Category: The Citizen

Dodoma. Government has directed Regional, District Security and Defence Committees to ensure all buyers with outstanding debts to coffee farmers and other crops are barred from participating in crop purchasing next season, a measure aimed at protecting farmers’ interests and eliminating payment disputes in the sector.

Speaking on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at a coffee-sector meeting held in Dodoma Minister of Agriculture, Mr Daniel Chongolo, said the government will not issue licences to any buyer who has not paid farmers debts. He said the Cooperative-Development Commission together with Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) should take action against individuals or associations causing payment disputes to farmers in order to strengthen transparency and trust in coffee business.

Mr Chongolo said the government has received reports of success in controlling smuggling of crops from Misenyi and Kyerwa districts and congratulated leaders of those areas for good management of farmers’ crops. He said coffee has continued to be one of important commercial crops in the country earning Tanzania more than $400 million last year and becoming second crop in foreign exchange earnings after tobacco.

The minister said coffee demand in world market continues to increase, while Tanzania continues building reputation of producing high quality coffee with strong international competitiveness. He emphasized importance of increasing production alongside coffee quality through the use of quality seedlings, strengthening extension services, and investment in coffee-processing to add value before trading in both domestic and international market.

“We do not want to see extension officer without knowledge behind farmers. We need experts with ability to help farmers use technology and modern methods,” he said.

In another development, TCB in collaboration with PASS Trust have launched Fertiliser-Loan Guarantee Scheme (FCGS) for coffee farmers aimed at facilitating access to inputs and increasing production of the crop programme scheme. PASS Trust Director of Business Development, Mr Adam Kamanda, said institutions have invested a total of Sh12 billion in that programme where TCB contributed Sh6 billion and PASS Trust same amount He said funds will be used as loan guarantee for farmers and expected to enable provision of fertiliser loans worth more than Sh75 billion annually.

“This programme aims to remove obstacles facing farmers in accessing inputs on time and increasing productivity in coffee production,” said Mr Kamanda. On her part TCB Chairperson of Board of Directors, Ms Prof Aurelia Kamuzora, said stakeholders in that sector discussed various issues including market access, production of quality seedlings, youth and women participation, as well as monitoring of coffee crop development plan.

He said Tanzania aims to reach production of 300,000 tonnes of coffee per year from 86,000 tonnes currently through ongoing improvements in the sector. Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairperson on Industries, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock, Mr Khalid Nsekela, said achievements of coffee sector should not be measured only by increase in production, but by how they improve lives of farmers and increase competitiveness of Tanzanian coffee in the world market.

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It’s clear this guy who has just joined me at my table knows me better than I know him because he called my name after saying hi. I soon learn he’s called Dennis.

I’m a typical M’bongo who subscribes to the creed instilled unto us by Mwalimu Nyerere: all human beings are my kin, and Africa (read Bongo) is one. I offer Dennis a “welcome drink”, and we’re soon conversing on numerous topics until we navigate into family matters.

At some point, he declares: “I’ve vowed never to marry againnever!” he says, his face a picture of hurt. “Why?” I ask and add before he has answered: “That’s a very drastic decision and how come you’re using the word ‘again’ like you’re a divorcee?” “Yes, I had a wife, but what she did to me was terrible; unforgivable I now know women are bad by their very nature,” says Dennis.

This sounds interesting, I say to myself. A once-married man describing womenthe whole lot of them as naturally bad? I ask him to explain, and he gives a long, detailed story of how his wife moved to bewitch him.

Imbibing the second beer that I had unconsciously offered him, he narrates: “You see, I used to hold the job of a driver-mechanic attached to a senior government official. Now my wife’s evil friends advised her to get the services of a powerful witchdoctor based in Bagamoyo.

” The mganga, they told her, could fix me so I would have neither the desire nor the capacity to do anything with any woman other than her!” He tells me he got the details of his wife’s machinations from one of the very friends who gave her directions to the Bagamoyo witch doctor. “One day I arrived home unannounced at 8pm–my boss having cancelled an upcountry trip–and when I neared my house, I peeped through the sitting room window of our semi-finished house and saw a man in boxers and a singlet, seated on my favourite couch, with a slaughtered black cat and some witch doctor’s paraphernalia on the floor,” he says.

