Category: The Citizen

Tanzania’s Ambassador to Oman, Maulidah Hassan, has called for Kiswahili to be used as a tool for promoting trade, investment and economic cooperation between Oman and East African countries.

She said the language carries greater development opportunities than previously recognised, noting that Oman holds a unique place in the history of Kiswahili as the country with the largest number of Kiswahili speakers outside Africa.

Ambassador Maulidah made the remarks in Muscat during Kiswahili celebrations organised by the Tanzanian Embassy in Oman, bringing together diplomats, academics and cultural stakeholders. The event was held five years after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) declared July 7 as World Kiswahili Language Day.

Opening the celebrations, Ambassador Maulidah said Unesco’s recognition of Kiswahili confirmed what millions of people around the world already knew about the language’s importance in society.

She said Kiswahili was not only a means of communication but also carried values of peace, identity, solidarity and the history of communities connected for centuries through the Indian Ocean.

‘Oman has a unique position in the history of Kiswahili because it has the largest number of Kiswahili speakers outside the African continent,’ she said.

She said Kiswahili was not merely a language taught in classrooms but part of everyday life and a heritage passed from one generation to another.

For many Omanis, she added, speaking Kiswahili remains a way of maintaining links with their history, families and heritage connected to East Africa.

However, the ambassador said it was time to view Kiswahili beyond its historical significance and recognise its potential as an economic development tool.

She said Omani traders who speak Kiswahili have an advantage when entering the East African market because they already share a common language with potential business partners.

‘Being able to communicate in the same language removes barriers that slow down trade and investment and strengthens economic cooperation between Tanzania, Oman and the East African region,’ she said.

Ambassador Maulidah highlighted shared cultural links between East Africa and Oman, including foods such as pilau, maandazi, chapati and coconut beans, as well as traditional clothing such as baibui, kanzu and khanjar.

She said music traditions along the East African coast and in Oman also reflected centuries of cultural exchange.

‘Our similarities in food, clothing and music show that our relationship is much deeper than what is recorded in history books,’ she said.

She said the history between Oman and Tanzania was shaped by the winds that carried traditional boats across the Indian Ocean, transporting not only goods such as spices and fabrics but also families, friendships, faith and culture.

She called on the current generation to use that shared heritage to build stronger cooperation in economic diplomacy, investment, tourism, transport, agriculture and the blue economy.

‘We must revive these historical ties and use them to build a future that benefits the people of Tanzania and Oman,’ she said.

The celebrations concluded with taarab performances, cultural exhibitions and displays of traditional Kiswahili cuisine.

The event also featured a discussion involving Kanga Project Zanzibar Founder and Managing Director Muna Ally, Prof Ibrahim Bakri Al Noor and historian Riadh Al Busaidi.

Ms Ally said the kanga has been part of coastal communities’ lives for centuries and continues to represent identity among Kiswahili-speaking societies.

She said the garment is still known as leso in some parts of Oman and Mombasa, a name derived from Portuguese influence, while in Tanzania the name kanga remains widely used as a symbol of East African women’s identity.

The event was attended by Oman’s Director of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed Al Balushi, alongside representatives from Unesco, the University of Nizwa and the Russian Cultural Centre.

Tanzania is set to introduce one of the most significant reforms to teacher preparation in decades, requiring newly qualified teachers to complete a one-year supervised internship before they are granted a professional teaching licence.

The new arrangement, which forms part of the implementation of the country’s revised education curriculum, is expected to strengthen classroom competence by ensuring graduates gain practical experience before taking full responsibility for teaching.

Education Commissioner, Dr Lyabwene Mtahabwa, confirmed the new framework, saying it is among the reforms accompanying the country’s curriculum changes aimed at improving the quality of learning and teaching. The move effectively creates a two-stage practical training pathway for future teachers.

According to Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), student teachers will continue undertaking their compulsory teaching practice while studying at university, but will now be required to complete an additional year of supervised professional practice after graduation before qualifying for a teaching licence.

