Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania says it is drawing lessons from the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to strengthen parliamentary performance and service delivery.

The meeting is taking place in Istanbul, Turkiye, bringing together legislators to discuss governance, peace and digital transformation in parliaments. Deputy Speaker Daniel Sillo, who is leading Tanzania’s delegation, said the forum offers an opportunity to build cooperation and learn from other legislatures.

“Our Parliament continues to engage with others to strengthen its capacity to serve citizens,” he said in a statement that was made available in Dar es Salaam at the weekend. He added that exchanges at the Assembly will support improvements in legislative processes and institutional performance.

Tanzania is preparing to host the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha later this year, expected to draw over 2,000 delegates from 183 member parliaments. Meanwhile, legislator Zeyana Abdallah Hamid took part in a parliamentary forum on health during emergencies.

The session focused on maintaining services for women, children and young people during crises. “Parliaments must ensure that maternal health services, nutrition, immunisation and preventive care continue during emergencies,” she said.

She said this can be achieved through legislation, budget allocation and oversight. Dr Zeyana reaffirmed Tanzania’s position on maternal and child health, saying access to reproductive health services should be ensured.

At a separate meeting of parliamentary secretaries, Tanzania was represented by Daniel Eliufoo on behalf of the Clerk of the National Assembly. He outlined progress in digital systems, including the Bunge Online platform and the E-Parliament system, aimed at improving transparency and efficiency.

“Tanzania has continued strengthening its parliamentary systems through digital transformation,” he said. The country is also promoting the upcoming Assembly in Arusha.

Vivian Temi said Tanzania’s pavilion at the meeting has attracted delegates interested in tourism and investment. She said some visitors have confirmed attendance at the Arusha meeting.

The event is expected to support sectors such as tourism, hospitality and transport. .

Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) delivered a ruthless performance to thrash Mbeya City 6-0 in a Tanzania Mainland Premier League clash played today, April 16, 2026, at the KMC Complex, underlining their growing dominance in the title race.

The emphatic victory showcased Yanga’s attacking depth and cohesion, with multiple players stepping up in a match that quickly turned into a one-sided affair. Zimbabwean striker Prince Dube and Ivorian midfielder Pacome Zouzoua each netted a brace, while Maxi Nzengeli and Mohamed “Tshabalala” Hussein also found the back of the net to complete the rout.

From the opening whistle, Yanga looked sharp, dictating the tempo and pressing Mbeya City high up the pitch. Their early dominance paid off when Dube opened the scoring, calmly finishing off a well-worked move to give his side the lead.

The goal set the tone for what would become a long afternoon for Mbeya City. Zouzoua soon doubled the advantage, capitalizing on defensive lapses to slot home Yanga’s second.

With confidence flowing, the league leaders continued to pile pressure on their opponents, creating wave after wave of attacking opportunities. Dube grabbed his second of the match before halftime, showing his clinical edge in front of goal, while Nzengeli added another to put Yanga firmly in control heading into the break.

In the second half, there was no let-up from the Jangwani giants. Zouzoua completed his brace with a composed finish, and Mohamed Hussein, nicknamed “Tshabalala,” joined the scoresheet with a well-taken goal to seal the 6-0 triumph.

A key figure in Yanga’s dominant display was Ugandan playmaker Allan Okello, who orchestrated much of the attacking play and contributed two crucial assists. His vision and creativity consistently unlocked Mbeya City’s defense, making him one of the standout performers on the day.

The result further cements Yanga’s position at the top of the league standings. The defending champions now have 47 points from 19 matches, opening an eight-point gap over their traditional rivals Simba, who sit second with 39 points from 18 matches.

Beyond the scoreline, the performance sends a strong message to their title challengers. Yanga appear to be hitting peak form at a critical stage of the season, combining defensive solidity with attacking efficiency.

For Mbeya City, the heavy defeat will raise concerns as they look to regroup and improve their performances in the remaining fixtures. They struggled to cope with Yanga’s pace and precision, particularly in midfield and defense.