He entered the house quietly through the back door, rushed to the sitting room and attacked the mganga viciously. His wife, who was “poorly dressed”, fainted and was crushed to the floor after he beat her mganga to near-death.

Dennis says he helped the mganga to his feet, and dragged him to the door, pushed him out and let him flee into the dark night. “I didn’t want him to die in my house,” says Dennis, as he hails a barmaid to bring us a round.

He returned to look at his wife, still unconscious, he says, adding. “I checked her breathing and concluded she was alive, then I walked to the nearby grocery and started to drink afresh,” he says.

He informs me the wife has since vanished, together with her child whose father he doesn’t know. When I return from the gents, I find Dennis polishing off his beer.

He then excuses himself, saying a client has called him from his garage. When I’m ready to leave, I demand my bill.

I’m told it’s Sh12,000. It means Dennis didn’t pay for the round he ordered! When I express my disappointment to our mhudumu, a guy at a nearby table asks, “Kwani, bro, what story was Dennis telling youI saw you listening to him keenly.” When I brief him, he laughs and says, “It was all fiction Dennis tells that same story to any patron who cares to listenand he often earns free beers for it.

” Oh, Bongo, my beloved country; I say to myself as I part with my hard-earned twelve thou and leave! .

Jua Kali represents what I consider to be the very definition of a properly executed film. It excels at showing rather than telling, serving as a masterclass in visual storytelling and impeccable pacing.

Don’t get me wrong, this is a short film operating within a limited runtime, but it uses every second with purpose. From the editing and deliberate pacing to the cinematography and composition, every element works together to build a rich, immersive world.

Rather than simply presenting a plot, director Joash Omondi pulls the audience into an experience. What emerges is a piece of cinema that doesn’t feel like a story trying to tell you a story.

Instead, it invites you to inhabit its world, allowing you to absorb events naturally as they unfold. There is no exposition dumping.

Nobody pauses mid-scene to explain what is happening or who a character is. The film trusts its audience to observe, interpret and connect the dots.

At its core, the story is deceptively simple, following a day in the life of Diana, a Nairobi domestic worker. Yet beneath that simplicity lies something far more profound.

While Jua Kali is undeniably Kenyan in its setting, its themes resonate far beyond Nairobi. Watching it as an East African viewer, it quickly becomes clear that this is not simply a Kenyan story.

It is a story about labour, dignity, resilience and survival, experiences that are instantly recognisable across the region. Whether in Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Kigali or Mombasa, Diana’s world feels familiar.

Across East Africa, domestic workers, cleaners, security guards, street vendors and countless informal labourers form the backbone of urban life. They wake before dawn, endure long commutes, work exhausting hours and often receive little recognition for their contribution to the cities they help sustain.

Jua Kali shines a light on these realities without ever turning them into a lecture. The film contains social and political commentary, but its message is seamlessly woven into the fabric of everyday life.

There is no preaching, no overt attempt to steer the audience towards a particular conclusion. Instead, the commentary emerges organically through the environment, the characters and the situations they navigate.

That authenticity is one of the film’s greatest strengths. There is so much that East African audiences will recognise, from the casual conversations and workplace dynamics to the small, everyday interactions that shape urban life.

At no point does the film stop to explain itself or announce its intentions. It simply presents a world that feels lived-in and real.

Beyond its narrative strengths, the technical execution is equally impressive. The sound design is remarkably intentional, particularly in its strategic use of silence.

When certain sounds do emerge, they carry greater emotional and narrative weight because sound is treated as an active storytelling device rather than mere background noise. The cinematography displays similar discipline.

Ordinary spaces and mundane objects are framed with care and purpose, giving them unexpected cinematic significance. When Omondi chooses to linger on a moment, the extended duration allows its emotional weight to settle naturally.

Perhaps this cohesion is no accident. Omondi not only wrote and directed the film but also edited it and composed its score.

That singular creative vision is evident throughout the production, resulting in a film whose visual rhythm, soundscape and storytelling feel perfectly aligned. In the end, Jua Kali is a remarkable short film and a testament to the power of understated storytelling.

It is visually rich, technically accomplished, socially relevant and emotionally resonant. More importantly, it respects the intelligence of its audience.

