Category: The Citizen

Dodoma. The government has said it will finalise the Public Investment Bill in the 2026/27 financial year as part of reforms aimed at improving the performance of public entities and strengthening their contribution to Dira 2050. Presenting the 2026/27 budget estimates for the Ministry of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), the responsible minister, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, said the Bill will provide a legal framework for managing public investments, focusing on efficiency, accountability and improved performance of state entities.

He said it will propose the establishment of a Public Investment Management Authority to coordinate government investments under a unified framework. The Bill will also propose a Public Investment Fund to mobilise capital for investments through state-owned entities without affecting contributions to the Consolidated Fund.

On governance, the Bill will introduce competitive recruitment for chief executives and boards of public institutions to improve professionalism and accountability. It will also grant greater operational autonomy to commercial state-owned enterprises, while strengthening performance monitoring systems.

Prof Mkumbo said the reforms aim to reduce reliance on government subsidies and improve efficiency in public entities. The Office of the Treasury Registrar oversees 308 entities, including 91 commercial institutions, with total investments valued at Sh92.3 trillion.

The government will continue reviewing public entities, including merging those with overlapping functions and dissolving those no longer relevant. Following a 2023 review, 14 entities were merged and three dissolved.

TIC and EPZA were also merged to form TISEZA. Prof Mkumbo said further mergers are being finalised.

Non-tax revenue from public entities is projected at Sh1.79 trillion in 2026/27, up from Sh1.69 trillion. The reforms aim to increase the contribution of public entities to up to 8 per cent of GDP by 2050. .

Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite growing uncertainty caused by the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. Speaking this week, the FIFA president said Iran’s national team “has to come” to the tournament, stressing that the players had earned their place through qualification and were eager to compete.

He added that football should remain separate from political disputes, arguing that the sport plays a role in “building bridges” between nations. Infantino’s remarks come amid conflicting signals from Tehran.

Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, had earlier stated that it would be “not possible” for the country to take part in the World Cup, citing safety concerns following military strikes and the wider regional conflict. The uncertainty has been fuelled by the fact that the 2026 tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, alongside Canada and Mexico, placing Iranian players at the centre of geopolitical tensions.

Iranian officials have argued that the security situation makes participation difficult, particularly with matches scheduled on U.S.

soil. Despite this, Infantino has remained firm, saying Iran will take part “for sure” and expressing hope that the situation will stabilise before the tournament begins.

He recently visited the Iranian squad at a training camp in Turkey and noted their determination to play on the global stage. FIFA has also ruled out relocating Iran’s matches away from the United States, maintaining that logistics and tournament planning would not allow such changes.

The situation leaves Iran’s participation hanging in the balance, with a clear divide between political leadership in Tehran and football authorities. Should Iran withdraw, FIFA regulations suggest the country could face sanctions, while a replacement team may be selected.

For now, FIFA’s position remains unchanged: Iran has qualified, and, in Infantino’s words, “the players want to play.” .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is ramping up investment in neurosurgical care as the country confronts a growing burden of traumatic brain and spinal injuries–largely driven by road traffic accidents–while positioning itself as a regional hub for specialised treatment.

The push comes as the country hosts the Second World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) International Global Neurosurgery Conference, bringing together global experts to address widening gaps in access to critical brain and spine care. Opening the conference, President Samia Suluhu Hassan outlined major gains in expanding specialised healthcare, noting that the number of hospitals offering neurosurgical services has increased from two five years ago to seven as of April 2026. She said the number of medical specialists across all fields has surged from 138 in 2020 to about 1,518, while neurosurgeons have tripled from 12 to 37–seven of them women–marking a significant step in addressing workforce shortages.

“These gains demonstrate our commitment to strengthening capacity and expanding access to specialised care,” she said, adding that reforms such as universal health insurance, public-private partnerships and digital health systems are central to improving long-term service delivery. The expansion comes against a backdrop of rising injuries, particularly among young people, placing increasing pressure on the health system.