As the league campaign intensifies, Yanga’s commanding win not only boosts their goal difference but also strengthens their psychological edge in the title race. With momentum firmly on their side, they will be eager to maintain this level of performance in the matches ahead.

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Moshi. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) plans to spend more than Sh1.3 billion to rehabilitate ageing water infrastructure in Rombo District, Kilimanjaro Region, in an effort to curb massive water losses.

The project will also benefit Siha, Longido and Arumeru districts, as well as Loitoktok in Kenya, which borders Tanzania through Rombo. Speaking today, Rombo District Commissioner Raymond Mwangwala said the initiative would bring major relief to residents, noting that more than 200,000 people are expected to benefit.

“One of the biggest challenges in Rombo is water. Now, in partnership with WWF and Coca-Cola, we are going to address the water problem in Rombo, especially at the Rongai water sources,” said Mr Mwangwala.

He said the district loses about 69 percent of its water due to dilapidated infrastructure, adding that outdated water intake systems have been leaking heavily, leaving only a small portion of water reaching households. “The intake points have been leaking because the infrastructure is old.

Once improvements are made, the current water loss of more than 69 percent will be eliminated. Water availability will improve because many leakages will be sealed,” he said.

Mr Mwangwala added that upgrading the infrastructure would help the district withstand the impacts of climate change. He said that during the dry season, residents access only 42 percent of the water required, while in the rainy season they receive about 69 percent, levels he described as unsatisfactory.

“In the rainy season we have water, but during the dry season we face serious shortages. We are going to put in place infrastructure that will ensure reliable water supply in both seasons,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the upgrades could push water availability to more than 90 percent, ensuring reliable supply for over 200,000 residents throughout the year. Meanwhile, the project manager for the initiative known as Waterways for Resilience, Novat Kessy, said the project will use water systems to strengthen water resilience in the targeted districts.

He said the three-year project, running from 2025 to 2027, will be funded with $519,000, equivalent to Sh1.3 billion, and is expected to reach 10,000 people. “We selected these districts because the northern zone has been severely affected by climate change,” said Mr Kessy.

He added that the project will rehabilitate water infrastructure in the Rongai area, which serves the villages of Kikelelwa and Nalemuru, as well as residents of Loitoktok in Kenya. Residents have welcomed the initiative, saying it could ease long-standing water shortages.

A Rombo resident, Jenista Kawau, said water rationing during the dry season often causes hardship. “During the dry season we face serious challenges.

Water becomes scarce and is distributed on a rationing system. If these improvements are done properly by WWF, we will overcome this problem,” she said.

Another resident, Agatha Temu, said access to adequate water remains a major challenge in Rombo, especially during the dry season when supplies drop sharply. .

Arusha . The High Court of Tanzania, Sumbawanga Zone, has convicted three blood relatives of the premeditated murder of their own relative in Ifundwa Village, Nkasi District in Rukwa Region.

In the same case, the court acquitted two other accused persons after finding that there was no case to answer against them, ruling that the prosecution had failed to link them to the offence. In Criminal Case No.

3764/2025, those convicted are James Kulwa, Samson Kulwa and Lugendo Mihangwa, while Lujegi Musa and Jibunge George were acquitted. All five had been jointly charged over the murder of Nambo Golani.

A judgment by Justice Abubakar Mrisha, published on the judiciary website on April 17, 2026, did not specify the sentence. However, under Section 197 of the Penal Code, the mandatory sentence for murder is death by hanging.

The court heard that the five were charged under Sections 196 and 197 of the Penal Code. Delivering the verdict, Justice Mrisha said the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the three convicted accused persons were directly involved in the brutal killing.

He added that identification evidence presented by witnesses was credible and supported by the circumstances of the incident as well as medical findings. The prosecution called seven witnesses, while the defence called three witnesses, including the accused persons.

The court heard that on the night of the incident, the deceased’s wife, Holo Magilali, was awakened by forceful knocking at their door. She testified that she saw two men enter their bedroom, tie up her husband with ropes, and demand information about alleged debts.

