Category: The Citizen

. For decades, Kigoma carried a description that reflected its physical location but failed to capture its economic potential as it was widely known as the ‘end of the railway.’

This meant that Kigoma was the final destination of Tanzania’s Central Line where trains from Dar es Salaam stopped before reaching the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

. A nationwide protest planned for July 7 failed to attract significant public participation, raising fresh questions about the effectiveness of online political mobilisation and the challenges of translating digital activism into action on the ground.

The demonstrations, promoted largely by Tanzanian activists based outside the country, were intended to pressure the government over governance-related concerns. However, business activity continued uninterrupted across major urban centres, with shops remaining open and public transport operating normally throughout the day.

The subdued response has reignited debate among political observers over the growing gap between social media engagement and grassroots political participation in Tanzania, where involvement in protests can carry legal, economic and personal risks. Analysts argue that while digital platforms have become influential spaces for political discussion and awareness campaigns, they have yet to consistently translate online support into sustained public mobilisation.

“There is a legitimate discussion about accountability in social movements,” a political analyst said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject.

“When those calling for people to take to the streets are not physically present to share the risks, questions naturally arise about the credibility and long-term sustainability of such campaigns,” the analyst added.

Across Dar es Salaam and other cities, traders reported conducting business as usual, with no noticeable disruption linked to the protest call.

By press time, the Tanzania Police Force had not issued a statement specifically addressing the planned demonstrations.

The events have also drawn attention to the broader limitations of digital activism in political environments where civic space is regulated and the costs of public dissent remain high.

Under Tanzania’s Constitution, citizens have the right to peaceful assembly, although public gatherings are governed by legal procedures requiring organisers to notify the relevant authorities in advance.

In the days leading up to July 7, the government repeatedly assured citizens that security would be maintained and urged them to continue with their normal economic activities.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam on July 4, Minister for Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi called on motorcycle taxi operators, tricycle drivers, petty traders and other entrepreneurs to ignore calls for what he described as unlawful demonstrations and continue with their daily work.

He said security agencies were fully prepared to safeguard citizens and their property, stressing that the government would not tolerate actions intended to disrupt public order.

“Bodaboda riders should continue with their work, traders should keep their businesses open. You will be safe. Those claiming there will be insecurity should know that security organs are ready at all times and do not need to be told when to act,” Katambi said.

He added that authorities had learned lessons from previous security incidents and would respond to any threats in accordance with the law.

Political analysts say the outcome of the July 7 protest call may compel opposition figures, particularly those operating from abroad, to reassess their mobilisation strategies.

According to observers, future campaigns may require stronger local organisational networks, clearer leadership structures and approaches that better reflect the practical realities faced by supporters inside the country.

The July 7 episode reinforces an enduring lesson in political mobilisation: while social media can amplify public discourse and generate widespread attention, sustained collective action ultimately depends on local organisation, public trust and citizens’ willingness to bear the costs associated with political participation.

The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGZ) has announced an average 16 percent increase in public transport fares for both urban and rural routes, with the revised rates taking effect on August 1, 2026, the same day electric buses are scheduled to begin operations.

Announcing the changes on Monday, July 21, 2026, the Minister for Works and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohammed, said the minimum daladala fare will increase from Sh500 to Sh700.

He said passengers using the new electric buses will also pay Sh700, while students and elderly passengers will continue to pay half the approved fare. ‘The government has reviewed fares for public road transport services, including daladala and rural service vehicles, after assessing the actual operating costs of providing these services,’ he said.

Dr Mohamed said operating costs have increased significantly in recent months, largely because of rising global fuel prices.

He said the higher costs had affected the ability of transport operators to provide services efficiently, prompting transport associations in Unguja and Pemba to petition the government for a fare review.

‘In line with the established procedures, the proposals were subjected to a comprehensive assessment that considered the interests of both commuters and transport operators,’ he said.

Under the new fare structure, journeys of between one and 12 kilometres will cost Sh700, up from Sh500.

Fares for journeys of between 19 and 21 kilometres have increased from Sh800 to Sh1,000.

For rural service vehicles, fares for journeys of between one and 14 kilometres have risen from Sh600 to Sh700, while fares for routes covering between 60 and 70 kilometres have increased from Sh2,500 to Sh3,000.

On the electric bus service, Dr Mohamed said passengers travelling between Malindi and Buyu, and between Malindi and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, will each pay Sh700.

Students and elderly passengers will continue to pay half the approved fare.

He directed transport associations in Unguja and Pemba to work with the Land Transport and Road Safety Authority to prepare, verify and prominently display fare schedules for every route in all public service vehicles to minimise confusion and disputes.

While transport operators welcomed the fare adjustment, some commuters said it would place an additional burden on households already grappling with the rising cost of living.

Daladala owner and driver, Mr Khatib Juma Haji said operators had been running at a loss for a long time because fuel prices had increased repeatedly while fares remained unchanged.

However, Jang’ombe resident Shuweina Abubakar said the increase would hit low-income earners hardest because their incomes have not kept pace with the rising cost of living.

