Category: The Citizen

Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 on Monday, with the captain becoming the outright leading scorer in men’s World Cup history with 18 goals.

The 38-year-old entered the Group J match level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 goals before opening the scoring in the first half to set a new record.

He later added a second goal to seal victory and take his tally to 18, extending his remarkable scoring streak to six consecutive World Cup matches.

Messi’s first goal came after he had missed an early penalty, but the Argentina captain made amends by finishing off a flowing move after combining with his teammates before converting Facundo Medina’s low cross.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had already made history in Argentina’s opening 3-0 victory over Algeria, becoming the first player to appear at six World Cups and the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the tournament.

The victory moved the defending champions closer to the knockout stage and maintained their perfect start to the tournament after successive wins in Group J.

The Argentine, who turns 39 later this week, continues to add to a legacy that has already placed him among football’s greatest players.

The Mainland Premier League has reached its most decisive stage, with the standings now reflecting a tightly compressed competition at both the top and bottom of the table as the season enters its final three rounds.

With only Rounds 28, 29 and 30 remaining, the league picture remains remarkably open.

At the summit, defending champions Young Africans (Yanga), arch-rivals Simba and Azam FC are locked in a three-way contest that has refused to separate despite months of competition.

The narrow margins between the trio mean that the title race is expected to be decided only in the final moments of the campaign, with every remaining fixture carrying championship implications.

This level of uncertainty has not only intensified pressure on the title contenders but has also shaped the competitive structure of the closing phase.

The decision to have all matches played simultaneously underlines just how fine the margins have become, where even a single goal in one stadium could instantly shift pressure across the entire table.

Azam FC remain firmly in the mix, acting as both disruptors and contenders in a race traditionally dominated by the two giants. Their remaining fixtures against direct rivals and mid-table sides could prove decisive in shaping the final order, particularly in rounds where Yanga and Simba are also engaged in difficult assignments.

If the title race is finely balanced, the relegation battle is even more congested. A large cluster of teams remains mathematically unsafe, with KMC already confirmed as the first casualty of the season, leaving a wide group still fighting to avoid the remaining drop zone positions.

Clubs such as Tanzania Prisons, Mbeya City, Namungo, Mtibwa Sugar, Mashujaa, Coastal Union, Fountain Gate, Dodoma Jiji and Pamba Jiji are all separated by thin point margins, meaning that a single victory or defeat could drastically alter survival chances.

This congestion at the bottom has effectively turned nearly every remaining match into a ‘six-pointer’ scenario.

The introduction of simultaneous kick-offs is therefore not just a procedural adjustment but a structural safeguard for competitive fairness.

By removing the advantage of knowing other results, teams are forced into pure performance-based decision-making, eliminating late-game tactical manipulation based on live standings elsewhere.

From a sporting perspective, this final phase creates a unique competitive environment where psychological pressure is amplified.

Coaches will not be able to manage games based on unfolding outcomes in other venues, and players will berequired to sustain maximum intensity regardless of external developments.

Round 28 already presents defining fixtures across the table, including Mtibwa Sugar hosting Simba and Yanga facing Azam FC, matches that could directly influence the title trajectory. Round 29 maintains the pressure with Simba against Singida Black Stars and Yanga meeting TRA United, while Azam continue their push against Coastal Union.

Beyond tactics and form, logistical complexity also becomes a factor in the final stretch.

Stadium sharing arrangements and venue availability issues add another layer of uncertainty, particularly for clubs operating in shared infrastructure environments. This has required careful coordination to ensure the integrity of the synchronized schedule is maintained.

Ultimately, the final round on June 30 is shaping up as a potential decider, with both the championship and relegation battles likely to reach their conclusion under identical conditions.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments after netting twice in Portugal’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Group K on Tuesday.

The 41-year-old captain ended recent criticism over his goal drought by opening the scoring in the sixth minute at Houston Stadium. João Cancelo delivered a low cross from the right and Ronaldo converted from close range to become the first player to score at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups.

Ronaldo struck again in the 39th minute to help Portugal establish a commanding lead before the break. The brace took his World Cup tally to 10 goals, surpassing Portuguese legend Eusébio and making him Portugal’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament.

Portugal had entered the match under pressure after opening their campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Ronaldo coming under scrutiny after failing to score.

The veteran forward responded in style, extending his remarkable longevity at the highest level. Tuesday’s match also marked his 230th appearance for Portugal, another world record in men’s international football.

Portugal dominated throughout and completed a 5-0 victory to strengthen their position in Group K. The result moved Roberto Martínez’s side closer to the knockout stages and underlined their credentials as one of the tournament contenders.