She said her husband denied owing any debt before the attackers began assaulting him with machetes and dragged him outside. She identified two of the attackers as Samson, also known as “Shinje” (her brother-in-law), and Lugendo, while she could not identify the third person.

A police officer who investigated the case told the court that they found the body of the deceased with severe cut wounds on the head, neck and chest, and blood was scattered at the scene. A medical doctor who conducted the post-mortem concluded that the cause of death was excessive blood loss resulting from severe injuries to the head, chest and back.

In their defence, the convicted persons denied involvement, claiming they were arrested without justification and tortured while in custody. James Kulwa alleged he was arrested in June 2022, beaten and forced to confess to a crime he knew nothing about.

Samson Kulwa and Lugendo Mihangwa also told the court they were tortured and denied any involvement in the killing or any land dispute connected to the case. However, the court dismissed their defence, ruling that it did not raise any reasonable doubt against the strong prosecution evidence.

Justice Mrisha noted that although caution is required in relying on identification evidence, the witnesses knew the attackers well and named them early after the incident, eliminating the risk of mistaken identity. He further observed that the manner in which the deceased was tied, interrogated and attacked with machetes clearly demonstrated intent to kill.

“Considering the severity of the injuries that caused death and the manner in which the attack was carried out, the court is satisfied that there was clear intent to cause death,” said Justice Mrisha. The court concluded that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted the three accused persons of murder as charged.

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Arusha. A group dedicated to promoting talent and innovation among deaf people in Tanzania is seeking Sh100 million to develop a medical symbol journal aimed at improving communication between healthcare workers and deaf patients while safeguarding medical confidentiality.

The initiative, led by the Tanzania Association for the Development of Deaf Talent and Innovation (Kikuvuvita), seeks to eliminate communication barriers in health facilities by enabling doctors and nurses to interact with deaf patients without relying on interpreters. Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi on April 19, 2026, Kikuvuvita Arusha regional chairperson Agrey Lyimo said the idea was developed after members raised concerns over poor access to healthcare services due to the unavailability of sign language interpreters in many health facilities.

Mr Lyimo said the proposed journal is designed to address communication challenges between healthcare providers and deaf patients, noting that most doctors and nurses are not proficient in Tanzanian Sign Language (LAT). He added that the use of sign language interpreters in clinical settings often risks breaching patient confidentiality.

“Sign language should help maintain confidentiality between a doctor, nurse and a deaf patient, as required by medical ethics. The presence of an interpreter can sometimes expose a patient’s private medical information, which undermines their dignity,” said Mr Lyimo.

He said the journal would enable deaf patients to receive appropriate treatment at any health facility without necessarily requiring interpretation services. According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, 14 per cent of Tanzanians aged five years and above live with disabilities.

Of these, 10.2 per cent have hearing impairments while 5.7 per cent have speech difficulties.

Mr Lyimo said that given the significant number of people living with disabilities, the government and development partners have continued to seek solutions to reduce disability-related challenges, including through policies, legislation and strategic planning, as well as budget allocations for vulnerable groups. Singida’s Itigi District Medical Officer, Dr Emmanuel Malange, welcomed the initiative, but urged increased training in sign language for healthcare professionals to improve service delivery and ensure patient confidentiality is maintained.

He said deaf people require the same quality of healthcare as other members of society, adding that doctors and nurses should learn sign language to broaden their capacity in service delivery. .

Dar es Salaam. Saturn Corporation Ltd, a prominent truck assembly plant based in Dar es Salaam, has announced plans to expand its production portfolio to include the assembly of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered lorries.

The move is designed to reinforce the firm’s commitment to more efficient and sustainable transport solutions across the country as Tanzania pivots towards domestic gas utilisation. The company, which currently specialises in the assembly and distribution of heavy- and medium-duty commercial lorries, has already placed orders for its first batch of CNG units set to arrive in the country for assembly.

This development marks a significant milestone in the nation’s automotive industry, aligning with the government’s efforts to promote cleaner energy alternatives. Announcing the development on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Saturn Corporation’s Chief Operations Officer, Mr Mehul Sachdev, said the transition is both strategic and grounded in operational realities.