As East African cinema continues to gain international recognition, Jua Kali stands as an example of the stories that deserve to be told. It is deeply local without being confined by geography.

While Diana’s journey unfolds in Nairobi, the emotions, struggles and dignity at the heart of her story belong to the entire region. That is what makes Jua Kali such a compelling piece of cinema.

It reminds us that the most powerful stories are often the ones hiding in plain sight. .

In an era increasingly defined by economic competition, technological disruption and cultural influence, the most successful nations are no longer merely those endowed with abundant natural resources, but those capable of transforming their cultural heritage into strategic capital for sustainable development. Tanzania stands uniquely positioned in this global landscape through Kiswahili, a language that has evolved beyond communication into a powerful instrument of national unity, African identity and international influence.

Today, Kiswahili represents a unique linguistic legacy. It is a key economic asset with the huge potential to accelerate Tanzania’s socio-economic transformation, deepen cultural diplomacy, expand employment opportunities for youth, empower women and rapidly strengthen the country’s growing tourism sector.

According to UNESCO estimates, Kiswahili is spoken by about 200 million people globally, making it one of the most influential African languages in the modern world. It has already attained official language status within the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

This recognition places Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and Tanzania in an exceptional position to transform this linguistic heritage into a globally competitive economic and diplomatic resource. UNESCO’s formal recognition of Kiswahili as one of its official working languages marked a historic milestone for Tanzania and Africa as a whole.

The decision elevated the status of the language within international education systems, academic scholarship, translation services, publishing industries, media networks and digital technologies. Increasingly, international organisations, multinational technology companies and digital communication platforms are seeking Kiswahili experts to expand their engagement with East and Central African markets.

Within the rapidly evolving global knowledge economy, Kiswahili could emerge as a key driver of the creative industries. Tanzania now possesses a rare opportunity to position itself as the global hub of Kiswahili cultural content through music, cinema, literature, Swahili cultural festivals, podcasts, digital storytelling and creative media production.

The remarkable expansion of Bongo flava, Swahili cinema and performance arts has already generated employment for thousands of young Tanzanians in audio production, videography, scriptwriting, digital marketing, photography, event management and online content creation. Ladies and gentlemen, we can do much more! Women, in particular, remain at the heart of preserving and advancing Swahili cultural heritage.

Across Tanzania’s coastal communities, women continue to drive economic activities linked to traditional crafts, fashion design, culinary arts, storytelling, seaweed farming and community tourism enterprises. Their growing participation demonstrates how culture can become an effective mechanism for economic empowerment, poverty reduction and inclusive development when supported through targeted investment, access to patient capital and finance and effective and creative institutional partnerships.

Equally significant is the role Kiswahili can and should play in addressing youth unemployment, one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges facing Africa today. The rise of artificial intelligence, digital communication systems, online education and multilingual technologies has sharply increased demand for Kiswahili translators, digital content creators, language trainers and cultural consultants.

Tanzania has a strategic opportunity to establish itself as the global centre for Kiswahili learning, research and digital innovation. This emerging ecosystem could generate thousands of new jobs across tourism, education, fashion, gastronomy, publishing, technology and international media industries.

More importantly, it would position Tanzania as the principal custodian and exporter of Swahili cultural capital to the world. Tanzania, through a public, private and community partnership (PPCP) led by the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), Umoja Conservation Trust (UCT), National Arts and Culture Council (Basata), National Council of Sports (BMT), Tanzania Kiswahili Council (Bakita), National Environment Management Council (NEMC) and Glow Consulting Services, now has a fantastic opportunity to position Kiswahili culture as Africa’s next major cultural export.

Through music, literature, cinema, fashion, poetry, arts and cultural galleries, a national cultural troupe, gastronomy and international cultural festivals. This unique and strategic PPCP will significantly increase tourism revenues, attract foreign investment and elevate Tanzania’s international cultural and sustainability visibility.

However, realising this vision will require deliberate, urgent, national strategies and sustained investment. Key government institutions, private sector stakeholders and academic institutions must collaborate to strengthen and reposition Swahili conservation, Kiswahili education, language technology, cultural preservation and tourism infrastructure.