President of the Tanzania Neurosurgical Society, Othman Kiloloma, said about 70 percent of severe traumatic brain injuries in the country are linked to road traffic accidents, with more than half involving motorcycles. “About 30 percent of these patients either die or suffer permanent damage meaning three out of every ten patients are left with lifelong disability,” he said, noting that most victims fall within the 15 to 45 age group.

The trend, he added, is not only a public health concern but also an economic one, as it affects the most productive segment of the population. Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa said the government is taking deliberate steps to expand access to neurosurgical services beyond major urban centres.

“We are working to expand these services beyond national and zonal hospitals into regional referral hospitals, making specialised care more accessible to our people,” he said. He outlined a series of strategic investments, including the establishment of a Neuroscience Centre of Excellence at Mloganzira, expansion of outpatient services at the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute, installation of advanced neurodiagnostic technologies and the development of a modern rehabilitation facility in Bunju.

“These investments are positioning Tanzania at the forefront of neurosurgery and establishing it as a beacon of medical excellence in Africa,” he said. Beyond treatment, the minister stressed that many neurosurgical conditions are preventable, calling for coordinated action across sectors.

He cited neural tube defects and road traffic injuries as examples of conditions that can be significantly reduced through improved nutrition, public awareness and stronger enforcement of safety regulations. “Sectors such as agriculture, education, transport and community development must work together to implement effective prevention strategies,” he said.

He warned that Africa is facing an escalating road safety crisis, with deaths estimated at about 26.6 per 100,000 people–well above the global average of 15 per 100,000. “To address the fact that 97 percent of these accidents arise from human error, we must invest in education, strengthen legislation and improve infrastructure,” he said. 4 President Samia Suluhu Hassan, receives the Honorary Humanitarian Neurosurgery Award from the President of the Tanzania Neurosurgeons Society (TNS), Dr Othman Kiloloma, during the opening ceremony of the Second International Conference of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam on April 16, 2026. PHOTO | COURTESY Chair of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies, Tariq Khan, said neurosurgical care remains underdeveloped in many low-income countries despite its critical role in saving lives and preserving economic productivity.

“Investment in neurosurgical services saves young lives, protects the workforce and strengthens health systems,” he said, while noting that limited numbers of specialists and systemic barriers continue to restrict access for vulnerable populations. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Seif Shekalaghe, said the conference provides a platform to strengthen collaboration, advance knowledge and promote innovation in patient care.

“This gathering brings together neurosurgeons, trainees, researchers and global health leaders to advance equitable, safe and accessible neurosurgical care worldwide,” he said. As Tanzania expands its neurosurgical capacity, stakeholders say sustained investment, policy coordination and regional collaboration will be key to addressing both current gaps and future demand.

For policymakers, the message from the conference is clear: tackling the growing trauma burden will require not only more specialists and facilities, but also a broader shift towards prevention, innovation and system-wide resilience. With demand rising and global attention now focused on Tanzania, the country’s push to strengthen neurosurgical care could redefine access to specialised treatment across East Africa.

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Dar es Salaam. Investing in women is essential for inclusive economic growth and national development, leaders said during The Citizen Rising Woman Zanzibar Edition 2026, where policymakers, financial experts and development partners called for stronger systems to expand women’s participation in the economy.

Speaking at the forum on Wednesday under the theme Give to Gain, Zanzibar Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla said women play a central role in economic and social development. “Women are innovators, leaders and a key force in the economy of families and the nation,” he said.

He said government reforms are aimed at increasing women’s participation in the economy and decision-making, including empowerment programmes, gender desks, women’s networks and leadership representation. Mr Abdulla said the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEE) has disbursed more than Sh53 billion in interest-free and low-interest loans between 2022 and March 2026, with women accounting for 83.6 per cent of beneficiaries.

He added that more than 15,000 people have received entrepreneurship training, with 75 per cent being women, in areas including food processing, soap production, beekeeping, digital marketing and agriculture value addition. He said financial literacy remains a challenge affecting sustainability of small businesses.

“We must address financial literacy. Without it, even well-funded projects cannot be sustained.

” The forum, organised by Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL), brought together policymakers, financial institutions and entrepreneurs. MCL Board Chairperson David Nchimbi said women’s inclusion is key to national development.