He noted that the company is broadening its product offering to respond to the specific needs and rising cost pressures currently facing the transport sector. “CNG presents a viable alternative to diesel, offering both cost efficiencies and environmental benefits.

We see this as a practical extension of our offering, giving our customers more flexibility in how they manage fuel costs while also responding to increasing interest in cleaner energy options,” he said. Since establishing its assembly plant in 2024, Saturn Corporation has recorded steady growth in both production capacity and market reach, positioning itself as a key player in Tanzania’s automotive assembly space.

The company serves as the official assembler and distributor of China’s Sinotruk, with its primary facility located in the Kigamboni District of Dar es Salaam. According to the company’s management, the introduction of CNG technology is a core component of a broader long-term strategy to deepen local manufacturing capabilities while aligning with emerging global and local energy trends.

“We are building an operation that is responsive to where the market is heading. Integrating CNG into our assembly line allows us to stay ahead of demand while continuing to deliver reliable and cost-effective transport solutions,” said Mr Sachdev.

The announcement comes at a time when Tanzania is building significant momentum around gas-based transport, following recent indications that the country could assemble its first CNG-powered heavy-duty lorry by 2026. “Our focus remains on reducing the total cost of ownership for our customers, introducing cleaner mobility solutions, and strengthening local assembly capabilities in Tanzania. Expanding into CNG is a natural progression within that framework,” he noted.

Mr Sachdev further emphasised that the current economic climate makes the shift even more relevant. “This creates a timely opportunity for the introduction of CNG-powered commercial vehicles, and Saturn intends to play a central role in supporting and accelerating this development,” he added.

The company indicates that initial deployment will focus on commercial transport and logistics, sectors where fuel costs have a direct and often heavy impact on overall profitability. Expansion into other areas will follow a phased path, guided by market adoption rates and the continued development of gas infrastructure across the country.

The new development builds on Saturn Corporation’s existing operations in Kigamboni, where the company is integrating CNG technology into its established assembly setup. Through its partnership with Sinotruk, the plant has already created jobs for more than 360 Tanzanians across various roles, including assembly, engineering, quality control, and administration.

The introduction of CNG units is expected to strengthen this employment base further by adding new technical capabilities and expanding opportunities for local technicians to gain specialised skills. Currently, the Kigamboni facility is one of the largest and most advanced lorry assembly plants in the region.

The plant maintains a capacity to produce up to 22 tractor trucks per day, translating to approximately 536 units per month, reflecting the scale and efficiency of its operations. This high-volume capability continues to support key sectors of the economy, including construction, mining, logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure development, which are central to Tanzania’s industrial expansion.

As demand continues to build, Saturn plans to scale its output progressively, with a target of reaching cumulative production of 10,000 vehicles by 2027. The introduction of CNG-powered lorries is expected to be a major driver of this expansion, with production volumes increasing in tandem with the pace of national infrastructure development. .

Arusha. The government has called on tourism stakeholders to take advantage of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and other major international events to market Tanzania as a leading tourist destination.

Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, said the upcoming tournaments and conferences present an opportunity to boost visitor numbers and revenue. Speaking during a training session for tour guides in Arusha on Friday April 18, 2026, Dr Kijaji urged industry players to begin early preparations, including developing special tourism packages aligned with visitors’ schedules.

According to her, Tanzania will host major global events, including Afcon 2027, the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in October this year and the World Travel Awards Grand Final in December 2026. “These are key opportunities for the tourism sector,” she said. She emphasised the need for early promotion through various marketing platforms to ensure potential visitors are well informed and encouraged to explore the country’s attractions.

Dr Kijaji said tour guides play a critical role in enhancing the tourist experience and contributing to increased arrivals and sector earnings. She noted that the ongoing training programmes are aimed at strengthening professionalism, improving service delivery and enhancing safety standards in line with global best practices.

“Tanzania is recognised as the world’s best safari destination. The services we provide must match that status,” she said, urging tour guides to prioritise the safety of visitors.