The approach mirrors professional training models used in fields such as medicine, where graduates complete supervised clinical practice before obtaining full professional registration.

The Executive Secretary of the TCU, Prof Charles Kihampa, said the existing teaching practice conducted during university studies would remain unchanged.

Under the current system, education students are attached to schools during their studies, where they teach under the supervision of both university lecturers and experienced school teachers while continuing with their academic coursework.

He said the new internship should not be confused with the teaching practice undertaken by undergraduate students.

“After completing their university studies, graduates will then undertake a one-year internship before they are issued with a teaching licence,” he said.

The introduction of teacher licensing marks another important shift in Tanzania’s teacher professional development framework.

Until now, university graduates who completed their teaching degree could enter the profession after graduation. Under the new system, the internship will become a mandatory step towards professional certification.

Although details of how the licensing framework will operate are yet to be fully announced, education experts say the model is designed to ensure teachers demonstrate classroom competence before receiving full professional recognition.

Students have welcomed the change, describing it as an opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and classroom realities.

A third-year education student at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Goodluck Francis, said they had already been informed that the new arrangement would apply to students currently in their first year.

“We have been told that the system will not affect us in the third year. It will begin with students who are now in their first year,” he said.

He believes spending an entire year in schools before becoming fully licensed will better prepare graduates for the realities of the profession.

A student from the Zanzibar University (ZU), who requested anonymity, said they had also received information about the forthcoming changes.

“We have been informed that during the one-year internship we will receive a modest allowance while continuing to learn. Without completing the internship, you will not meet all the professional requirements,” the student said.

A lecturer at the Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE), who also requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said universities had already been instructed to prepare for the reforms.

“Implementation has not started yet, but institutions have been informed to prepare. We also understand that the University of Dar es Salaam is expected to begin implementing the new arrangement next year,” he said.

One question yet to be clarified is how interns will be remunerated.

Prof Kihampa said TCU is not responsible for determining payments for teacher interns.

However, the June 2023 Guidelines for Volunteer Teachers in Pre-primary, Primary, Secondary Schools and Folk Development Colleges in Mainland Tanzania provide some indication of how such placements could be financed.

The guidelines state that funding may come through collaboration between the Government, parents, communities and development partners.

Local government authorities may use locally generated revenue to provide allowances to volunteer teachers, depending on their financial capacity and staffing needs.

Additional resources may also come from income-generating education activities and contributions from development partners and individual.

Accra. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on African countries to increase domestic investment in healthcare, saying stronger local capacity is essential for building resilient and self-reliant health systems.

Speaking at a Special Summit of African Union Heads of State and Government on Health in Accra, Ghana, President Hassan said Africa has the knowledge, human resources and capacity needed to transform its healthcare systems, but requires stronger political commitment, investment and continental cooperation.

‘Africa has knowledge, human resources and the capacity to transform its health systems. What we need now is stronger political commitment, domestic investment and continental solidarity,’ she said.

Her remarks come amid growing concerns over declining global health financing and the need for African countries to reduce dependence on external support for essential healthcare services.

President Hassan said Tanzania had already started implementing the African Union Health Strategy 2030 by incorporating it into the country’s Five-Year National Development Plan for 2026/27-2030/31.

She said the strategy focuses on strengthening local pharmaceutical production, improving healthcare systems and increasing the country’s ability to produce essential health products.

For years, many African countries have relied heavily on imported medicines, vaccines and medical equipment, leaving health systems vulnerable to global supply disruptions. The Covid-19 pandemic exposed these challenges as countries struggled to access critical supplies.

President Hassan said Tanzania was responding by creating a favourable environment for investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare services.

She said policy and legal reforms had attracted investors, leading to the establishment of 13 pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, while 149 investors had expressed interest in investing in the sector.

A major milestone in Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen health self-reliance was the achievement by the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) of World Health Organisation (WHO) Maturity Level 3 status.

The achievement made TMDA the first medicines regulatory authority in Africa to reach the level, which President Hassan said would help improve confidence in locally produced medicines and support access to regional and international markets.