“We recognise that a nation cannot be fully empowered if women are not at the centre of development,” he said. MCL Managing Director Rosalynn Mndolwa-Mworia said women’s empowerment should be seen as an investment.

“Empowering women is not charity; it is an investment with returns for society and the economy,” she said. She added that women still face limited access to opportunities despite their capabilities.

Head of Marketing, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at MCL Edson Sosten said the Rising Woman platform aims to increase visibility for women and connect them to opportunities. In a policy discussion, moderator Nafisa Jidawi said women’s empowerment should be treated as an economic strategy, noting employment gaps between men and women in Zanzibar.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training Bwana Hamid Adam Ahmed said reforms are shifting education towards competence-based learning and vocational skills. Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA) Executive Director Juma Burhan said empowerment programmes are designed to support women’s enterprises, noting their role in job creation and tax revenue.

Azania Bank Director of Credits Esther Piani said banks are using group lending models to improve access to finance for women. Development Advisor at the Tony Blair Institute Laya Guide said global evidence shows investing in women has wider economic and social benefits, but stressed challenges in implementation.

The forum concluded that women’s economic inclusion is key to sustainable growth, with calls for stronger coordination among stakeholders. .

Dar es Salaam. A newly launched research has shown that unless coastal communities are placed at the centre of implementation, the Blue Economy strategy risks widening inequality and weakening the very ecosystems it seeks to grow.

This comes despite the blue economy agenda having been presented as one of the country’s most promising pathways to jobs, food security, exports and environmental protection. The findings were unveiled on Wednesday at the University of Dar es Salaam during the launch of a special research issue titled Coastal Livelihoods and Sea Sustainability in the Blue Economy, published in the Tanzania Journal of Development Studies.

The publication draws from the Swahili Ocean Worlds: Fishing Communities and Sea Sustainability in Tanzania project, which examined how coastal communities relate to the sea between 2022 and 2025. Tanzania has placed the blue economy among its national priorities. Zanzibar launched its policy in 2020, while Mainland Tanzania followed in 2024 with action plans covering fisheries, aquaculture, maritime trade, tourism, renewable energy and governance.

Yet researchers say the gap between policy ambition and realities on the shore remains wide. “The blue economy is often framed as a triple-win model of economic growth, improved livelihoods and marine protection, but realities on the ground are far more complex,” the study notes.

It found that social and ecological sustainability are still undervalued compared to the stronger push for economic returns. Speaking during the launch, Principal of the College of Social Sciences at UDSM, Prof Christine Noe, said the findings come at the right time when Tanzania is expanding investment in ocean-based sectors.

She said growth alone would not be enough if ordinary citizens, especially those already depending on marine resources, are left behind. “Our policies must speak to the lived experiences of communities.

Research of this nature gives evidence that can help decision-makers build a blue economy that is inclusive, just and sustainable,” she said. The project coordinator and senior lecturer at UDSM, Dr Thomas Ndaluka, said the study deliberately listened to local voices often missing in policy rooms.

“Using qualitative fieldwork methodologies, we engaged local coastal people whose livelihoods are directly affected by the blue economy. We also spoke with government officials, business representatives and environmental experts,” he said.

“Through this research, we have been able to identify opportunities and challenges for improvements in social and ecological sustainability in the blue economy.” One of the strongest messages from the study is that fisheries remain the backbone of many coastal households, yet the sector is under severe strain.

Small-scale fishing supports employment, nutrition and household incomes, but fishers reported declining catches, shrinking species diversity and rising competition in shallow waters, with illegal gear, overfishing and weak enforcement continuing to undermine sustainability. Climate change is making matters worse.

Changes in rainfall, warming waters and shifting breeding cycles are increasing uncertainty for families that depend on fishing, the report notes. This means the blue economy cannot be separated from climate resilience.

The research also highlights market failures. Many fishers and traders sell through intermediaries who control access to capital and markets, leaving producers with weak bargaining power and unstable prices.

“Without fairer value chains, growth in marine resources may not translate into better livelihoods,” said Dr Ndaluka. Women are another overlooked pillar of the sector.