Government alone will not be able to succeed. Young people, starting with journalists, writers and environmentalists must be equipped with digital and creative skills (including conservation education) that will enable them to transform Tanzania’s cultural heritage into sustainable economic dividend within an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Looking ahead, Kiswahili possesses huge potential to become one of Africa’s defining pillars of the knowledge economy, cultural conservation and creative economy. As the world increasingly seeks authentic cultural narratives and diverse linguistic identities, Tanzania is uniquely positioned to lead through a language, culture and civilisation that already unites millions across the continent.

Indeed, Kiswahili is not just a historical inheritance; it is a unique conservation pillar and economic asset for the current and future generations. It is a harvest of the Union capable of transforming the United Republic of Tanzania into a continental centre of cultural diplomacy, cultural conservation, creative enterprise, women’s empowerment, youth employment and sustainable development in the 21st century.

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Dar es Salaam. A Tanzanian musician based in Switzerland is pushing Bongo Flava onto the international stage after independently producing and releasing a 16-track album that blends Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, Reggae and electronic sounds, with songs performed in both English and Kiswahili.

Muchi Melo, a singer, songwriter and producer originally from Tanzania, released his latest album MASAKIE on May 15, positioning it as a bold effort to take Bongo Flava beyond its traditional borders while staying firmly rooted in African identity. Unlike many contemporary projects that rely on multiple collaborators, Muchi Melo took full creative control of the album, writing, producing and performing all 16 tracks himself in a move that highlights his artistic independence and ambition.

Speaking to The Beat, Mello who was raised in Dar es Salaam and originates from Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro region, said the project was driven by a desire to elevate Tanzanian sound globally while remaining authentic to his roots. “MASAKIE is my way of showing that Bongo Flava can travel anywhere in the world without losing its identity.

I wanted to carry Tanzania with me in every sound,” he said. He added that working independently came with challenges but also gave him full artistic freedom.

“Doing everything myself was not easy, but it allowed me to express exactly what I feel without compromise. This album is 100 percent me,” he told The Beat.

“The creation of MASAKIE represents six months of intense dedication, creativity and hard work,” the artist said in a statement, underscoring the personal investment behind the project. The album moves across genres with ease, weaving together African rhythms and global urban sounds, while also reflecting the artist’s bilingual approach, switching between Kiswahili and English to widen its reach and connect with diverse audiences.

Since its release, MASAKIE has been gaining traction on streaming platforms and social media, with listeners across different countries responding positively, helping to steadily raise Muchi Melo’s international profile. He also noted that living in Switzerland has influenced his sound and perspective.

“Being outside Tanzania has opened my mind musically, but my heart is still in Bongo Flava. I represent Tanzania in everything I do,” he told The Beat.

Although now based in Switzerland, the artist continues to carry his Tanzanian musical identity at the centre of his work, deliberately pushing Bongo Flava into new markets through a global sound that remains anchored in its East African roots. .

Dodoma. Members of Parliament (MPs) have been signing attendance registers on behalf of colleagues and travelling without authorisation have prompted National Assembly Speaker, Mr Mussa Azzan Zungu, to issue a stern warning, while directing the House Clerk to seek explanations from legislators who travelled to Morocco.

He also urged Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, to stop allowing both ministers and their deputies from the same ministry to be away from Parliament simultaneously on official trips, insisting that at least one of them must remain in the House to follow proceedings. Mr Zungu, who is also the CCM legislator for Ilala Constituency, issued the directive in Parliament on Friday, June 5, 2026, instructing Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Baraka Leonard, to write to MPs who travelled to Morocco and require them to provide explanations within four days.

Several MPs and ministers were reportedly seen in Morocco, where they had travelled to watch Tanzania’s Under-17 national football team, the Serengeti Boys, take on Senegal in the final. The match was played on the night of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with Senegal emerging 4-3 winners on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in official regulation time.

Reports, however, indicate that some MPs and ministers were seen outside the stadium during the match, suggesting they may not have travelled solely to watch the final and could have been engaged in other activities. Speaking after Question and Answers session, Speaker Zungu said absenteeism in Parliament had become widespread.

“Clerk, I direct you to immediately write letters to MPs who travelled to Morocco without the Speaker’s permission and require them to explain themselves. Their responses must reach us within four days from today,” said Mr Zungu.