Ronaldo and Argentina captain Lionel Messi are the only players to have appeared in six World Cups, but the Portuguese star now stands alone as the only player to have scored in all six editions.

Having made his World Cup debut in Germany in 2006, Ronaldo has now found the net in every tournament he has played, adding another milestone to a career that already includes five UEFA Champions League titles and Portugal’s triumph at Euro 2016.

The government has identified five priority areas it says are central to achieving the National Vision and delivering meaningful socio-economic transformation for Tanzanians.

The areas are agriculture, an improved business environment, increased national income, strengthened monitoring systems, and better use of statistics in national and international reporting frameworks.

Minister for Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, told Parliament on Wednesday, June 23, 2026, that the government was responding to concerns raised by members of parliament during debate on the National Development Plan and the 2026/27 national budget tabled on June 11, 2026.

The budget was passed with 97.66 percent approval after 385 MPs voted in favour out of 393 members present.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Mussa Azzan Zungu, announced the results, noting that eight MPs voted against the budget while another eight were absent during the voting session.

Prof Mkumbo said the government has prioritised agriculture as a key driver of economic transformation, noting the sector will play a central role in boosting national income in the coming financial years.

He said the structure of the economy and labour force shows that 54.2 percent of Tanzanians are engaged in agriculture, livestock keeping, and forestry, while 10.3 percent are in industry and 35.5 percent in services.

‘Compared to 2021, when agriculture accounted for 60.4 percent of employment, the current figure has declined to 54.2 percent. This reflects a gradual structural shift as the economy modernises and agricultural productivity improves. It does not reduce the importance of agriculture, but rather shows the need for balance across all sectors to create more jobs,’ said Prof Mkumbo.

He added that the government is working to improve the business environment, described as a key tool for growth and formalisation.

The budget introduces measures to stimulate industrial production and employment, with industry expected to become the leading employer.

The Minister further said agriculture remains a priority even as industrialisation advances, stressing that no industrial transformation can take place without agricultural development.

Prof Mkumbo also highlighted the informal sector as a critical area of focus, saying reforms will formalise informal businesses and improve contribution to the economy.

He said efforts are underway, including the development of framework, ncluding the development of a new framework dubbed ‘Mkumbi 2’, which is in the approval stages, urging MPs to support the initiative as a conducive business environment key to formalisation.

On national income, he said confusion exists on gross domestic product (GDP), explaining the economy stood at Sh234.14 trillion in 2025, with per capita income derived from total GDP divided by population.

He outlined the fourth area as the use of poverty measurement frameworks, noting the poverty line for the mainland is Sh63,164 per household per month.

Fifth area strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems saying National Planning Commission, focusing on results-based tracking through performance indicators.

‘The government has taken MPs’ views and has begun preparing a monitoring and evaluation policy and draft law for a framework,’ he said, urging a productivity-driven approach.

Ministers have responded to queries by Members of Parliament (MPs) during debate on the government’s Sh62.3 trillion 2026/27 budget, addressing concerns ranging from infrastructure financing and population growth to health sector reforms, information communication technology (ICT) expansion, and wildlife management.

Their contributions closed several discussions, including the Serengeti International Airport project and ongoing reforms in the ports sector, while also clarifying the use of development loans in infrastructure delivery.

Speaking on Monday, June 22, 2026, Works Minister Abdallah Ulega said development loans have been channelled directly into strategic infrastructure projects, dismissing claims that borrowed funds are not reflected in tangible developments.

He said all loans obtained have been used for roads, airports, and related transport infrastructure under his ministry.

Mr Ulega cited upgrades and expansion works at Tabora, Shinyanga, and Sumbawanga airports, as well as ongoing projects in Kigoma, Tanga, and Manyara.

‘There is nothing borrowed that has not been used for development in roads and airports under the Ministry of Works,’ he said.

He also pointed to Msalato International Airport in Dodoma, saying it is among the flagship projects financed through such loans.

Beyond aviation, he said, funds have supported strategic road works in Kigoma, Kasulu, and southern regions, alongside bridge upgrades aimed at improving connectivity and freight movement.

He added that the government is expanding public-private partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate infrastructure delivery and ease pressure on public finances.

Several strategic roads, he said, have already been earmarked for implementation under PPP arrangements.

Mr Ulega urged the public to dismiss claims questioning loan utilisation, insisting that results are visible nationwide.

‘These loans are what have made it possible for citizens to see and use these projects every day,’ he said.

Health sector as an economic driver

Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa said the health sector should no longer be viewed solely as a cost centre, but as a driver of economic growth, industrialisation, and employment.