Separate research in the same journal found that women are active in ocean-based livelihoods, but their realities receive limited attention in blue economy priorities. “Gender-based power relations often shape access to marine resources, finance and decision-making spaces, reducing women’s ability to benefit fully,” he noted.

However, experts say these benefits will only be realised through deliberate reforms. The study recommends stronger support for Beach Management Units, sustained enforcement against illegal fishing, restoration of mangroves and breeding habitats, and wider community awareness on marine stewardship.

It also calls for affordable finance, modern equipment, training in sustainable fishing and fish handling, and targeted support for women and youth. Another key recommendation is participation.

Researchers found insufficient evidence that local communities are helping shape priorities. “In practice, that means projects can be introduced without enough consultation, increasing conflict over ocean space and access rights,” the research reads in part.

Dr Ndaluka emphasized that a blue economy that enriches a few while exhausting fish stocks and sidelining coastal citizens would fall short of its promise. “But one built on science, fairness and sustainability could become a major engine of livelihoods and national transformation for decades to come,” he stated.

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It’s Saturday evening, and I’m seated at my own table at this small bar that’s served by only two wahudumu and an akaunta. At a table next to mine are three ladies, two of whom are very talkative.

Hypers! I’m keen on the ones that I’ve concluded are hypers because their activeness makes the whole place lively. They’re animatedly talking to one another throughout while their companion, who looks much older than them, has her eyes glued on a smartphone, busy chatting over her beer.

And the two aren’t just talking; they’re also moving, swinging this way and that way to the songs selected by Diana, the akaunta and self-proclaimed resident Deejay. I’ll confess here that I’m a dance fan I love dancing myself.

But since I’ve grown into “mtu mzima na heshima zake”, I’m forced to hold myself back unless I’m in a thoroughly convenient environment. And this ka-bar doesn’t pass muster in this regard, so I’ll just encourage others to dance as I watch and enjoy their performance, I tell myself.

I raise my voice and tell them, “Why don’t you good girls stand up and dance properly–you’re good dancers, I swear!” “No way!” says the girl nearest to me. She’s in jeans and a cream T-shirt.

Her mshikaji is in a dera, the long, flowing, free-size gown that really flatters women, especially the bodily endowed ones. The Miss Bantu variety.

The two joyous ladies continue drinking and dancing while seated, and then the one in jeans twists her neck towards me and says, casually, “Basi, kaka, si you buy us one-one?” Ohoo! I say to myself. The innocent compliment is now costing me! But being a typical Mwasu, always careful with the contents of my wallet, I ignore the request without uttering a word.

However, that doesn’t stop them from continuing to dance while seated. More so after the Akaunta plays their request, Haturudi Nyuma by Kidum, the Burundian musician, featuring Juliana Kanyamozi, the popular Ugandan singer.

To this one they dance while singing along. Then, the song Moyo Sukuma Damu by Lameck Ditto is on, and with this one, the two girls stand up and dance seriously.

I’m impressed and stand up to give a tip to the one in jeans and a T-shirt. Some male drinkers leave their seats and join them.

The power of the woman, eh? The akaunta abandons her chamber and joins them. It’s getting more exciting; it’s like we’re in a nightclub now! When the song Tubonge by Jose Chameleon is played, thanks to yet another request by the ladies, I too fail to resist, move to the “dance floor” and join the party.

I happen to be a great fan of the controversial Ugandan musician. It looks like these ladies can’t realise I’m a mzee who was already up and about when the young teacher-turned politician from Butiama marshalled forces and managed to kick out colonial rulers out of Tanganyika.

Yes, otherwise why would this lady in a dera pull me from my chair to dance with her to the singeli song Umerogwa, a naughty song by fellows who call themselves FreshBoys! Duh, I say to myself as I meekly follow her. I dance with her awkwardly for a couple of minutes before dodging her; this, to the pleasure of a young man who joins her, holding the bended girl in a style that I wouldn’t! When the two ladies return to their seats, the girl in the T-shirt and jeans asks me, “Are you still denying us a beer, mzee wetu?” “Have ityou deserve one from me, for surecall the mhudumu,” I say with sincerity.