There’s growing signs of confidence in Zanzibar’s real estate and tourism sectors, as private developers continue to expand investments in premium hospitality and residential projects.

A new corporate headquarters in Stone Town, located about 200 metres from the Port of Malindi, will serve as the operational centre for Infinity Developments’ Zanzibar business, consolidating the company’s growing portfolio of hospitality, residential and mixed-use projects on the island.

The investment comes as Zanzibar continues to position itself as a regional destination for high-end tourism, real estate and foreign direct investment, with developers increasingly targeting luxury accommodation and mixed-use developments.

The company currently employs about 600 people in Zanzibar, making it one of the island’s larger private employers in the construction and real estate industry.

The new headquarters is expected to improve operational efficiency by bringing together key business functions under one roof as its project pipeline expands.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Samuel Saba said the investment reflects the company’s long-term confidence in Zanzibar’s economic prospects and its ambition to support future growth through continued investment in infrastructure and human capital.

Government officials also described the project as a positive signal for Zanzibar’s investment climate, noting that private-sector developments continue to support employment creation, tourism expansion and broader economic transformation.

Located within Stone Town, the headquarters provides close access to government offices, business partners and the Port of Malindi, a strategic advantage for coordinating ongoing and future developments.

Infinity Developments has become one of the major players in Zanzibar’s premium property market, with projects including Anantara Zanzibar Resort and Residences, Infinity Hills and the planned NH Collection Pemba Wellness Resort.

The company says its development portfolio across Tanzania and the United Arab Emirates is valued at approximately $600 million, highlighting the scale of private capital being channelled into tourism and real estate.

Beyond property development, the company has also invested in heritage conservation and public space improvements, reflecting the increasing role of private developers in supporting Zanzibar’s tourism ecosystem and preserving the island’s cultural assets.

From a broader business perspective, the headquarters investment reinforces investor confidence in Zanzibar’s long-term growth outlook, particularly as demand for luxury tourism, hospitality infrastructure and premium residential developments continues to expand.

World soccer’s governing body FIFA has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the post-match brawl that erupted after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in a chaotic World Cup final.

Tensions boiled over after Spain secured their second World Cup title courtesy ?of an extra-time winner from winger Ferran Torres.

Argentina had already been reduced to 10 men in the 93rd minute of normal time when Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card.

At the final whistle, Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes clashed ?with several Spanish players, including defender Eric Garcia and midfielder Gavi, triggering a broader brawl between the two sets of players.

The teams exchanged ?shoves and had to be physically separated, with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni trying to calm down ?the players at the end of the ill-tempered encounter.

No timeframe was given for ?the conclusion of the investigation.

When Botswana President Duma Boko urged people not to remain in toxic, broken or unhappy relationships simply for the sake of it last week, he could have been describing the experience of Vivian Shuma, who recently parted amicably with her husband after 15 years of marriage.

Boko’s remarks, made during an address to members of the Botswana Defence Force, sparked widespread debate across Africa.

The body of woman, Leah Mazengo, 48, was found on her farm at Lamaiti Village, Bahi District, Dodoma Region, with accusations of her murder being linked to her husband.

Police in Dodoma Region have not confirmed the murder, but reports from the scene indicate the body of the woman will be buried today, Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Lamaiti Village Chairman, Mr Paul Mkonongo, has acknowledged the existence of the murder incident and that they are proceeding with burial arrangements. “It is true there is a murder in my village, furthermore this Leah Mazengo was my member in the village government and this incident has hurt us deeply,” acknowledged Mr Mkonongo.

How the incident occurred

He said, yesterday, Monday, July 20, 2026, the woman said goodbye and headed to the farm, but did not return until evening when they found her body in the farm, suspected to have been strangled.

He said immediately after she went to the farm, her husband, who is known by one name as Johnson, went to his father-in-law (Leah’s father), requested a bicycle, and went to the farm.

“A little later, he sent a text message using his wife’s phone asking the children to give their stepfather an amount of Sh300,000 because there was something he was doing, and when he arrived home, the children complied,” says Mr Mkonongo.

However, after receiving the money, he returned the bicycle to his father-in-law, rushed back home, packed his clothes, and hired a motorbike (boda boda) to Bahi town.

Upon seeing that, the children became worried, so they began calling their mother’s and father’s phones, but they were unreachable; when they reported to the village, people went to the farm where they found the body, then informed the police, who arrived for investigation.

Reports indicate the two were living as cohabitants, as Leah’s lawful husband had already passed away, leaving her with four children.

Geita. The Geita Sub-Registry of the High Court of Tanzania has ordered the release of Geita Constituency Chadema chairperson, Ms Neema Chozaire, after she was produced in court in compliance with an earlier court order.

The order followed a petition filed by Chadema in the High Court, Geita Sub-Registry, against the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Attorney General, the Geita Regional Police Commander (RPC) and the Regional Crime Officer (RCO), seeking an explanation for her continued detention without bail.