He said national development requires collective responsibility beyond government alone, stressing discipline, productivity, tax compliance, and patriotism.

Mr Mchengerwa said the ministry is promoting local production of medicines, equipment, reagents, and vaccines to reduce import dependence.

He warned that overreliance on imports exports jobs, technology, and tax revenues.

‘We want health funds not to circulate only within hospitals. They must create industries, jobs, protect foreign exchange, and increase national income,’ he said.

He added that expanding domestic pharmaceutical production would improve medicine availability, reduce import bills, and create jobs for young people.

According to him, despite global economic pressures, Tanzania’s economy remains resilient and urged citizens to remain confident and supportive of national leadership.

Population growth and skills

Education Minister, Prof Adolf Mkenda, warned that population growth could become either a national asset or a burden, depending on skills development and education outcomes.

He said education reforms are needed to equip young people with skills aligned with technological change and globalisation.

Prof Mkenda cautioned that without adequate skills, population growth could strain development goals, including Vision 2050.

He said Vision 2050 views population growth as a potential driver of development if properly harnessed.

He stressed the need for sustained investment in skills development up to 2050, noting that job demand will rise as more graduates enter the labour market.

‘If we do not create enough jobs and skilled people, population growth will become a curse. With proper planning, it is a great opportunity,’ he said.

He added that ongoing reforms aim to align learning with practical skills and employability.

Kilwa fisheries port near completion

Livestock and Fisheries Minister, Dr Bashiru Ally, said construction of the Kilwa Fisheries Port has reached 99.9 percent completion, with equipment testing expected next week.

He said the Sh280 billion facility, expected to be inaugurated between August and September by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, will be the first fisheries port in East Africa.

The project is expected to boost fish processing, transport services, and marine tourism.

Serengeti airport debate

Transport Minister, Prof Makame Mbarawa, defended the government’s decision to construct Serengeti International Airport, saying the project is aimed at boosting tourism and improving access to the national park.

He said the facility aligns with global tourism infrastructure standards and will enhance visitor experience.

The project has sparked debate among MPs, with some suggesting expansion of Mwanza Airport as an alternative.

ICT infrastructure expansion

ICT Minister Angellah Kairuki said the government is strengthening digital infrastructure to improve revenue collection and reduce leakages.

She said Sh229 billion has been allocated for the construction of 287 communication towers in border areas and along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), as well as upgrading 304 existing towers.

She added that 186 kilometres of the national ICT backbone will be extended to connect the Democratic Republic of Congo and 17 districts currently without fibre connectivity.

Wildlife population debate

Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Dr Ashatu Kijaji said the government will launch a national debate on the rising populations of wildlife, including lions.

She also said the ministry is preparing a documentary showcasing tourism achievements under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has confirmed that Ebola cases in the country have risen to 1,048, with 267 deaths reported, as the outbreak continues to spread across affected regions, according to health authorities and international news agencies.

Officials said the outbreak crossed a major threshold on Sunday when confirmed cases surpassed 1,000 for the first time since the current Ebola outbreak began in May 2026. The rapid increase highlights the ongoing severity of the outbreak, which has strained response efforts in eastern provinces.

By late Monday, updated figures showed that infections had climbed further to 1,048 confirmed cases, alongside 267 deaths, reflecting continued transmission despite containment measures.

Health experts note that the outbreak remains concentrated in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas, making contact tracing and surveillance difficult. Humanitarian conditions, including displacement and insecurity, have further complicated efforts to isolate cases and prevent new infections.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and national health authorities have intensified response operations, including surveillance, community engagement, and deployment of emergency teams. However, officials warn that challenges such as limited healthcare access, population movement, and gaps in contact tracing continue to fuel the spread.

The Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, has raised regional concern due to its high fatality rate and the absence of a widely available vaccine.

Health agencies have warned that without strengthened response measures, the outbreak could expand further into neighbouring areas.

Authorities continue to urge communities to report symptoms early and cooperate with health workers as efforts to contain the outbreak intensify across the region.

Tanzanian youths are increasingly embracing K-pop (Korean popular music), a globally popular music genre from South Korea, as a platform for talent development, performance skills, and cultural exchange.

The growing popularity of K-pop-inspired competitions is enabling young people to move beyond being consumers of global culture and instead actively participate in music, dance, and performance activities shaped by international trends.

The Ambassador of South Korea to Tanzania, Ms Eunju Ahn, said recently that such festivals are helping young people engage more deeply with global pop culture while developing creative skills.

