Category: The Citizen

A resident of Kurusanga village in Bunda District, Mara Region, Ms Mkami Maseke, 43, has been admitted to Mara Regional Referral Hospital (Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial) in Musoma after her left palm was severed in an alleged attack by her former husband.

She also sustained injuries to her right hand, including a fractured bone, and suffered excessive bleeding.

Speaking from the hospital on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, she said the attack occurred on Monday, June 8, 2026, at about 12 pm in Kurusanga village. She said she had gone to her farm in the morning to weed cassava and, after finishing, was heading home when she was suddenly attacked with a machete by her former husband.

‘He came and raised a machete, aiming at my head. I shielded myself with my left hand, which he cut four times until the palm came off.

He continued attacking me, and I raised my right hand, which he also struck twice,’ she said.

Ms Maseke identified the attacker as Nyawaga Warioba, 50, saying he fled after villagers responded to her screams, leaving behind his shoes.

She said she lost consciousness and later regained awareness at Nyamuswa Dispensary before being referred to the regional hospital.

The mother of three said she had been married to the man for 16 years.

‘Our marriage started failing after five years, and it became constant beatings. He did not support the family or engage in farming, yet we depended on agriculture,’ she said.

She said she left in April and returned to her parents’ home after failed reconciliation efforts.

She said the man later demanded repayment of the bride price so he could remarry.

‘We agreed I would pay Sh600,000, the value of two cows, although he had paid for four cows,’ she said.

She said she later sold farm produce and paid the amount through village leaders in May, believing the matter had ended before the attack.

‘He said he had been looking for me and finally found me,’ she said.

She appealed for justice, saying her disability had severely affected her farming livelihood.

Kwimange sub-village chairman George Saranga said the couple had repeatedly sought mediation over domestic disputes.

He said jealousy, often linked to phone conversations, frequently triggered violence.

‘In their last case, he broke her phone before beating her,’ he said.

Mr Saranga said that reconciliation efforts failed, leading to separation and a refund of the bride price in May.

A relative, Mr Bunuri Julius, said the severed palm was later recovered after a search.

He said it was taken to the police and later buried at home as it was no longer viable.

He said domestic violence cases had previously been handled through mediation, but the situation escalated.

‘We thought he would let her live in peace after the refund, but we are shocked by what happened,’ he said.

Mara Regional Police Commander (RPC), Pius Lutumo, confirmed the incident, saying investigations are ongoing and the suspect is being sought.

Premier League coaches and players have voiced concern over the increasingly congested football calendar, warning that the delayed conclusion of the 2025/26 season is denying players adequate rest and compromising preparations for the next campaign.

They argue that the extended season not only reduces recovery time but also affects clubs’ planning, pre-season programmes and finances, with teams forced to shoulder additional costs to keep players in camp for longer periods.

Their concerns come after the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) announced that this year’s Kagame Cup will be staged from July 18 to August 9. The regional tournament will conclude less than a month before the preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, which are scheduled to kick off on September 4.

For Tanzanian clubs, the calendar presents an even bigger challenge.

The Mainland Premier League season is set to end on June 30, while the CRDB Federation Cup final will be played on July 4, leaving little room for rest before teams begin preparations for regional and continental assignments.

The situation could be further complicated by the Community Shield, traditionally played shortly before the start of a new league season.

Many within the football fraternity believe the current scenario could have been avoided had the season concluded according to the original schedule, which projected a late-May finish before a series of fixture adjustments pushed the campaign deeper into the year.

Coaches and players have now called on the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) to adopt a more efficient fixture calendar next season, arguing that the current schedule has created unnecessary pressure on clubs and athletes alike.

Singida Black Stars coach Muhibu Kanu said both clubs and league authorities share responsibility for the situation, noting that while teams often request postponements due to continental engagements, the league must ensure that the calendar remains manageable.

“When the season ends late, players have very little time to recover. Some finish away fixtures and return directly to camp before travelling home.

They spend weeks living out of suitcases and constantly moving from one assignment to another. It takes a toll on them physically and mentally.