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Arusha. The Court of Appeal has upheld the death sentence imposed on Paulo Laizer after he was found guilty of murdering his wife, Ndomononi Siyaga.

On July 27, 2022, Paulo reportedly left home at around 10am accompanied by his mother-in-law, saying they were going to cut branches to build a cattle shed before heading to the forest. However, Paulo returned home at about 8pm without his wife.

After a search in the forest, the deceased’s body was found covered with tree branches and grass, with a deep cut wound on the neck and a piece of cloth stuffed into her mouth. The ruling dismissing Paulo’s appeal against the sentence was delivered yesterday, April 16, 2026, by a panel of three judges–Lugano Mwandambo, Abraham Mwampashi and Lameck Mlacha–sitting in Arusha.

Justice Mlacha said that after carefully reviewing the evidence presented at the Resident Magistrate’s Court in Arusha and the submissions from both sides, the Court of Appeal found no reason to interfere with the lower court’s decision. The court said the appellant had attempted to flee, which suggested guilt, and noted that during questioning he admitted killing his wife while rejecting his defence that she had been killed by hyenas.

Earlier, Paulo had been charged before the Resident Magistrate’s Court in Arusha with murder contrary to Section 196 of the Penal Code. It was alleged that on February 27, 2022, at Ngereyani Emboong’eti “A” area in Longido District, he killed his wife by cutting her neck with a sharp object.

During the early stages of the case, the appellant admitted the offence, but due to the gravity of the charge of murder–which carries a mandatory death penalty–the court proceeded to hear evidence in order to establish guilt in accordance with the law. The prosecution presented eight witnesses and two exhibits: a post-mortem report and a sketch map of the crime scene.

In his defence, the appellant testified as the sole witness and did not present any exhibit. The fourth witness, the appellant’s mother Naishoka Laizer, told the court that on the day of the incident she saw her son leaving home with the deceased heading to the forest to cut branches.

She said that later that night the appellant returned home alone without explaining the whereabouts of his wife. This raised concern among family members, prompting her to send another son to search for the deceased.

He met the fifth witness who said he had seen the appellant and Ndomononi heading to the forest. The witness then accompanied the second witness, Supeti Philipo, the village chairman, to the forest where they found the body covered with grass and tree branches.

Upon closer inspection, they discovered the deceased had a cut wound on the neck and a piece of cloth stuffed in her mouth. Supeti said he informed the village executive officer before the matter was reported to the police, who went to the scene and took the body to hospital.

Another witness, the sixth witness who is a relative of the appellant, told the court that at around 4:45pm that day Paulo left the house saying he was going to the market to buy snuff and soap. When asked how he would buy the items given that the sellers had already left the market, he did not respond and left.

A doctor who conducted the post-mortem examination said the cause of death was excessive bleeding resulting from the cut wound which severed major blood vessels in the neck using a sharp object. Since Paulo was a suspect and had disappeared from his home, a search operation began.

He was eventually arrested while travelling in a vehicle and taken to a police station. In his defence, Paulo admitted going to the forest with his wife but denied killing her.

He claimed that after entering the forest they were attacked by a group of hyenas which dragged his wife away into the forest, and that he later went to the market to seek help but failed to find any assistance. He further claimed that while moving around the village searching for help, a police vehicle appeared and he was arrested on suspicion of murder.

However, the lower court rejected his defence that hyenas killed his wife, stating that hyenas could not have used a sharp object to cut the deceased’s neck, nor could they have placed a piece of cloth in her mouth or covered the body with grass and branches. The court also noted that the appellant was the last person seen with the deceased while she was alive and failed to give a satisfactory explanation about what happened.

Based on the circumstantial evidence, the court sentenced him to death by hanging, a decision that the appellant challenged at the Court of Appeal. In the appeal, Paulo, through his lawyer, argued that the evidence was insufficient, the witnesses were unreliable, and that his defence had not been properly considered.