The minister said about 2,000 tour guides will be trained in phases, alongside other service providers in accommodation and hospitality, as part of a broader strategy by the ministry in collaboration with industry stakeholders. Deputy Permanent Secretary in charge of tourism, Mr Nkoba Mabula, said the current session is the second phase, involving 250 tour guides, following an earlier session held on April 16, 2026. He added that the programme will be conducted in eight phases, targeting a total of 2,000 guides, in partnership with the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (Tato).

“The initial phase involved 270 tour guides. These efforts will support the government’s target of reaching eight million tourists by 2030,” he said.

Tato chairman, Mr Wilbard Chambulo, said the association trained 1,000 guides last year and aims to reach 2,000 this year. He underscored the importance of tour guides in shaping visitors’ experiences and influencing repeat visits.

“A tourist may forget the hotel or the food, but they will always remember the tour guide. The growth of the sector depends heavily on you,” he said.

Mr Chambulo also stressed the importance of safety, cautioning guides against exposing tourists to unnecessary risks. “Safety must come first–for both guides and visitors,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. Women entrepreneurs have been placed at the centre of efforts to expand Africa’s blue economy, with stakeholders calling for increased financing, stronger networks and targeted support to unlock the full potential of women-led ocean businesses.

Speaking during the Women in Ocean Food event held in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Ireland’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Nicola Brennan, said women are already demonstrating strong innovation and competitiveness across ocean-related industries. “You have shown what is possible with products from the ocean for nutrition within families, communities and beyond,” she said.

The ambassador noted that women-led enterprises are also advancing environmental sustainability through responsible production practices and waste management. “You have shown how you are supporting the environment, managing waste and promoting a circular economy,” she said.

She emphasised that greater participation of women in aquaculture and ocean-based businesses is critical in unlocking economic opportunities and strengthening food systems across the continent. “What needs to be seen more is women in ocean food, in aquaculture, in the blue economy and in business,” she said.

Brennan added that despite playing a central role in communities, women entrepreneurs often face limited visibility and restricted access to finance. “We are the backbone of families and communities, yet often remain invisible, particularly in patriarchal societies,” she said.

She called on investors to take deliberate steps to support women-led innovations emerging within the blue economy. “I encourage investors to back these innovations and the solutions that women are bringing forward,” she said.

The ambassador pointed to the importance of intentional approaches in promoting women’s participation, citing Ireland’s progress in increasing female representation in leadership. “When I became an ambassador seven years ago, 35 per cent of Irish ambassadors were women.

That figure has now risen to 55 per cent,” she said. Discussions at the event highlighted aquaculture as a key growth area within Africa’s blue economy, with significant potential to contribute to food security and employment.

Principal at Hatch Blue’s Blue Revolution Fund, Sol Park, said the sector presents strong investment opportunities driven by rising global demand for seafood. “Seafood already accounts for a significant share of global protein intake, and demand continues to grow rapidly,” she said.

Despite this growth, Africa still contributes a relatively small portion of global aquaculture production, signalling untapped potential. “When looking at Africa, there is clear growth potential, not only for food production but also for climate solutions and sustainable livelihoods,” she said.

Park highlighted Tanzania’s position as a leading seaweed producer in Africa, noting the need to move beyond raw exports towards value addition and local processing. “There are significant opportunities in areas such as alternative proteins, biostimulants and sustainable materials,” she said.

The role of finance in supporting women entrepreneurs also featured prominently during the discussions. Impact Measurement Manager Maria Alvara Lopez emphasised the importance of investment approaches that balance financial returns with social and environmental impact.

“Investors are increasingly interested in businesses that combine profitability with sustainability and community development,” she said. Investment professional Pearl Nayosi said women-led businesses require flexible and context-aware financing that aligns with different stages of growth.

“The focus should not only be on capital, but on the right type of capital that understands the realities of building businesses in this context,” she said. She added that access to markets, networks and mentorship remains a key challenge limiting growth for many women entrepreneurs.