The Speaker said absenteeism had taken various forms, including MPs asking colleagues to sign attendance registers on their behalf to create the impression that they had attended parliamentary sittings when they had not. “A practice has recently emerged whereby an MP does not come to Parliament but asks another MP to sign for them.

This is unacceptable. From now on, we will closely monitor this because we have a system capable of identifying who was absent and who signed on their behalf.

Both individuals will be held accountable,” he said. Mr Zungu also revealed that some MPs seek permission from his office to travel to their constituencies but instead leave the country, a practice he described as dangerous.

He said Parliament has a monitoring system capable of determining whether an MP is in their constituency or outside the country and can even identify the country where they are located, regardless of whether their phone is switched off. The Speaker called on the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Ms Angellah Kairuki, to assist in addressing the matter, saying all travel must comply with established procedures and regulations.

He said it was embarrassing for Parliament and disappointing for voters when their representatives fail to attend parliamentary proceedings without valid reasons, noting that some MPs remain absent despite being in Dodoma. “But ministers are also leaving together.

I know they have permission, but Prime Minister, these officials should not all be granted travel permits at the same time. If the minister leaves, the deputy minister should remain in Parliament.

They should not both be absent,” said Mr Zungu. Before the Speaker made the remarks, Dr Mwigulu, while responding to a question, had instructed MPs and ministers to ensure they are present on June 11, 2026, when the government presents its 2026/27 budget.

Stakeholders weigh in The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, spoke to various stakeholders regarding the concerns raised by Mr Zungu over absenteeism in Parliament. Former MP, Ms Ferister Njawu said it was shameful for legislators who sought office from voters to be labelled absent and fail to attend parliamentary sessions.

Ms Njawu acknowledged that absenteeism among MPs is not a new phenomenon but stressed that anyone genuinely committed to representing constituents and raising their concerns must consistently participate in parliamentary proceedings. “Regarding the Morocco trip, I think they also made a mistake, although perhaps the decision was driven by excitement over watching the young players.

However, I do not agree with the practice mentioned by the Speaker, where people seek permission to travel to their constituencies, but instead leave the country. What would happen if something happened to them while abroad?” she asked.

Lawyer Godfrey Wasonga said the problem stems from weaknesses in parliamentary rules, which he argued do not provide the Speaker with sufficient authority to make decisive rulings while strengthening one side and limiting the other. Mr Wasonga said the Parliamentary Standing Orders and the Constitution should grant citizens broader powers to hold absentee MPs accountable rather than leaving such matters solely in the hands of political parties.

A parliamentary staff member who requested anonymity said Rule 167 of the National Assembly Standing Orders outlines the conditions under which MPs may be granted permission to travel or remain away from Parliament. “In subsection five of that rule, it is stated that, for the purposes of subsection four, permission shall be granted through parliamentary offices in Dodoma, Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar,” the official said.

Subsection four states that any MP unable to attend parliamentary sittings or committee meetings for specific reasons must obtain permission from the Speaker, while subsection three provides that any MP who misses half of a session’s sittings without valid reasons shall receive a warning. However, the official said that, based on his experience dating back to the Ninth Parliament under former Speaker Samuel Sitta, the current 13th Parliament has recorded the highest levels of absenteeism despite still being in the early stages of its tenure.

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Arusha. The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) has ordered the Tanzania government to amend its Penal Code and abolish the mandatory death penalty for persons convicted of murder.

The ruling targets Section 197 of Tanzania’s Penal Code, which currently prescribes only one punishment for murder, death by hanging, with no alternative sentence available to judges. The Court held that the mandatory imposition of the death penalty violates fundamental human rights, including the right to life, as protected under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, a treaty ratified by Tanzania.

The decision was delivered on Friday, June 5, 2026, by a panel of eight judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, led by President Blaise Tchikaya and Vice-President Chafika Bensaoula. The ruling arose from three separate cases involving seven death-row inmates convicted of murder and awaiting execution in different prisons across Tanzania.

The applicants argued that Tanzania had violated several of their fundamental rights, including the rights to life, human dignity, a fair trial, legal representation and a hearing within a reasonable time. Chacha Jeremiah case In the first case, Chacha Jeremiah, Methew Jeremiah Daud and Paschal Ligoye Mashiku, who were serving death sentences at Butimba Central Prison in Mwanza, filed joined Applications Nos.