The State opposed the appeal, insisting that the evidence presented proved the appellant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The prosecution told the court that the appellant had admitted committing the offence as shown on page 23 of the record of appeal, and that the conviction was supported by circumstantial evidence as well as the legal principle of the last person seen with the deceased.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Mlacha said the court was satisfied that Ndomononi died an unnatural death, noting that her body had a wound, was covered with grass and branches, and that she had gone to the forest with her husband while still alive. He said the key issue before the court was to determine who killed the deceased since no prosecution witness had directly witnessed the killing and the case relied on circumstantial evidence.

The court also referred to the legal principle of the “last person seen with the deceased”, stating that where an accused person was the last to be seen with the deceased, they bear the responsibility of providing a satisfactory explanation regarding the circumstances of the death. Justice Mlacha said the appellant’s account of a hyena attack lacked logic and supporting evidence and had therefore been rightly rejected by the lower court.

He added that the appellant’s conduct after the incident–including failing to inform family members, moving around the village without explaining the incident and attempting to flee–pointed to guilt. The court concluded that the chain of circumstantial evidence was complete and pointed directly to the appellant as the perpetrator of the murder without the possibility of another person being involved.

“It was the evidence of the fourth witness that the appellant returned home at about 8pm alone and could not explain where his wife was. He later said he was going to the market to buy snuff despite being told the seller was not there, and eventually admitted the offence.

These actions are inconsistent with innocence,” Justice Mlacha said. The Court of Appeal therefore dismissed the appeal and upheld the death sentence against Paulo.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Brazil have agreed to strengthen cooperation in education, agriculture, trade, investment and tourism following the Second Session of Political Consultations held in Brasilia.

The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Ngwaru Maghembe, led the Tanzanian delegation, while Brazil was represented by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Carlos Duarte. The two sides agreed on measures to strengthen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation across sectors, including promoting high-level exchanges between leaders.

They emphasised the importance of continued visits and engagement to support bilateral and international cooperation. Dr Maghembe said the partnership in agriculture remains a key area of cooperation, citing initiatives such as Cotton Victoria and Beyond Cotton, which have supported cotton production in the Lake Victoria zone and provided technical support to farmers.

In education, Ambassador Duarte said Brazil will continue to offer scholarships to Tanzanian students, with both sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation in education and training. The two countries also agreed to enhance collaboration in agriculture and livestock, including the use of modern technologies to improve productivity.

On economic ties, Tanzania and Brazil resolved to increase trade, investment and tourism, with a focus on expanding opportunities between the two countries. They also agreed to finalise draft cooperation agreements to allow for implementation.

The meeting further reviewed regional and global developments, including the impact of conflicts and reforms of international systems such as the United Nations Security Council. .

Iringa. The grounds of Lugalo Secondary School were filled with celebration, songs and cheers during a recent graduation ceremony.

But beyond the festivities, it was a deeply moving moment involving student Winfrida Wilson that captured the attention of many. Despite being visually impaired, Winfrida confidently stood before the audience and delivered a speech–transforming the ceremony into a historic and emotional occasion.

Winfrida, who is expected to sit for her Advanced Level examinations in 2026, delivered her speech on April 17, 2026 using assistive technology known as a Refreshable Braille Display. The device connects to a computer or mobile phone and converts text into Braille, enabling users to read through touch.

Her ability to read independently amazed attendees and stood as a powerful symbol of resilience and determination. For many present, the moment went beyond a school celebration–it became a testament to overcoming challenges that often hinder academic and personal progress.

Fellow students watched in admiration, while teachers and guests were visibly moved by her achievement. Her success was widely seen not only as a personal milestone, but also as a reflection of broader efforts to ensure inclusive education for all children, regardless of their circumstances.

Winfrida’s journey began in Lukole village in Mpwapwa District, where she grew up in a modest family facing economic hardship. Access to education was not always guaranteed.

Her uncle, Sebastian Masinjisa, recalled the family’s struggles. “We were living in very difficult conditions.

Even basic needs were a challenge, but we did our best to ensure she received proper care,” he said. Despite the obstacles, Winfrida showed early passion for education, beginning her primary schooling in Dodoma Region and working hard to keep pace with her peers.

However, her studies were disrupted while in Form Five after developing an eye condition that led to loss of sight, forcing her to temporarily withdraw from school. The situation caused distress within her family, compounded by misconceptions in the community, with some attributing her condition to superstition.

