Category: The Citizen

For nearly two decades, Wema Sepetu has lived under the bright and unforgiving lights of fame.

From the moment she was crowned Miss Tanzania 2006, her name became part of Tanzania’s popular culture. She moved from the beauty pageant stage to acting, entrepreneurship, entertainment and social media influence. To many, she is a celebrity. To others, she is a symbol of beauty, resilience, controversy, reinvention and survival.

After years of public speculation, painful labels and relentless online commentary about her journey to motherhood, Wema Sepetu’s birth of a baby boy has become more than celebrity news.

But behind the glamour, applause, headlines and millions of online reactions lies a painful reality many women in public life face: fame can become a battleground.

For women like Wema, social media is not only a space for visibility, branding, business and connection. It is also a space where insults, rumours, body-shaming, moral policing, false information and personal attacks can spread within minutes.

This is the hidden face of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, a form of abuse that is increasingly targeting women through phones, social media platforms, messaging apps, blogs and other digital spaces.

Wema’s public journey shows how women celebrities are often treated as public property. Their bodies are discussed without respect. Their relationships are judged without mercy. Their personal struggles become entertainment. Their mistakes are amplified, while their achievements are often reduced or ignored.

In the digital age, a woman’s fame can easily be turned against her.

Online abuse against women is not always understood as violence. Many people dismiss it as ‘just comments,’ ‘normal celebrity life,’ or ‘the price of being famous.’ But words can wound. False rumours can damage reputations.

Online attacks can affect mental health, family relationships, business opportunities, public confidence and personal safety.

For women in the entertainment industry, the abuse is often gendered. They are attacked not only for what they do, but for who they are as women. They are judged for their clothes, body size, age, motherhood, relationships, marriage status, fertility and private choices.

This kind of abuse reflects a wider social problem in which women are expected to be visible, but not too powerful; admired, but not independent; successful, but still controlled by public expectations.

Wema Sepetu’s experience mirrors that of many women journalists, politicians, activists, artists, students and digital entrepreneurs not only in Tanzania but around the world. When women become visible online, they often face coordinated attacks meant to shame them into silence.

This is not just a personal issue. It is a gender equality issue. It is a freedom-of-expression issue. It is a media ethics issue. It is also a digital rights issue.

When a woman is bullied until she withdraws from online spaces, society loses her voice. When a female journalist is threatened for reporting the truth, the public loses information. When a woman politician is attacked with sexualised insults, democracy loses equal participation. When a young woman is blackmailed with private images, her education, dignity and future may be put at risk.

Online violence does not remain online. It follows women into their homes, workplaces, families and communities.

This is why the story of Wema Sepetu should not be reduced to entertainment gossip. It should open a serious national conversation about how Tanzania protects women and girls in digital spaces.

Technology has empowered women to build careers, speak out, mobilise communities, sell products, create art and tell their own stories. But without safety, justice and accountability, it can also be used to silence, shame and harm them.

There is a need for stronger public awareness of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence. Many women and girls do not know where to report abuse; they fear being blamed or are told to ignore threats, even when they are serious.

Silence protects perpetrators.

Tanzania needs stronger survivor-centred reporting, digital safety education, responsible media coverage and coordinated action among law enforcement, regulators, civil society, schools, media houses and technology platforms.

Freedom of expression is not freedom to abuse. People should stop sharing harmful content, support victims and report abuse.

Wema Sepetu’s story reminds us that women in the public eye are human beings with dignity and rights. Visibility should never become an excuse for cruelty.

As Tanzania embraces digital transformation, the safety of women and girls must remain central. A safer internet is about justice, respect, accountability and equality.

When fame becomes a battleground, society must ask: are we using technology to empower women, or turning it into another weapon against them?

For what happened to Wema Sepetu and many other women, the message is clear: online abuse is not entertainment. It is violence and it must be stopped!

Tanzania national women football team (Twiga Stars) coach Bakari Shime has handed Saudi Arabia-based striker Clara Luvanga another opportunity to prove herself on the international stage after naming her in a provisional 34-player squad for preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals.

The squad announcement has put the spotlight firmly on Luvanga, who returns to the national fold just days after missing Tanzania’s two international friendly matches against Malawi.

The recall comes on the back of another outstanding season for the Al Nassr forward. Luvanga has become one of the most consistent performers in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, where she has emerged as a prolific scorer over the past three campaigns. Despite her impressive club form, the striker has often struggled to command a regular starting place with Twiga Stars. She has previously been left out of squads or used sparingly, leading many fans to question why her club performances have not translated into a bigger role in the national team.