“Production is already happening, but access to markets and investment networks remains constrained,” she said. Investment officer Damaris Etienne said women entrepreneurs demonstrate a strong understanding of value chains and maintain close connections with customers, making businesses more resilient.

“Women-led enterprises often have deep insight into inefficiencies within the value chain and are well positioned to address them,” she said. However, she noted that many start-ups continue to face challenges in accessing early-stage capital required for growth.

“Targeted support, including mentorship and tailored financing, is essential in strengthening business models and improving investment readiness,” she said. Another issue raised was the mismatch between available financing and the needs of early-stage enterprises.

Stakeholders noted that many women-led businesses fall between funding categories, limiting access to appropriate capital. “What is needed is flexible financing that meets women entrepreneurs at different stages of growth,” Ms Park emphasised.

Climate change also emerged as a key factor influencing investment decisions within the blue economy. Manager and partner at Catalyst Fund, Maylis Carraro, said climate-resilient solutions are becoming central to investment strategies.

“The blue economy plays an important role in climate adaptation, particularly in fisheries, aquaculture and food systems,” she said. She said that innovations in areas such as cold chain infrastructure and climate-smart aquaculture can help build resilience while improving livelihoods.

Participants further highlighted the need to strengthen value chains, improve market access and enhance collaboration between investors, governments and development partners. The event also showcased women-led enterprises developing innovative solutions across the blue economy, including aquaculture, nutrition products and waste management.

Women entrepreneurs also took to the stage to pitch innovative business ideas spanning aquaculture, seaweed processing and marine waste utilisation, demonstrating both commercial potential and strong environmental impact within the blue economy. .

Dar es Salaam. A member of Tanzania’s parliamentary delegation, Dr Zeyana Abdallah Hamid, has participated in a high-level parliamentary network forum focusing on advancing the health and wellbeing of women, children and young people during emergencies and crises.

The forum, organised by the Parliamentary Network championed by the Global Leaders Network for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, was held on April 17, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Sisli Hotel in Istanbul, Turkiye, on the sidelines of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). The meeting discussed ways of accelerating parliamentary action to promote hope, peace, and ensure the health and wellbeing of women, children and young people during disasters and humanitarian crises.

Speaking during the session, Dr Zeyana said legislators have a responsibility to ensure that essential health services continue uninterrupted even during emergencies and conflicts. She noted that services such as maternal healthcare, nutrition programmes, vaccination and preventive care for women, children and adolescents must remain accessible at all times.

“Parliaments have a critical role to ensure that during emergencies and conflicts, maternal health services, nutrition, immunisation and preventive care for women, children and young people do not stop,” she said. According to her, this can be achieved through enacting supportive legislation, approving adequate budgets and strengthening oversight to ensure effective implementation of health programmes.

Dr Zeyana also reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to prioritising maternal and child health as a key national agenda. “Tanzania’s position is clear that no one should be left behind.

Reproductive health is a right, not a privilege,” she said, adding that she would continue advocating for the agenda in Parliament. Meanwhile, parliamentary secretaries from member countries of the Inter-Parliamentary Union also met in Istanbul to exchange experiences and strategies aimed at strengthening parliamentary performance.

The meeting, also held on the sidelines of the 152nd IPU Assembly, focused on the role of parliamentary secretaries in accelerating the implementation of IPU resolutions, enhancing transparency and strengthening oversight of parliamentary activities. Key topics discussed included digital innovation in parliaments, administrative efficiency and regional cooperation.

Tanzania was represented at the meeting by Daniel Eliufoo, who attended on behalf of the Clerk of the National Assembly. During the discussions, he outlined Tanzania’s progress in improving parliamentary systems, including the development of the Bunge Online platform and the e-Parliament system as part of efforts to modernise legislative processes in line with the country’s Vision 2050 agenda.

“Tanzania has continued strengthening its parliamentary systems through digital transformation, including the Bunge Online platform and the e-Parliament system, as part of efforts to enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability in parliamentary work,” said Mr Eliufoo. .

