiness to host the tournament.

Additionally, he noted that the strategy will go hand in hand with the provision of special travel packages and match tickets, a move he believes will bring a new experience of enjoying football across the continent and improve fan engagement across the entire region. “We will have special packages linking travel tourism and football entertainment.

We believe this will create a new way for fans to enjoy sport,” said Mr Ulanga. Regarding the company’s capacity, the ATCL boss said that currently it has a total of 16 aircraft, 15 of which are passenger aircraft and one cargo.

However, he explained that passenger aircraft can also carry cargo through the belly cargo system in aircraft holds. Thus, he said the company has two main markets: passenger transport through 15 aircraft and cargo services served by all 16 aircraft.

On its network, he said ATCL currently serves 32 destinations while expansion plans continue. In April, it will open a new destination, while in May it will commence flights to Seychelles, bringing the total to 34 destinations.

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Dar es Salaam. A recent decision by the Court of Appeal of Tanzania to lift restrictions that had barred the opposition Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) from conducting political activities for nearly ten months is being interpreted by analysts as a significant demonstration of the strength of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in the country.

The ruling, delivered by a three-judge panel comprising Augustine Mwarija, Issa Maige and Abraham Mwampashi, overturned an earlier injunction issued by the High Court of Tanzania that had effectively halted the party’s political activities and use of its assets while a dispute over internal party resources was being litigated. The appellate court concluded that the injunction had been granted under circumstances that denied one side the opportunity to be heard, therefore violating fundamental principles of natural justice.

The decision has immediately allowed Chadema to resume political operations after 309 days of inactivity, with the party announcing plans to convene a special meeting of its Central Committee on April 28 and 29 at its headquarters in Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam. Senior party leaders including the party’s vice-chairman for mainland Tanzania, John Heche, secretary general John Mnyika and chief legal adviser Rugemeleza Nshala said the meeting would evaluate the party’s situation following months of restrictions and chart the way forward.

For Chadema, the ruling has triggered renewed political mobilisation. Party leaders have instructed offices across the country to reopen and resume activities following months of closure.

Speaking after the decision, Mr Mnyika said the Central Committee meeting scheduled for late April would reflect on the period during which the party was unable to operate politically. “Considering the magnitude of the situation we have passed through and the responsibilities ahead, we are convening a special meeting of the Central Committee to evaluate our party’s direction,” he said.

Mr Heche, meanwhile, said the party would continue advocating for issues affecting citizens, including employment opportunities for young people and access to decent housing. “We thank our members for their patience during this period.

Some believed the restrictions would weaken the party, but instead they have strengthened our resolve,” he said. For many political observers, however, the significance of the ruling extends beyond Chadema’s internal affairs and touches on broader constitutional principles governing the separation of powers and judicial oversight in Tanzania.

Political analysts say the decision reflects the ability of courts to review lower-court actions and ensure that due process and fair hearing are upheld regardless of the political context surrounding a case. According to a political scientist at the University of Dodoma, Paul Loisulie, the ruling illustrates the functioning of institutional checks and balances within the country’s governance system.

“This decision shows that judicial institutions still retain the authority to review and correct procedural errors made by lower courts,” he said. Dr Loisulie added that while the case emerged from a political dispute, the appellate court’s reasoning was rooted in legal principles rather than political considerations.

“The court focused on the issue of fair hearing. When one party is not given an opportunity to be heard, any order issued becomes problematic under the law.

By overturning that injunction, the Court of Appeal reaffirmed that procedural fairness remains central to Tanzania’s legal system,” he said. Another political analyst, Makame Ali Ussi from the State University of Zanzibar, said the ruling is also important in reinforcing public confidence in judicial independence.

“In any democratic society, courts must be seen as neutral arbiters capable of reviewing controversial decisions,” Prof Ussi said. He noted that politically sensitive cases often test the resilience of judicial institutions.

“When courts are willing to scrutinise decisions made by other courts and rectify procedural shortcomings, it strengthens the perception that the judiciary operates independently,” he said. The case that led to the court-ordered ban on Chadema’s political activities was filed by Said Issa Mohamed, the party’s former deputy chairman for Zanzibar.