Her return to the squad is therefore likely to attract considerable interest as supporters wait to see whether she will finally be given the platform to replicate her club exploits in national colours.

Shime’s squad also features several foreign-based players, underlining Tanzania’s growing pool of talent abroad. They include Julietha Singano of Mexico’s Juarez, Opah Clement of Spain’s Eibar, Diana Lucas of Turkey’s Trabzonspor, Noela Luhala of Lithuania’s MFA Žalgiris and Enekia Kasonga of Mexico’s Gallos Femenil. Among the local-based players called up are goalkeepers Najiath Abbas (JKT Queens), Nusra Hamis (Fountain Gate Princess) and Janeth Shija (Simba Queens).

The defensive unit includes Asha Omary (Simba Queens), Ester Mabanza and Diana Mnaly of Yanga Princess, Donisia Minja and Anastazia Katunzi of JKT Queens, Fatuma Issa (Simba Queens) and Ester Maseke (JKT Queens). In midfield, Shime selected Elizabeth Chenge, Aliya Fikiri, Anastazia Shau and Asha Mlangwa of JKT Queens, Marry Siyame and Winfrida Charles of Fountain Gate Princess, Veronica Mapunda of Mashujaa Queens, Bahati Steven of Bunda Queens and Rehema Ramadhani of Fountain Gate Princess.

The attacking options also include Edna Makamba of Tausi FC and Simba Queens forwards Aisha Mnunka and Elizabeth Joseph.

However, one notable absentee is Brighton striker Aisha Masaka, who remains sidelined through injury. Shime said the technical bench decided against including the forward because she has been out of action for an extended period and is still undergoing rehabilitation.

“She is still facing challenges after sustaining injuries since the last WAFCON. We remain in contact with her club’s medical team because we cannot compromise her health,” said Shime.

The East African Community (EAC) has launched citizen consultations in Rwanda as part of the process of drafting a Constitution for the proposed EAC Political Federation.

The exercise, which has already been conducted in Uganda, Kenya and Burundi, seeks public views on the future political structure of the bloc. It is now underway in Rwanda before moving to remaining Partner States.

The Political Federation is the fourth and final stage of EAC integration, following the Customs Union, Common Market and the planned Monetary Union. Speaking during the launch, Rwanda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Usta Kaitesi, said regional integration remains central to addressing shared challenges and opportunities.

‘Whether in trade, investment or infrastructure development, cooperation provides a stronger foundation for progress than working in isolation,’ she said.

She urged citizens to participate freely in the consultations, saying their views would help shape a governance framework for the proposed federation.

EAC Secretary General Ambassador Stephen Mbundi said the consultations in Rwanda will run for two weeks in Kigali, Rubavu, Huye and Nyagatare.

He said the exercise will engage government institutions, Parliament, the Judiciary, academia, civil society, the private sector, youth groups, women, persons with disabilities, faith-based organisations, political parties and the media.

‘These consultations are designed to enhance public participation in shaping the institutional and governance framework of the Political Federation,’ he said.

Ambassador Mbundi said the integration process has evolved through structured consultations among Partner States since its launch. According to an EAC statement issued on June 17, 2026, the process dates back to 2004 when Heads of State established a committee to explore ways of fast-tracking political integration. In 2017, the EAC Summit endorsed a Transitional Political Federation framework as an interim step and directed the drafting of a Constitution.

The regional launch of the drafting process was held in Entebbe, Uganda, in 2018 under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni, who was appointed to provide political guidance.

Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Fidelis Mironko, said citizen participation is central to the process.

‘The consultation provides a platform for citizens to contribute views and aspirations for the future of East Africa,’ he said.

Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Constitutional Matters and former Ugandan Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki said public input will help strengthen the draft Constitution.

‘The Constitution belongs to the people of East Africa,’ he said. The draft Constitution is being prepared by a team of experts appointed by the EAC Council of Ministers in 2019.

It is informed by comparative studies of federal systems and reviews of EAC legal and institutional frameworks.

The consultations are part of a wider regional exercise aimed at building consensus on governance arrangements for the proposed Political Federation.

The 2026 BET Awards is set to bring together a cross-generational mix of global stars, with Tems, Queen Latifah and Doechii among the headline performers confirmed for this year’s ceremony in Los Angeles.