Speaking outside the court, Chadema Victoria Zone secretary Mr Zacharia Obadi said the petition also sought compensation for what the party described as her prolonged detention.

He said the party’s immediate priority was to ensure that Ms Chozaire received medical treatment.

“We sympathise with her family, who went more than 20 days without seeing their relative. We will take her home and ensure she receives treatment because she appears to be in pain and has complained of severe discomfort,” he said.

The petition had also sought orders allowing Ms Chozaire access to her lawyers, family members and party leaders, in addition to her release.

The case, which was scheduled for hearing on July 14, was adjourned after State attorneys informed the court that they were attending a government lawyers’ conference in Arusha.

Defence lawyer Mr Beatus Emmanuel said High Court Judge Projestus Kahyoza subsequently ordered that Ms Chozaire be produced in court on July 20.

Although the hearing had been scheduled for noon, State Attorney Liberatus Joan Rwabuhanga requested an additional 90 minutes. Ms Chozaire was eventually brought before the judge at about 3.30 pm.

After her release by the High Court, the prosecution informed the court that police had already charged Ms Chozaire before the Geita District Court with conspiracy to murder police officers.

Prosecutors allege that on June 28 and 29, 2026, she conspired with other individuals to plan the killing of police officers.

As the offence is bailable, Principal Resident Magistrate Mujuni Muchunguzi granted her bail. She was ordered to return to the Geita District Court on August 3, 2026, when the case will be mentioned.

Ms Chozaire was released after spending 22 days in custody following her arrest on June 29 while on her way to a local market.

Her disappearance was described by some Chadema leaders and supporters as an abduction after efforts to locate her proved unsuccessful for two days, before police confirmed on July 1 that she was in their custody.

. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has failed in efforts to ask the High Court to alter a three-year jail sentence against Kenes Julius Mbukwa, who was found with narcotic drugs, namely 100 grammes of bhang.

The High Court Mbeya Sub-Registry stated that the DPP established no legal basis enabling the Court to vary the possession offence for which Mr Mbukwa was convicted and convict him of another offence of drug trafficking.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to launch a new global roadmap to help countries strengthen laws, policies and safety measures to prevent drowning, a public health challenge that claims more than 300,000 lives annually.

The PROTECT Technical Package for Drowning Prevention, which will be launched on Thursday, comes as climate change, rapid urbanisation, migration, informal employment and increased reliance on water transport expose millions of people to greater drowning risks.

The launch will come two days before Tanzania joins the rest of the world in celebrating the World Drowning Prevention Day which is observed annually on July 25. Declared by the United Nations, this global advocacy event aims to raise awareness about the profound impact of drowning. The day promotes life-saving solutions like teaching swimming skills, installing water barriers and training bystanders.

The PROTECT Technical Package for Drowning Prevention is developed with international experts and partners.

The package provides governments with evidence-based guidance on preventing drowning through stronger legislation, regulation and coordinated action across sectors.

WHO said the initiative represents a shift from responding to drowning incidents to preventing them before they occur.

‘Drowning remains one of the world’s leading, yet most neglected, public health challenges. Although the overwhelming majority of drowning deaths are preventable, many countries still lack the policies, legal frameworks and governance systems needed to keep people safe around water,’ the organisation said.

The package outlines seven priority strategies, including improving infrastructure around water bodies, strengthening rescue and resuscitation services, enhancing occupational safety for water-related workers, improving water transport safety, expanding swimming and water safety education, strengthening child protection systems and improving preparedness for floods and other emergencies.

WHO said implementing the measures would help reduce drowning deaths while strengthening public health systems, climate resilience and sustainable development efforts.

The launch comes ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day, marked every July 25. This year’s campaign, themed ‘Unite to Turn the Tide,’ calls for joint action by governments, communities, employers, educators and families to address one of the world’s most preventable causes of death.

Although global drowning rates have declined by 38 per cent since 2000, WHO said progress remains slow, with about 30 people still dying from drowning every hour.

Children remain among the most affected groups, with drowning ranking as the fourth leading cause of death among children aged one to four years and the third among those aged five to 14 years.

The burden is highest in low- and middle-income countries, which account for nine out of every 10 drowning deaths due to limited access to safety infrastructure and prevention services.

WHO warned that climate change could worsen the situation, noting that 75 per cent of flood-related deaths are caused by drowning.

The organisation urged governments to strengthen flood early warning systems, invest in community preparedness and improve emergency response planning.

It also highlighted practical interventions, including teaching children swimming and water safety skills, providing supervised childcare, fencing dangerous water areas, covering wells and household water sources, promoting lifejacket use, improving boat safety standards and expanding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.

WHO said investing in prevention can deliver significant returns, citing evidence that expanding supervised childcare and children’s swimming education could save an estimated 774,000 lives by 2050 while generating a nine-fold return on investment.

For countries with high drowning rates, WHO recommends prioritising survival swimming skills for children, supervised childcare, protection of household water sources and community-based flood early warning systems.

The organisation said preventing drowning requires collective responsibility, urging employers, schools, health workers, communities and families to support safety initiatives.