‘Events like the K-Pop Festival provide Tanzanian youths with opportunities to learn about global pop trends. Beyond being consumers of cultural products, competitors get to experience the K-pop phenomenon by learning lyrics, tunes, and dance moves,’ she said.

‘I believe this process of learning and active participation helps young people move from passive spectators to creative participants in global culture,’ added Ms Eunju.

During the festival, six youths were selected as winners and received recognition and gifts from the South Korean Embassy as part of efforts to encourage participation in cultural exchange programmes.

Organisers said the initiative aims to motivate young Tanzanians to further develop their creative talents while strengthening cultural understanding between Tanzania and South Korea.

One of the winners, Ms Lightness Vincent, said participants were selected through an online application process before progressing through several competition stages, including a final performance round.

‘This music culture allows us to show our talent because it is international, but also to meet fellow youths and exchange experiences on how to improve our talents,’ she said.

Ms Vincent added that performing a Korean song during the competition was part of a broader cultural learning experience that helped build connections between Tanzanian and Korean youths.

She said learning lyrics, choreography, and performance techniques made the experience both educational and inspiring.

In Tanzania, the popularity of K-pop has led to increased participation in youth cultural events, particularly in urban areas where students and creative groups rehearse choreography, study lyrics, and stage performances inspired by Korean pop music.

Another winner, Ms Sofia Juma, said the competitions had improved her dancing skills while exposing her to new people and opportunities.

‘These competitions are helping me improve my dancing because they bring me into contact with different people. It is a good opportunity because this is a big stage and it can take me far, so it is a good idea to bring this competition here in Tanzania,’ she said.

The High Court of Tanzania, Kigoma Sub-Registry, has allowed an application by petitioners in the Kigoma Urban parliamentary election petition, granting them additional time to file witness statements in a case challenging the victory of lawmaker Clayton Chipando, popularly known as Baba Levo.

In a ruling delivered in the evening of Thursday, June 18, 2026, in the evening, Judge Victoria Nongwa granted the application after considering submissions from the petitioners’ counsel and dismissing objections raised by the respondent’s legal team.

‘The application is allowed, and the applicants are directed to file their witness statements as required by law. Each party shall bear its own costs,’ ruled Judge Nongwa.

The petition was filed by four citizens, Johary Kabourou, Loum Mwitu, Pendo Kombolela, and Luma Akilimali, against the Kigoma Urban Constituency Returning Officer, MP Baba Levo, and the Attorney General.

They are challenging the election of Baba Levo (CCM), who was declared the winner in the October 29, 2025, General Election, defeating ACT-Wazalendo candidate and former MP, Mr Zitto Kabwe.

The petitioners allege electoral irregularities, including procedural breaches, bribery, and religious bias attributed to the second respondent.

The matter had been scheduled for a hearing of the petitioners’ evidence on June 18, 2026, but they failed to file witness statements within the timeframe set under the Parliamentary and Presidential Election Rules, 2025.

On June 17, they filed a miscellaneous application seeking an extension of time, which was heard on June 18 before the main petition proceeded.

Petitioners’ lawyer John Seka told the court they were unable to comply due to limited time, arguing that the 48-hour deadline effectively expired on June 16 at 6:00 pm.

He said the earlier hearing ended at midnight, leaving only a short window to identify about 20 witnesses, conduct interviews, and prepare more than 180 pages of documents and over 60 video exhibits.

He argued that compliance within the timeframe was impossible and that the applicants were not negligent.

However, lawyers for Baba Levo, Daniel Rumenyela, and Thomas Msasa opposed the application, urging the court to dismiss it.

They argued that the petitioners had ignored a clear court order and failed to act within the 48-hour deadline, which they said expired on June 17, 2026.

They further submitted that the petitioners could have filed available witness statements and later applied to call additional witnesses orally.

They also noted that no witness statements, including those of the petitioners, had been filed.

Mr Msasa further argued that the supporting affidavit was defective, citing inconsistencies in dates, including a reference to December 24, 2025, which had already passed, and urged the court to dismiss both the application and the petition.

In response, Mr Seka maintained that there is no statutory limit for extension applications where sufficient cause is shown, and that any defects in the affidavit were curable.

Court’s decision

In her ruling, Judge Nongwa held that the petitioners required adequate time to meet witnesses and prepare statements, particularly after issues for determination became clearer following preliminary proceedings.

She noted that even partial compliance would not have enabled proper filing of all required witness statements.

The judge further stated that prompt filing, absence of negligence, and satisfactory explanation for delay are key factors in granting an extension of time.

She also found that the respondents had not demonstrated any prejudice that would arise from granting the extension.