The show, scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Peacock Theatre, continues BET’s positioning of the awards as ‘Culture’s Biggest Night’, blending legacy acts with the new wave of streaming-era artists.

This year’s performance roster also includes names such as Cardi B, Kehlani, Jill Scott, Common, Rick Ross, Don Toliver, French Montana, T.I., Max B, The War and Treaty, and emerging act kwn, signalling one of the most genre-diverse lineups in recent editions.

Tems’ inclusion further reinforces the growing presence of African artists on the BET stage, where she is expected to deliver one of the most closely watched performances of the night, following her continued global crossover success in R and B and Afrobeats-infused sounds.

Queen Latifah’s return to the stage adds a strong legacy dimension to the lineup, with anticipation building around a potential special live moment, while Doechii represents the rising new-school energy driving contemporary hip-hop and experimental R and B.

Industry observers note that this year’s performances reflect a deliberate balance between iconic influence and emerging global sounds.

The 2026 ceremony will be hosted by comedian Druski, marking his debut as emcee.

East Africa’s film industry has scored major international recognition after a Tanzanian-Kenyan co-production and a Ugandan feature project were selected for the prestigious Locarno Open Doors 2026 programme in Switzerland.

The Ones With the Tempered Flowers, directed by Tanzanian filmmaker Neema Ngelime and produced by Kenyan producer Ivy Kiru, is among six projects chosen for the Open Doors Projects programme.

The experimental documentary explores themes of womanhood and motherhood through a unique artistic lens.

Joining it is Uganda’s A Vineyard for A Lobster, directed by Talemwa Pius and produced by Gashumba Emmanuel.

The fiction feature uses a snow-covered landscape as a powerful allegory to examine the lingering effects of colonialism.

Open Doors is the talent development and co-production platform of the internationally renowned Locarno Film Festival.

The initiative supports filmmakers from under-represented regions by providing mentorship, training, networking opportunities, and access to international industry professionals.

The selected projects will participate in workshops, project presentations, and industry events from August 5 to August 10, during the 79th Locarno Film Festival.

The programme is currently in the second year of a four-year cycle dedicated to supporting filmmakers from 42 African countries.

The selection places East African storytelling on a global stage and highlights the growing influence of the region’s filmmakers within the international film industry.

It also follows a series of recent achievements for African creatives at major global cultural platforms, reinforcing the continent’s rising presence in cinema and the arts.

With stories centred on identity, memory, womanhood, and colonial legacies, the selected projects showcase the diversity and depth of contemporary African storytelling.

Defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) have returned to the summit of the Mainland Tanzania Premier League following a 2-0 victory over Fountain Gate FC yesterday.

Yanga secured all three points through a dominant second-half display, with both goals coming shortly after the restart. Pacome Zouzoua broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute after being set up by Mudathir Yahaya, finishing calmly to give the hosts the lead. Just two minutes later, Yanga doubled their advantage when Laurindo ‘Depu’ Aurelio latched onto a well-delivered pass from Maxi Nzengeli and made no mistake to seal the win. The victory saw Yanga climb back to the top of the standings with 66 points, strengthening their push to retain the league title as the season enters its decisive phase.

They now hold a two-point lead over second-placed Simba, who continue to apply pressure in the title race, while Azam FC sit third with eight points separating them from the leaders. The result further highlights the intensity of the championship battle, with only a handful of matches remaining as the top three sides continue to fight for supremacy in a tightly contested campaign. Mainland Tanzania Premier League has been suspended for six days to allow four clubs to compete in the semifinals of the CRDB Federation Cup. The break gives defending champions Young Africans (Yanga), Simba, Azam FC and Coastal Union an opportunity to focus on their quest for a place in the domestic cup final.

Simba will kick off the semifinal action on June 20 when they take on Coastal Union at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha. The Msimbazi giants will be aiming to keep alive their hopes of ending the season with silverware after missing out on the league title race.

The second semifinal will be played a day later, on June 21, when defending champions Yanga face Azam FC at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.

The encounter is expected to be fiercely contested as both sides seek a place in the final and a chance to lift one of Tanzania’s most prestigious knockout trophies. Following the cup fixtures, attention will shift back to the league campaign.

The Mainland Premier League is scheduled to resume on June 24, with all 16 teams returning to action as the race for the title, continental places and survival intensifies in the closing stages of the season.

Tanzania is stepping up efforts to position its higher education sector on the global stage, with experts and university leaders meeting in Arusha to chart strategies aimed at improving international competitiveness through research, innovation and academic collaboration.