“People said many things. Some believed she had been bewitched, but we did not lose hope.

We believed she could still study,” said Mr Masinjisa. He added that some relatives even suggested early marriage, but the family rejected the idea and remained committed to her education.

A turning point came when Winfrida listened to a programme on Radio Uzima, hosted by police officer Ezroni Magesa, which discussed support for people with visual impairments. Encouraged, she obtained his contact and reached out for assistance.

“I decided to call because I knew it was my last chance to achieve my dream of continuing with education,” she said. Inspector Magesa recalled receiving the call on August 6, 2021. “We were deeply moved by her determination to continue with education,” he said.

Following the call, he and his team traced her home and assessed her situation, eventually facilitating her return to school with necessary support. After an academic assessment, Winfrida was transferred to Lugalo Secondary School, where she could access specialised support for visually impaired students.

According to Special Education Officer Yuda Nyange, the decision was based on her strong academic potential. “We established that she still had strong academic ability, so we placed her in a school where she could receive better support,” he said.

At Lugalo, she learned to use specialised learning materials and assistive technology, enabling her to continue her studies effectively. Each examination she has taken since then has marked not just academic progress, but a victory over adversity.

Iringa Regional Police Commander Allan Bukumbi said her achievement highlights the importance of collaboration between institutions and society. He noted that the Tanzania Police Force remains committed to supporting vulnerable groups, emphasising that education is a right for every child.

He also urged parents not to hide children with disabilities, but to seek early support. For her part, Winfrida expressed gratitude to those who supported her journey.

“I thank my teachers, my family and the police force for helping me reach where I am today,” she said, adding that she hopes to pursue higher education. The police force has also provided her with financial assistance of Sh5 million to support her daily needs and preparation for the next stage of her education.

Her story stands as a reminder that challenges do not define one’s future. With determination and the right support, barriers can be overcome–and dreams realised.

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By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. The government has unveiled plans to recruit 45,000 new civil servants in the 2026/27 financial year, backed by a proposed budget of Sh1.6 trillion aimed at improving public service delivery and strengthening governance systems.

The proposed allocation marks an increase of nearly Sh200 billion from the Sh1.4 trillion approved by Parliament for the 2025/26 fiscal year. Presenting the budget estimates in Parliament on Friday, April 17, 2026, the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), Ridhiwani Kikwete, outlined key priorities including employment creation, payroll reforms and institutional efficiency.

He said the government plans to issue permits for 45,000 new positions to fill existing vacancies across public institutions, a move expected to ease unemployment pressures while enhancing service delivery. In addition, 7,124 replacement staff will be recruited to ensure continuity in critical sectors.

The minister said the government will also focus on staff promotions, career development and leadership strengthening within the public service. Plans include filling 500 leadership positions and facilitating transfers for 7,000 employees to improve efficiency and performance.

Some 70 public institutions are expected to benefit from incentive schemes and structured career development frameworks aimed at motivating workers and aligning remuneration systems. A significant portion of the budget will also address salary-related concerns, including verification and approval of arrears claims across 425 institutions, as well as continued settlement of outstanding payments for current and former public servants.

Mr Kikwete said the government will conduct a comprehensive review of salary disparities as part of a long-term strategy to harmonise pay across the public sector. Efforts to modernise public service systems will include the expansion and upgrading of digital platforms such as the e-Watumishi to improve payroll management, data accuracy and integration with other systems.

A centralised dashboard will also be introduced to enhance real-time data access for decision-making. The ministry will further oversee staff audits and data verification in 127 institutions, expand electronic systems to more agencies, and strengthen compliance with laws, regulations and ethical standards.

Public service accountability will also be reinforced through the handling of 3,500 employee complaints and the rollout of nationwide ethics campaigns. The reform agenda also includes reviewing key policies and legal frameworks to align public service management with the country’s long-term development goals.

Training programmes will be conducted for 115 employing authorities to strengthen human resource management and governance practices. With support from development partners, including the World Bank, the government is also set to implement a citizen-centred public service reform programme aimed at improving efficiency and responsiveness.

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