039/2019, 040/2019 and 041/2019 before the African Court. The three applicants sought recognition that their rights had been violated and requested compensation of $10,000 each, alongside other remedies, including release from prison.

They argued that both the mandatory death sentence and execution by hanging violated their rights to life and human dignity under Articles 4 and 5 of the African Charter. They further contended that the mandatory nature of the sentence deprived judges of the discretion to consider the individual circumstances of an offender and the specific facts of a case before imposing punishment.

After reviewing the matter, the Court agreed with their arguments, ruling that mandatory death sentences violate the right to due process because they remove judicial discretion in sentencing. The Court also found that hanging as the sole method of execution violates the right to human dignity.

As a result, the Court ordered Tanzania to abolish the mandatory death penalty from its laws, remove hanging as a method of execution, set aside the applicants’ death sentences and remove them from death row. The Court further directed Tanzanian authorities to conduct fresh sentencing hearings that allow judges to exercise discretion when determining punishment.

Each applicant was also awarded Sh100,000 in compensation for moral damages resulting from the violations. Godfrey Gabinus Ndimba case In the second case, Application No.

056/2019, Mr Godfrey Gabinus Ndimba, and two co-applicants, who were being held at Lindi District Prison awaiting execution, challenged the conduct of their criminal proceedings and the mandatory death sentences imposed on them. Among their complaints were the mandatory nature of the death penalty and the use of hanging as the means of execution.

The African Court ruled that mandatory death sentences violate Article 4 of the African Charter, which protects the right to life. It further found that execution by hanging violates Article 5 of the Charter, which guarantees respect for human dignity.

The Court consequently ordered Tanzania to quash the applicants’ death sentences, remove them from death row, amend its laws to eliminate mandatory death sentences and hanging, and conduct fresh sentencing proceedings that permit judicial discretion. Each applicant was awarded Sh300,000 in compensation for moral damages.

Masudi Said Selemani case In the third case, Application No. 042/2019, Mr Masudi Said Selemani, who was serving a death sentence at Lilungu Central Prison in Mtwara, challenged both his sentence and the manner in which it was to be carried out.

Mr Selemani argued that being sentenced to death without the sentencing judge having an opportunity to consider the circumstances of his case violated his right to life. He also maintained that the prolonged period spent on death row, combined with hanging as the method of execution, violated his right to human dignity.

The Court agreed, finding that the mandatory death penalty breaches Article 4 of the African Charter, while both hanging and prolonged detention on death row violate Article 5. The Court ordered Tanzania to remove the mandatory death penalty and hanging from its legal framework, overturn Mr Selemani’s death sentence, remove him from death row and conduct a new sentencing hearing that allows the judge to exercise discretion.

He was also awarded Sh300,000 in compensation for moral damages. Court directives to Tanzania In all three judgments, the African Court emphasised that Tanzania must take all necessary measures, without delay, to amend its laws and abolish both the mandatory death penalty and hanging as a method of execution.

The Court further ordered that the judgments be published on the websites of the Tanzanian Judiciary and the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs within three months. The government was also directed to submit reports to the African Court detailing the steps taken to implement the rulings.

Speaking after the judgment, counsel for the applicants, Mr Emmanuel Sood, said the Court dismissed several of the remedies sought by his clients, including their request for $10,000 in compensation and their plea for immediate release from prison. However, he welcomed the Court’s decision to grant what he described as the most significant relief sought in the cases.

“The major outcome is the Court’s order requiring Tanzania to abolish the mandatory death penalty and remove hanging as a method of execution. We believe this is a matter that the government will now be compelled to address,” said Mr Sood.

He said the judgments are expected to intensify pressure on the government to align its criminal justice system with evolving regional and international human rights standards. .

Arusha. The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Arusha Region is holding a 48-year-old man, Mr Ashley Said Babu Mrangi, on allegations of impersonating a PCCB officer and using the false identity to unlawfully obtain personal benefits.