She said strengthening local production would reduce dependence on imported medical products while improving access to quality healthcare supplies.

Beyond pharmaceutical production, President Hassan highlighted Tanzania’s wider investment in healthcare infrastructure and access.

She said the health sector budget had increased from Sh1.8 trillion in 2024/25 to Sh3.1 trillion in 2026/27, alongside efforts to introduce universal health insurance to enable more citizens to access affordable healthcare services.

The increased investment has supported expansion of healthcare facilities across the country.

According to President Hassan, Tanzania has constructed 119 district hospitals, 649 health centres and more than 2,700 dispensaries, increasing the number of health service delivery points from about 10,000 to 13,700 by March 2026.

She said the improvements had contributed to increased access to skilled healthcare services, with deliveries conducted at health facilities rising from 65 percent to 86 percent.

The proportion of births attended by skilled health workers has also increased from 66 percent to 85 percent, while deaths among children under five have declined from 147 to 43 per 1,000 live births.

Maternal mortality has also dropped from 556 to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to government figures.

The call for greater investment in health self-reliance was echoed by other African leaders attending the summit.

Opening the meeting, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama said declining international health funding should encourage African countries to increase domestic investment and develop self-sufficient health systems.

He also pledged support for President Hassan in her role as African Union champion for reproductive, maternal and child health, saying her leadership would help accelerate progress in the sector.

African Union Chairperson and Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye called on member states to increase investment in primary healthcare and strengthen Africa’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to disease outbreaks.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the summit’s commitments would only have an impact if followed by effective implementation, adding that decisions made today would shape the future of health across Africa.

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged member states to accelerate the development of a continental health manufacturing value chain to improve access to medicines, vaccines and medical equipment.

For Tanzania, the push for health self-reliance represents a broader ambition – strengthening domestic production, attracting investment and contributing to Africa’s long-term health security by producing solutions not only for its own population but also for the wider region.

. Newly signed Young Africans (Yanga) attacking midfielder Juma Issa Abushiri has said he is ready to embrace the pressure and expectations that come with playing for Tanzania’s most successful club, vowing to repay the faith shown in him by helping the Mainland champions achieve more success.

The 18-year-old, popularly known as Chuga Boy, recently completed a three-year move from Fountain Gate FC after Yanga moved quickly to secure one of the country’s most promising young talents.

Speaking to The Citizen, Abushiri described joining the Jangwani-based club as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream, adding that he is fully aware of the demands and responsibility that come with wearing the green and yellow jersey. ‘I know Yanga is a big club with passionate supporters and high expectations, but I am not afraid of that pressure. I am ready for the challenges because this is the kind of opportunity every young player dreams of,’ he said.

Abushiri believes the intense competition for places at Yanga will accelerate his development rather than intimidate him.

‘I have come here to learn, compete and improve myself. There are experienced players in the squad, and training alongside them will make me a better footballer. I am ready to fight for my place and contribute to the team’s success,’ he said. The talented midfielder had been linked with a move to Belgium before choosing Yanga, insisting the opportunity to join the Tanzanian giants was too important to pass up. ‘Europe is every player’s dream, but I believe Yanga is the right place for me at this stage of my career. The club will give me the platform to develop, compete in major competitions and eventually achieve my long-term ambitions,’ he explained.

Although Yanga are yet to begin pre-season training, Abushiri said he is eager to get started under new head coach Manqoba Mngqithi and focus on earning his place in the squad.

‘Training has not started yet, so once we begin, people will see what I can do. I am ready for the challenge,’ he told The Citizen.

Abushiri’s arrival adds depth to Yanga’s midfield as the reigning Mainland Premier League champions prepare to defend their domestic titles and mount another strong campaign in continental football during the 2026/27 season.

Meanwhile, Yanga have continued to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season by unveiling more new signings. In addition to Abushiri, the club has signed midfielder Rasmi as it looks to add quality and depth across the team.