We need to learn from leagues that consistently finish their seasons on time,” he said. Dodoma Jiji midfielder Amani Josiah said the impact would largely depend on when the next season begins, but warned that an August kick-off would leave players with minimal recovery time.

“Pre-season preparation is crucial for every club. Coaches need enough time to build balanced squads and improve team chemistry. Players who did not feature regularly also need time to work on their fitness and sharpen their skills. A shortened break affects all of that,” he said.

Josiah added that many players make personal plans during the off-season, including weddings, family commitments and holidays that are often arranged months in advance.

“When the season is extended unexpectedly, those plans are disrupted and it becomes difficult to balance football and personal life,” he said.

Namungo assistant coach Ngawina Ngawina said inadequate rest could have serious physical and psychological consequences for players.

“Teams involved in CAF competitions may only give players a week off, while others might allow two weeks. When players return to camp so quickly, they are often not fully refreshed. Fatigue can affect performance throughout the season,” he said.

Mtibwa Sugar coach Yusuf Chippo said the extent of the problem would depend on the start date of the 2026/27 campaign.

“If the new season begins in September, players will still have some time to rest. But if it starts in August, the break will be very short. Players will have to use that limited time wisely to recover and prepare for another demanding season,” he said.

KMC attacking midfielder Daruwesh Saliboko said players must take responsibility for managing their off-season periods professionally.

“Many players spend their holidays playing street football, but professional players elsewhere use the break to completely switch off from the game and allow their bodies to recover. That is something we also need to embrace,” he said.

Namungo centre-back Hussein Kazi said a shortened off-season also affects family life, especially for players who spend most of the year away from home.

Twenty-eight students graduating from Aga Khan Mzizima Secondary School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme have secured scholarship offers worth more than $750,000 (about Sh1.9 billion), enabling them to pursue higher education at universities across several countries.

The scholarships were announced during the school’s graduation ceremony held recently at the Aga Khan Diamond Jubilee Hall in Dar es Salaam.

The graduands have received admission offers from universities in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The universities include the University of British Columbia, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of Manchester.

Speaking at the ceremony, Aga Khan Education Service Tanzania chief executive officer, Dr Shelina Walli, commended the students for their commitment throughout their studies.

‘Behind every certificate awarded today lies years of perseverance, resilience and growth,’ she said.

The event was attended by education officials, including the Commissioner for Education in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Lyabwene Mtahabwa, and the Aga Khan Development Network resident representative for East Africa, Amin Mawji.

Delivering the keynote address, Toronto Metropolitan University president, Dr Mohamed Lachemi, urged graduates to view education as a lifelong investment.

‘The power to shape your future lies within your own hands, guided by education and strengthened by values,’ he said.

Aga Khan Schools general manager, Dr Rahim Somani, said the graduates were equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to their communities. Class valedictorian, Prisha Chheda, described the IB programme as challenging but rewarding.

‘This journey was demanding and, at times, overwhelming, but it was also meaningful and transformative,’ she said.

The scholarship awards come as rising higher education costs increase the importance of financial aid for students seeking international study opportunities.

In Tinde, Samuye, Ishina Bulaindi, Nhelagani, and surrounding villages in Shinyanga Region, attention is iancreasingly shifting from the scale of the illegal charcoal trade to what communities, experts, and authorities believe could finally bring the sector under formal control and sustainable management.

The discussion comes as Tanzania continues implementing the National Clean Cooking Strategy (2024-2034), which targets 80 percent adoption of clean cooking solutions by 2034 as part of wider efforts to reduce reliance on biomass energy and protect forest resources.

Police in Dar es Salaam have arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of Chinese businessman Bhaozang Ge, owner of XIL Li, a plastic bottle recycling factory in Mabibo in the city.

Mr Ge was allegedly killed by security guards at his factory on the night of May 15-16, 2026.

His body was cremated in Dar es Salaam on May 24, and the ashes were flown to China on May 27 for burial. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro said the suspects were arrested following extensive investigations launched after the killing.

The incident, he said, shocked the businessman’s relatives, friends and employees, prompting police to work with other investigative agencies to trace those responsible.

According to Mr Muliro, two suspects were arrested in Namanga while attempting to cross the border, while the other two were apprehended in Mabibo, where they had allegedly gone into hiding.