He was joined in the petition by two members of Chadema’s Board of Trustees from Zanzibar, Maulidah Anna Komu and Ahmed Rashid Khamis. The petitioners alleged an unequal distribution of party resources and assets between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

In June 2025, the High Court issued an injunction based on this dispute, which effectively halted the party’s political operations. Alongside the main case, the plaintiffs sought a temporary injunction restraining the party’s leadership from conducting political activities or using party property until the case was determined.

When the matter came before the High Court on June 10, 2025, the lawyer representing Chadema at the time, Jebra Kambole, withdrew from the proceedings after the court declined his request for an adjournment due to a bereavement. The court nonetheless proceeded to hear the application for an injunction in the absence of the respondents and later granted the order.

That ruling effectively paralysed Chadema’s political operations nationwide for more than ten months. However, the Court of Appeal later concluded that continuing with the hearing after the party’s lawyer withdrew had denied the respondents their right to be heard.

Reading the court’s decision, senior deputy registrar Emmanuel Mrangu explained that although courts possess authority to issue injunctions, such orders must be granted in a manner consistent with the law and after all parties have been given an opportunity to present their case. “The continuation of the hearing in the absence of the respondents denied them their right to be heard equally.

Consequently, the injunction is null and void,” he said while reading the ruling. The appellate court also directed that the substantive case be returned to the High Court and heard afresh by another judge who must first determine whether the suit was filed within the legally prescribed time frame.

Analysts say such directions are common when appellate courts identify procedural irregularities but still recognise that the underlying dispute must be properly adjudicated. A political analyst from the University of Dar es Salaam, Mr Salbinus David, believes the ruling highlights the role of appellate courts in safeguarding constitutional norms.

“In constitutional democracies, appellate courts function as guardians of due process. They ensure that decisions made by lower courts comply with legal standards and respect the rights of all parties,” he said.

Mr David added that the decision could help rebuild public trust in the justice system. “Cases involving political parties often attract strong public attention.

When courts demonstrate impartiality and adherence to legal principles, it reassures citizens that disputes can be resolved through institutions rather than political confrontation,” he said. Another analyst from the same university, Onesmo Kyauke, said the ruling also underscores the significance of the judiciary as one of the pillars of governance.

“The judiciary forms a critical pillar alongside the executive and the legislature. Its credibility depends on its ability to interpret the law independently and correct procedural injustices,” Dr Kyauke said.

He added that the ruling could serve as an example of how legal institutions maintain equilibrium within a political system. “When a political party is restricted by a court order and that order is later overturned through legal review, it demonstrates that institutional mechanisms for accountability are functioning,” he said.

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Arusha. Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba is expected to officially open the 40th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (ALAT) tomorrow at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), with NMB Bank contributing Sh100 million to support the national local government gathering.

The two-day meeting will bring together delegates from all 184 councils across the country to elect new national leadership, including the chairperson, vice-chairperson and members of the Executive Committee. The elections will mark the end of the term of the outgoing leadership led by Murshid Ngese and his deputy Sima Constantine Sima.

Acting ALAT Secretary General Thomas Vungwa said preparations for the meeting have been completed, with nominations opening on April 17, 2026 and set to close during the conference. He said the meeting is expected to attract broad participation from local government authorities across the country.

NMB Bank, the main sponsor, has contributed Sh100 million towards the organisation and running of the AGM. NMB Northern Zone Manager Baraka Ladislaus said the bank has supported ALAT for more than a decade, with cumulative contributions exceeding Sh1.5 billion.

He said the partnership reflects the bank’s commitment to strengthening local government institutions, which play a key role in service delivery at grassroots level. “We recognise the importance of local government in driving development, and we remain committed to supporting its growth,” he said.

ALAT Organising Committee chairperson, Juma Hokororo, said preparations for the meeting are complete. and expressed appreciation for the continued support from NMB Bank.

He said the AGM will focus on leadership elections as well as discussions on improving coordination and effectiveness of local government authorities. The leadership race has already taken shape, with Kibaha Town Mayor Dr Nicholas Mavura and outgoing vice-chairperson Sima Constantine Sima among those who have declared interest in the chairperson’s position.

Both candidates have pledged to strengthen accountability and improve ALAT’s performance in supporting councils to deliver services. The Arusha meeting is expected to set priorities for ALAT’s next term, with emphasis on governance, institutional efficiency and strengthening service delivery across local authorities.

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