The Jangwani-based side has also completed the signing of right-back Abdulnasir Gamal from Mashujaa FC. Gamal, who is comfortable playing on the right side of defence, was officially unveiled by the club as Yanga continue preparations for the new season under head coach Manqoba Mngqithi, with the reigning champions targeting success in both domestic and continental competitions.

. The National Irrigation Commission (NIRC) has launched a rural irrigation programme that has seen the drilling of 390 wells in 25 regions as part of efforts to expand agricultural production and improve farmers’ access to water.

Dodoma Region has received the highest number of wells with 93, followed by Manyara and Tabora, which each received 44 wells during the first phase of the project.

NIRC Director General Raymond Mndolwa said on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, that the initiative is part of a wider plan to drill 1,064 wells across the country. He said the commission plans to drill an additional 696 wells during the 2026/27 financial year. Other regions that have benefited from the first phase include Geita with 42 wells, Singida (32), Njombe (30), Tanga (22), Iringa (20), Morogoro (17), Mara (17), Pwani (10), Arusha (10), Mtwara (8), Mbeya (7) and Ruvuma (5).

“We are drilling wells in areas where farmers have farms and can come together. At least 16 farmers can form a group and start irrigation farming, and we provide them with the necessary support,” Mr Mndolwa said.

He explained that because the wells are being drilled on privately owned farmland, the government engages landowners before implementation.

Farmers are required to provide written consent allowing their land to be used for irrigation services.

Mr Mndolwa also said the commission has purchased 2,000 water pumps for distribution to farmers.

So far, 1,000 pumps have been delivered to farmers in Mwanza, Mara, Kagera, Kigoma, Simiyu and Katavi regions.

The pumps will benefit 769 farmer groups, comprising 15,022 farmers, and are expected to support irrigation on 13,518.75 acres of farmland.

The NIRC director general said the commission is also working to ensure farmers involved in irrigation schemes are formally registered so they can be recognised and receive necessary support while improving revenue collection.

He added that 500 pumps for deep wells have also been purchased and are at different stages of preparation, including procurement and transportation.

The government says expanding small-scale irrigation is aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, reducing dependence on rainfall and improving food security and farmers’ incomes.

The detention of a University of Dodoma (UDOM) lecturer, Melkisedeki Kaijage, has reignited debate over academic freedom in Tanzania, with academics and their union warning that the incident could undermine universities’ role as centres of independent thought, research and evidence-based debate.

The concerns follow confirmation by the Tanzania Police Force that Dr Kaijage is being held over allegations linked to incitement.

Police told The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi on Monday July 20, 2026 that investigations are continuing, while UDOM management said it had not received official information regarding the lecturer’s detention. The case has since attracted the attention of the Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions Trade Union (THTU), which argues that the incident raises broader questions about the protection of academic freedom and the relationship between law enforcement and higher learning institutions.

In a detailed legal and policy analysis released on Monday, the union said the arrest of academics over issues connected to their professional duties risks creating fear within universities and weakening the country’s higher education system.

“The recent incidents involving the arrest, questioning and prosecution of academics over opinions expressed while carrying out their academic duties have generated a wider debate on the limits of academic freedom and how law enforcement should be balanced with the protection of the fundamental rights of academics,” the union states.

According to THTU, academic freedom goes beyond what lecturers say inside lecture halls.

It encompasses the right of academics, researchers and students to teach, learn, conduct research, publish findings and participate in scholarly discussions without intimidation or unlawful interference.

Citing international instruments, including UNESCO’s 1997 Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel, the union argues that universities can only fulfil their mission of generating knowledge and innovation when scholars are able to pursue research and express academic opinions freely.

The organisation also notes that Tanzania’s legal framework already recognises freedom of expression under Article 18 of the Constitution and that the Universities Act and Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) guidelines emphasise institutional autonomy and academic freedom.

The union says Dr Kaijage’s detention follows earlier arrests of two lecturers from St John’s University of Tanzania, who were also accused of offences linked to planned demonstrations.

It says Kaijage, who had responded to a police summons, is being detained for the second time after previously being arrested during events surrounding demonstrations in December last year.