The experts are expected to adopt resolutions to strengthen the country’s higher education system, with a particular focus on research, technology and partnerships with international institutions.

What began as the familiar story of a worried parent seeking answers for a frequently ill child soon turned into a long and demanding health battle for Stella Nyakanga.

Her daughter, Joicy Lungu, suffered repeated bouts of illness from an early age, prompting the family to seek medical attention. When Joicy reached the age of two, tests confirmed that she had sickle cell disease, a diagnosis that would dramatically alter the family’s life.

The Government has confirmed that Tanzania remains free of Ebola cases and has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens through enhanced surveillance and preparedness measures.

Speaking to journalists in Dodoma, Minister for Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, said the Government continues to strengthen its readiness to respond to the disease following ongoing outbreaks reported in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The minister said that, as of June 18, 2026, no Ebola case had been reported in Tanzania and the country’s public health security situation remained stable. ‘I would like to assure citizens that our country remains free of Ebola cases. The Government is fully prepared to prevent, detect early and contain any threat that may endanger the health of Tanzanians,’ said Mr Mchengerwa.

The minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Florence Samizi; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Seif Shekalaghe; Chief Medical Officer, Dr Grace Magembe; Dr Erasto Sylvanus; and other senior ministry officials.

He said the Government has intensified screening and surveillance at border posts, airports and seaports, while also issuing guidelines to healthcare professionals and the public.

According to Mr Mchengerwa, since the Ebola threat was declared, authorities have investigated 64 alerts reported from 21 regions. Of these, 11 suspected cases met the criteria for further assessment and samples were collected, all of which tested negative for Ebola.

He said all necessary measures continue to be implemented to ensure the highest standards of safety for both citizens and healthcare workers, with the aim of preventing the disease from entering the country.

Mr Mchengerwa pledged that the Government would continue to closely monitor developments and provide timely and transparent updates to the public whenever necessary.

He also urged citizens to follow guidance issued by health experts and rely on official Government sources for information, while avoiding the spread of unverified reports that could undermine efforts to safeguard the country against the Ebola threat.

Six days after Simon Benjamin Mkwizu and his wife, Victoria, welcomed quintuplets at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), CRDB Bank has stepped in with financial support aimed at helping the family raise the children.

The bank visited the family on Friday, opening bank accounts for the five babies and their parents while also providing additional support intended to strengthen the family’s long-term welfare.

Speaking during the presentation, CRDB Bank Chief Operating Officer Bruce Mwile commended doctors, nurses and health professionals at Muhimbili for ensuring the safe delivery of both the mother and the babies. ‘The services provided at Muhimbili National Hospital demonstrate a high level of professionalism, dedication and commitment in protecting the lives of both mother and children,’ Mr Mwile said.

He said that while the birth of quintuplets was a blessing for the family, it also brought increased responsibilities in terms of childcare and upbringing.

‘CRDB Bank has a responsibility to support this family, and we have come with assistance that we believe will help in raising these children,’ he said.

Through its Youth Banking unit, the bank opened Junior Jumbo accounts for each of the five children and deposited Sh1.5 million into each account.

The mother was also given a Malkia account and financial support worth Sh2.5 million, with Sh1.5 million deposited into the account and Sh1 million set aside to support her business activities.

For the father, who works as a transport officer, the bank opened an iMBEJU account designed for entrepreneurs and provided him with a new three-wheeler taxi (bajaj) to help improve household income. The vehicle also comes with comprehensive insurance cover.

The bank further arranged premium health insurance for Victoria and the five babies, while CRDB’s brokerage unit purchased shares worth Sh500,000 for each child.

In addition, through the iMBEJU programme under the CRDB Bank Foundation, Mr Mkwizu will receive financial literacy and entrepreneurship training.

Mr Mkwizu thanked both Muhimbili and CRDB Bank for the support.

‘What CRDB has done is extraordinary. It feels like giving clean drinking water to someone suffering from thirst in the desert,’ he said.

Muhimbili National Hospital Executive Director Dr Delilah Kimambo said the accounts opened for the family would create a sustainable way for individuals and institutions wishing to support them.

‘Many people want to help the family, but some forms of support may not last long. These accounts will allow those wishing to provide long-term support to contribute directly towards the children’s future,’ she said.

Dr Kimambo said that the babies, who were born with low birth weights, had continued to improve and no longer required machine support following specialised care at the hospital.