‘The murder caused panic among the deceased’s relatives, friends and people who knew him, prompting the Police Force to launch an in-depth investigation in collaboration with other investigative agencies,’ he said.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects conspired to attack the businessman before killing him and stealing Sh9 million from the factory.

‘After committing the crime, they took the money and fled to different parts of the country believing they could evade justice. However, our investigation tracked them down and led to their arrest,’ Mr Muliro said.

The suspects are Godson Simon, alias Laizer (25), of Olkolili in Siha District, Kilimanjaro Region; Elisha Saitoti, alias Luqmay (24), of Mkonde in Handeni District, Tanga Region; Godfrey Laban, alias Mollel (30), of Makongo in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam; and Godson Pineli, alias Lisika (24), of Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam.

Mr Muliro said some of the suspects had admitted involvement in the crime and disclosed how part of the stolen money was spent.

He said police had seized several cattle allegedly purchased with proceeds of the crime and were retaining them as exhibits.

‘All legal procedures for securing and documenting the exhibits are ongoing. The suspects will be taken through the relevant legal processes, including referral to the National Prosecutions Office before being arraigned in court,’ he said.

The East African Business Council (EABC) and the Kenyan Consulate in Arusha have pledged closer cooperation to promote trade, investment, and regional integration within the East African Community (EAC).

The commitment emerged during talks between EABC chief executive officer Ahmed Farah and Kenya’s Consul in Arusha, Mr Mohamed Ruwange.

According to a statement issued by EABC on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Mr Ruwange reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to working with the private sector to advance the EAC integration agenda and improve the ease of doing business across the region. He commended the resolutions of the 25th EAC Heads of State Summit, particularly directives aimed at accelerating economic growth and prosperity through the free movement of goods, services, capital and people.

Mr Ruwange also praised EABC’s role in advocating barrier-free regional trade and called for stronger collaboration to identify and address challenges affecting cross-border commerce, especially at the Namanga border between Tanzania’s Arusha Region and Kenya’s Kajiado County.

For his part, Mr Farah said the EAC integration process remains market-driven and citizen-centred, underscoring the private sector’s role in deepening regional economic cooperation.

He reaffirmed EABC’s commitment to reducing barriers to trade and investment in support of the EAC Heads of State’s target of increasing intra-EAC trade from the current 12.3 percent to 40 percent by 2030.

Mr Farah said EABC continues to monitor and report non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and is preparing to launch a digital platform aimed at improving the regional business environment.

He also highlighted preparations for the East Africa CEO and Investment Forum, scheduled for September 17-18, 2026, in Kenya.

The forum is expected to bring together business leaders, investors and policymakers from across the region to facilitate investment deals, strategic partnerships and business networking opportunities.

It will also feature the launch of the EABC Trade and Investment Performance Report.

The meeting forms part of EABC’s broader strategy of engaging EAC member states’ consulates based in Arusha and establishing a collaborative framework to strengthen intra-regional trade and investment.

Also attending the meeting were Kenya’s Second Secretary, Rolyne Kendi Mworia, Economic Affairs Adviser Richard Kinyanyi, and EABC representatives Patrick Moshi, Hidaya Mkwizu and Amoniche Mlelwa.

Other EAC member-state consulates represented in Arusha include those of Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS has urged the government to consider upgrading Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH), currently a zonal referral facility, to national hospital status.

This is not the first time legislators have made the call, citing specialised services already being offered at the hospital, including advanced medical care.

The committee chairperson, Dr Johannes Lukumay, made the call on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during the tour of the hospital. He said members were satisfied with the hospital’s progress in providing 20 specialist services and 17 super-specialist services, including bone marrow transplants for children with sickle cell disease and kidney transplants, arguing that the level of care justifies its elevation to national status.

Dr Lukumay said such an upgrade would expand access to services that many Tanzanians currently seek abroad at high cost.

He also urged the government to strengthen universal health insurance coverage and invest in local pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturing to reduce treatment costs.

‘We commend the government. The direction in the health sector is now to establish local factories for the production of medicines and medical equipment to reduce dependence on imports. These industries will also create jobs for young people, boost the economy, and lower treatment costs,’ said Dr Lukumay.