THTU maintains that it has closely followed the cases, including visiting police stations where the lecturers are being held, while seeking to ensure they access their legal rights.

“The right to bail is among the fundamental rights of an accused person as recognised under the Constitution,” the document states, adding that continued detention without bail and delays in presenting suspects before court have raised legal questions that deserve careful consideration.

Beyond the legal issues, the union warns that such arrests could have far-reaching consequences for universities.

It argues that fear of arrest may encourage lecturers to avoid discussing sensitive public policy issues or undertaking research in areas such as governance, law and human rights.

“The arrests create a chilling effect within universities,” the paper says. “Academics may begin to censor themselves by choosing not to teach or research certain subjects for fear of legal or administrative consequences.”

According to the analysis, the consequences could extend beyond individual lecturers.

The union warns that restrictions on academic debate may affect the quality of teaching, discourage scientific research, weaken institutional autonomy, damage collaboration between lecturers and students and reduce Tanzania’s attractiveness as a destination for international academic partnerships and research funding.

THTU further argues that universities play a vital role in producing professionals, policymakers and innovators capable of addressing national challenges through evidence-based solutions.

“If the learning environment is driven by fear, intimidation or repression instead of the freedom to think, question and seek truth based on evidence, the nation risks producing professionals who are afraid to ask difficult questions or offer independent advice,” the union states.

To strengthen academic freedom, THTU is calling on the Government to amend the Universities Act to explicitly recognise academic freedom as a protected right, while urging security agencies to distinguish legitimate academic activities from criminal conduct.

It also recommends that universities strengthen institutional autonomy through internal policies and that national bodies, including TCU and the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), work together to develop national guidelines on academic freedom.

As investigations into Dr Kaijage’s case continue, the debate has moved beyond the fate of one lecturer. For many within Tanzania’s higher education sector, the discussion now centres on how the country can simultaneously safeguard national security, uphold the rule of law and preserve the academic freedom that universities require to fulfil their mission of teaching, research and innovation.

The Fire and Rescue Force has launched an investigation into a fire that destroyed a warehouse in the Kauma area along Kenyatta Road in Mwanza City.

The investigation is being conducted alongside the completion of inquiries into another fire that destroyed about 50 shops on Lumumba Street on July 3, 2026.

Acting Mwanza Regional Fire and Rescue Commander Elisa Mugisha said the latest fire broke out at about 9:20 pm on July 21 and was reported by an off-duty firefighter who spotted the blaze while passing the area. He said firefighters arrived promptly but found the fire had already spread extensively, forcing them to deploy a three-pronged firefighting strategy to contain it.

“The warehouse was surrounded by open space, allowing our teams to access all sides of the building and prevent the fire from spreading further,” he said.

Acting Mwanza Regional Commander of the Fire and Rescue Force, Elisa Mugisha, speaks about the fire incident on Kenyatta Road on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. PHOTO | COURTESY

Mr Mugisha said the cause of the fire was under investigation.

He also noted that delayed reporting remains a major challenge in responding to fires in Mwanza, despite several recent incidents occurring in the city centre.

“The firefighter who spotted the blaze enabled us to respond quickly. However, we believe there were security guards and nearby residents who could also have alerted us earlier,” he said.

Mr Mugisha said investigations into the Lumumba Street fire were in their final stages and urged members of the public to report fire outbreaks immediately by calling the emergency number 114.

He also called on property owners to observe fire safety regulations, including obtaining professional approval for building plans and complying with Fire and Rescue Force safety requirements.

Meanwhile, Mwanza Regional Police Commander Wilbrod Mutafungwa said the fire was brought under control without causing any casualties.

He said police officers secured the area, protected property and managed traffic by diverting vehicles to alternative routes to ensure the safety of motorists and rescue teams.

A witness, Yassin Haji, said the prompt response by firefighters prevented a far more serious disaster, noting that the warehouse was surrounded by buildings and located close to a petrol station.