Mbeya. The Court of Appeal has upheld the death sentences imposed on three Mbeya residents convicted of the premeditated murder of a microfinance loan officer.

The convicts–Alex Mwakimbwala, Elias Mushi alias Mangi, and Gidioni Ntulo alias Mwankinga–were found guilty of killing Victoria Manase who worked as loan officer at Brac microfinance on June 30, 2017, inside a Bajaji, having posed as passengers. The country’s highest court in criminal matters delivered its judgment on April 16, 2026, in Mbeya, before a panel comprising Justices Rehema Mkuye, Sam Rumanyika and Ubena Agatho.

According to the prosecution, police discovered the body of the deceased near the Isyesye cemetery area on the day of the incident. She had earlier been reported missing after collecting Sh1.97 million in loan repayments from clients in Isanga area, where she had also conducted financial literacy sessions.

Investigations centred on her mobile phone, with cybercrime experts tracing communications that led to individuals who had purchased the device. The trail eventually led to the arrest of the first appellant, Mwakimbwala, who had sold the handset.

Upon arrest, he confessed to participating in the killing and named his accomplices, leading to their subsequent arrest. The court heard that on the material day, the deceased had visited Pambogo and Isanga areas for work-related activities before leaving Isanga at about 11:25am to return to her office.

How the murder was executed Evidence showed that the attackers had conspired in advance, working with an individual identified as Shaibu Mwinuka, who was tasked with signalling once the victim had concluded her meeting. After completing her duties, Victoria boarded a bajaji driven by Lusekelo Atupele.

The three appellants also boarded the rickshow, pretending to be passengers. While the three-wheeler was in motion, Mushi strangled the deceased with the assistance of his co-accused until she died.

They then robbed her of the loan repayment cash and her mobile phone before dumping her body in the Isyesye area, where it was later discovered by residents. Prosecution witnesses, including local leaders Leonard Magoma and Zeinab Kesi, testified on how the body was found and how the suspects’ movements were traced.

Another witness, Sgt Daniel, detailed how investigators tracked the deceased’s phone through a chain of buyers, eventually linking it to the first appellant. This led to the arrest of the other accused persons, all of whom admitted involvement.

After evaluating the evidence and consulting assessors, High Court Judge David Ngunyale convicted the trio on April 4, 2022, while acquitting two others, including the bajaji driver. The three were sentenced to death by hanging, the mandatory penalty under the Penal Code.

Grounds of appeal The convicts, through their advocates Felix Kapinga, Chapa Alfredy and Nyasige Kajanja, challenged the decision on eight grounds. They argued that no prosecution witness had directly seen or apprehended them during the commission of the crime and alleged that their confessions were obtained under torture.

They further contended that caution statements were improperly recorded without the presence of relatives or legal counsel. The appellants also disputed the evidential link between them and the deceased’s phone, arguing that the doctrine of recent possession had not been established, and maintained that they were not present at the crime scene.

However, the prosecution, led by Senior State Attorney Alex Mwita with assistance from State Attorney Veneranda Masai, maintained that the trial court had properly admitted the statements after a trial-within-a-trial determined they were made voluntarily. On discrepancies regarding the model of the deceased’s phone, the prosecution clarified that identification was based on the IMEI number.

Court’s determination In its ruling, the Court of Appeal noted that although the confessions by the first and third appellants had been contested, the trial judge had admitted them after being satisfied they were voluntary and consistent with medical and witness evidence. The judges acknowledged inconsistencies in the description of the phone model but held that identification through IMEI numbers and the seizure report was sufficient.

“We do not agree with the appellants’ lawyers that there was no link between the phone and the first appellant. That was not the only evidence relied upon; there was substantial additional evidence proving his involvement,” the judges ruled.

However, the court found that the confessions did not fully comply with guidelines issued by the Chief Justice and consequently expunged them from the record. “Nonetheless, the removal of these confessions does not affect our earlier conclusion, as the remaining evidence–including oral admissions and caution statements–is strong,” the court said.

The judges concluded that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The appeal was dismissed, and the death sentences were upheld.

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