On universal health coverage, he said it would ensure all groups in society have access to healthcare, particularly for high-cost conditions such as sickle cell, kidney, heart, diabetes, and orthopaedic conditions.

Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Florence Samizi, said the ministry will ensure the timely completion of the Cancer Excellence and Training Centre at BMH, being constructed for Sh32 billion, and the installation of equipment to enable specialised cancer services across all zones in the country.

Earlier, BMH Executive Director, Prof Abel Makubi, said 60 percent of the 20 specialist services and 17 super-specialist services have already been introduced, following significant government investment in strengthening patient-centred care.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has launched an Electronic Matching System (EMS) for the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market (IFEM), a move expected to enhance transparency, efficiency and price discovery in the country’s foreign exchange market.

The new platform replaces a largely manual process under which commercial banks spent hours negotiating foreign currency transactions, matching buyers with sellers and agreeing exchange rates before trades could be completed.

As the world counts down to the kick-off of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of Dar es Salaam’s leading entertainment hubs, KWG, has completed major preparations to welcome football fans set to follow the tournament in a unique and immersive setting.

From food and beverages to entertainment and match-viewing infrastructure, everything has been carefully put in place to ensure fans enjoy a premium experience throughout the month-long competition, which is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide.

The 2026 World Cup is already being billed as historic, as it will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will feature more teams than ever before in the tournament’s history. In response to the scale of the event, KWG has stepped up its preparations, aiming to provide football lovers with the best possible environment to follow every match from the group stages through to the final.

A key focus has been placed on food service, with kitchen teams preparing a wide-ranging menu designed to cater for the diverse tastes of visitors expected across its outlets during the tournament.

At the same time, the bar section has been upgraded with an expanded selection of beverages, offering fans a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere as they enjoy live action from stadiums around the world.

To ensure the entertainment does not stop after the 90 minutes on the pitch, KWG has lined up DJs and curated music programmes to keep the energy alive before kick-off, during half-time and after matches.

The preparations also include significant investment in live broadcast equipment, with more than 100 screens installed across its branches to guarantee clear and uninterrupted viewing for every customer.

The expansion of screens is expected to ease congestion during high-profile fixtures involving global football giants such as Brazil, Argentina, England, France, Germany and Spain.

KWG has also strengthened its customer service operations, training additional staff to ensure efficient service delivery despite the anticipated surge in fans throughout the tournament period.

Its branches in Mlimani City, Masaki, Mikocheni and Coco Beach are expected to become key meeting points for football fans across Dar es Salaam, offering a shared, high-energy viewing experience.

The World Cup opening festivities are scheduled to begin at 8:30pm East African Time at the Estadio Azteca, featuring international performers ahead of the opening match.

The celebrations will run for approximately 90 minutes before Mexico face South Africa in the tournament opener, kicking off at 10:00pm local time.

Several people narrowly escaped death after a B One Coach bus caught fire following an accident in Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region.

Acting Kilimanjaro Regional Fire and Rescue Force commander Jeremiah Mkomagi confirmed the incident, saying it occurred on the night of Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in the Rosinde area of Romu Ward, Hai District.

Mr Mkomagi, said the accident was caused by a burst tyre on the right side of the bus’s rear axle, which ruptured the fuel tank and triggered the fire. According to Mr Mkomagi, the bus was carrying 23 passengers and three crew members, but no injuries or deaths were reported.

However, he said none of the passengers managed to salvage their belongings as the fire destroyed all property inside the vehicle.

‘At around 4:41 am, the Fire and Rescue Force at Hai Station received reports of a fire involving a passenger bus belonging to B One Coach Company. Officers arrived at the scene and found the bus engulfed in flames before successfully extinguishing the fire,’ said Mr Mkomagi.

He said the losses resulting from the accident included the destruction of the bus and the passengers’ luggage inside the vehicle.

‘The force continues to educate motor vehicle owners on taking precautions against fire outbreaks, conducting regular vehicle inspections, and reporting incidents early to the Fire and Rescue Force through emergency number 114,’ said Mr Mkomagi.