On the alleged defects in the affidavit, the court ruled that such irregularities were curable and not fatal to the application.

She added that specifying the exact duration of extension sought is not a legal requirement.

The judge also held that it was clear the application related to the election petition despite procedural objections raised by the respondents.

She concluded that the delay was not due to negligence and that sufficient cause had been shown.

‘I am satisfied that the application has merit. The applicants are granted an extension of time to file their witness statements,’ she ruled.

The court has set July 6, 2026, for continuation of the main election petition challenging Baba Levo’s victory.

After being on the wrong end of a Lionel Messi hat-trick in their World Cup opener against Argentina, Algeria had to wait nearly a week to ?showcase their talents with an impressive fightback against Jordan.

Coach Vladimir Petkovic’s side had been outclassed 3-0 by the defending champions but showed resilience and determination to beat Jordan, who were riding a wave of euphoria from their first-ever World Cup appearance.

In the all-Arab clash at San Francisco Bay Area ?Stadium, Algeria, who used 14 players from clubs across seven European countries, combined precise ?passing with deft touches and adventurous runs in a relentless push to ?get their World Cup back on track.

Petkovic’s decision to start with captain Riyad Mahrez proved ?decisive in the 2-1 win. The former Manchester City forward was energetic, menacing and a ?central figure in their rally, providing the corner for Nadhir Benbouali’s headed equaliser.

Amine Gouiri scored the winner eight minutes from time when he poked home a loose ball, triggering jubilation on the pitch and in the ?stands, and condemning Jordan to an early World Cup exit.

“We had the mental strength to ?come back, and I think we’re continuing to improve. This victory, earned with character and determination, will us ?the world of good,” Gouiri said.

“It could be a turning point. A win is always good, especially for confidence given the way the match unfolded. We’re very happy, but we know nothing is done yet. We’ve taken an important step.”

Algeria had the majority of possession and ?16 attempts on goal ?as they battled ?to break down a compact and organised Jordanian defence.

Stifled on the flanks, they were creative in the middle, with Marseille’s Gouiri linking up ?with Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza, and Hicham Boudaoui sending two perfectly weighted ?passes from ?deep inside his half into the path of Mahrez.

Algeria, who last appeared at the 2014 World Cup, are hoping the expanded 48-team tournament will make it easier for them to reach the ?knockout rounds ?and offer them the chance to write a new ?story that goes beyond their famous 1982 upset of West Germany.

The ACT Wazalendo youth wing has rejected claims that Zanzibari youth are lazy, saying unemployment in the Isles is driven by weak policy frameworks rather than lack of effort.

The remarks come amid debate in the Zanzibar House of Representatives on employment, where some lawmakers have described local youth as idle.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, July 22, 2026, ACT Wazalendo youth wing vice chairperson, Mr Nassor Ahmed Marhun, said unemployment remains a serious challenge that requires strong policy direction and effective leadership.

He said young people in Zanzibar have demonstrated capability in education, sports, fishing, agriculture, technology, and innovation, despite operating in constrained environments and weak policy support systems.

Mr Marhun said the government has a responsibility to create enabling policies and education systems that expand job opportunities, rather than blaming young people.

‘Such statements not only disrespect young people but also reflect a failure to understand the real challenges they face and to provide solutions,’ he said.

He urged the government, if serious about addressing youth unemployment, to prioritise four key interventions.

These include providing an update on the pledge to create 350,000 jobs, including how many have been realised and progress made so far.

He also called for an end to remarks that ridicule or blame young people for unemployment, saying such rhetoric undermines their dignity.

Mr Marhun further urged the introduction of concrete measures to promote decent employment that respects labour rights and human dignity.

In addition, he said young people must be actively involved in policy formulation and implementation, rather than being sidelined and blamed for systemic shortcomings.

He stressed that Zanzibar’s youth are not lazy but are hardworking, innovative, and patriotic, with the potential to drive national development if given fair opportunities and enabling conditions.

Commenting on remarks by Deputy Minister for Youth, Employment and Empowerment Hassan Khamis Hafidh, who said hotel jobs are being taken by foreigners, Minister of State in the Second Vice President’s Office responsible for Policy, Coordination and the House of Representatives, Hamza Hassan Juma, said the statement was accurate and aimed at encouraging Zanzibaris to take up available opportunities.

‘Our youth should stop loitering in idle groups and instead apply for available jobs. A company recently advertised 150 driving jobs, but where are our young people? Indeed, they should not remain idle,’ he said.

He urged young people to actively apply for jobs and pursue further education to bridge skills gaps and improve competitiveness in the labour market.