University of Dodoma (Udom) lecturer Melkisedeki Kaijage has been granted bail after spending 14 days in custody without securing his release.

Mr Kaijage had been detained at Chang’ombe Police Station in Dodoma since July 8, 2026, on allegations of mobilising demonstrations planned for July 7, 2026.

Following his arrest, relatives and leaders of the University of Dodoma Academic Staff Association (UDOMASA) made unsuccessful attempts to secure his release before filing a bail application in courtOn Monday, the court ordered that he be released on bail.

UDOMASA chairman, Dr Gerald Shija on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, confirmed that their member had been granted bail in proceedings before Judge Joachim Tiganga.

‘We are just completing a few remaining formalities, but the honourable judge has already granted the bail order and he will be released shortly,’ said Dr Shija.

In the application, UDOMASA was represented by a team of lawyers led by Advocate Prosper Malangalila, who appeared before the court while Kaijage remained in custody.

Dr Shija said the court’s ruling dealt with the bail application, which was the immediate relief they had sought, while the remaining legal process would continue.

On Sunday, Dodoma Regional Police Commander Gallus Hyera said investigations into the allegations against the lecturer were ongoing and that further legal action would follow once the investigations were completed.

Mr Kaijage’s arrest and detention sparked public concern after both government officials and the University of Dodoma said they had no official information about the matter and had instead learnt of it through social media.

President Hassan has launched the construction of the sixth lot of Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, linking Tabora and Kigoma, in a move expected to improve transport connectivity and stimulate economic activities in the western regions.

The Sh7.5 trillion project covers 506 kilometres and comprises the Tabora-Kigoma and Uvinza-Msongati sections, with completion scheduled for 2030.

President Hassan launched the project on Monday in Kigoma Region by laying the foundation stone, marking the start of construction of one of the country’s major railway expansion projects.

The railway is expected to reduce travel time between Dar es Salaam and Kigoma from more than 20 hours to about eight hours, while opening up new business opportunities along the western corridor.

Construction of the project has reached more than 10 per cent, with the railway expected to create about 15,000 jobs for residents of Kigoma and Tabora.

The SGR extension is also expected to boost trade by connecting Kigoma with the Port of Dar es Salaam and neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.

Technology firm Petabyte Aircom, in collaboration with the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE), has showcased its Peoplelink Smart Digital Interactive Classroom solution at the Tanzania Technology Community (TTC) exhibition, highlighting efforts to accelerate digital transformation in the education sector.

Speaking during the exhibition at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Petabyte Aircom Marketing and Business Manager Navneet Vijay said the company’s participation reflects its commitment to supporting schools and higher learning institutions through innovative technology solutions.

He said smart classroom technologies are transforming teaching and learning methods while equipping students with digital skills and creativity needed in an increasingly technology-driven world. The Director of Knowledge Management at the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (Costech), Mr Samson Mwera, said innovations showcased by students demonstrate Tanzania’s growing capacity to nurture a generation capable of using science and technology to address development challenges.

Among the innovations displayed were a technology-based traffic management system aimed at reducing congestion at road intersections, a Smart Parking system to guide motorists to available parking spaces, and 3D printing technology for producing various items.

Mr Mwera said many students are already learning computer programming and demonstrating innovation skills despite being at early stages of their education.

He added that Costech plans to support promising innovators through financial assistance for projects that meet set criteria, enabling them to develop their ideas beyond exhibitions.

Meanwhile, TTC Director Baraka Yusuf Jacobo Magiri said the organisation is working with the government to strengthen technology education by building the capacity of teachers and students to adopt modern digital learning methods.

He called for the integration of coding, robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the national education curriculum, as well as increased investment in digital learning tools such as smart boards.

A senior teacher from Tegeta A Primary School in Ubungo Municipality said the exhibition had provided students with an opportunity to exchange ideas, showcase their talents and develop interest in using technology to solve real-life challenges.

The exhibition brought together students, teachers, innovators and technology stakeholders to promote the use of science, technology and innovation in addressing development challenges.