Confirming the incident on Friday, June 5, 2026, Arusha Regional PCCB Commander, Ms Zawadi Ngailo, said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday, June 3 at Briston Hotel in Arusha following a carefully planned operation conducted by PCCB officers with the assistance of members of the public. Ms Ngailo said the offence of impersonating a PCCB officer is contrary to Section 36 of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act, Chapter 329, Revised Edition 2023. According to the commander, PCCB had received information indicating that Mr Mrangi had, on several occasions and in different locations, introduced himself to members of the public as a PCCB officer.

He allegedly used the claim to convince individuals that he had the ability to influence or interfere with investigations being conducted by the anti-corruption agency. “The latest report involved a resident of Arusha who was under investigation by PCCB.

The suspect approached the individual and falsely presented himself as a PCCB officer,” said the regional PCCB chief. She explained that Mr Mrangi allegedly informed the individual that he was aware of the allegations being investigated by PCCB and offered to help ensure that the matter would not proceed further.

“In addition to promising to interfere with the investigation, he assured the complainant that he could assist in recovering property that had been seized as part of an ongoing PCCB investigation,” she added. Following the reports, PCCB organised a covert operation that led to the suspect’s arrest.

“Our officers apprehended him at Briston Hotel in Arusha while he was waiting for the complainant, as previously arranged, to discuss further steps and obtain benefits from the scheme,” said Commander Ngailo. The PCCB commander further revealed that investigations have uncovered indications that the suspect may have been working with certain dishonest officials from public institutions and law enforcement agencies, raising concerns about possible attempts to tarnish the image and reputation of the anti-corruption body.

“Investigations are continuing to identify any other individuals who may have participated in or benefited from these activities, as well as to establish how the suspect obtained confidential information relating to ongoing investigations,” she said. Furthermore, Ms Ngailo said that PCCB is finalising investigations and other legal procedures before presenting the suspect before court to answer the charges against him.

Meanwhile, she urged the public to remain vigilant against individuals who falsely claim to be PCCB officers or public servants in order to solicit money or other benefits. She also encouraged citizens to report such incidents immediately so that swift legal action can be taken.

“I assure the public that we will continue working closely with citizens in the fight against corruption and all forms of fraud that undermine the rule of law. Members of the public can visit any PCCB office across the country or use the toll-free number 113 to report such incidents,” she said.

Commenting on the arrest, Arusha resident, Ms Elizabeth Joseph, welcomed the move, saying it would help reduce the growing number of fraudsters operating in the city. “Many people today are looking for ways to make money, regardless of whether the means are legal or illegal.

PCCB’s decision to crack down on such individuals will help reduce these fraudulent activities and encourage people to seek legitimate sources of income,” she said. .

Zanzibar. For thousands of Tanzanians living abroad, the dream of owning a home in their homeland has often been hindered by financing challenges, limited access to mortgage products and concerns about managing investments from afar.

A new partnership between Tanzania Commercial Bank (TCB) and CPS Africa, the developer of Fumba Town in Zanzibar, is seeking to change that reality by providing diaspora Tanzanians with easier access to home financing and real estate investment opportunities. The two institutions recently signed a strategic agreement aimed at expanding property ownership among Tanzanians living abroad and international investors through tailored mortgage financing solutions.

The partnership allows eligible customers to access TCB’s Nyumbani Mortgage facility to purchase residential properties within Fumba Town, one of East Africa’s most ambitious urban developments. The financing package offers mortgage with competitive interest rates, repayment periods of up to 20 years, financing in both Tanzanian shillings and US dollars, remote application capabilities and dedicated relationship managers to support customers throughout the homeownership journey.

Speaking after witnessing the signing ceremony, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mbelwa Kairuki, described the agreement as a major opportunity for diaspora Tanzanians seeking to invest in property back home. “The project is located within free economic zone, which means that even diaspora members who hold citizenship of other countries can purchase property in the area and make investments,” he said.

He urged Tanzanians abroad to take advantage of the opportunity, noting Zanzibar’s growing tourism sector and rising demand for accommodation. “I would like to encourage diaspora Tanzanians who wish to own a home in Zanzibar–whether for personal use or as an investment–to take advantage of this opportunity because demand is high.

The government’s goal is to increase the number of tourists, and this will create significant demand for accommodation,” Ambassador Kairuki said. The development comes as Tanzania intensifies efforts to harness diaspora investment as a driver of economic growth.

TCB’s Diaspora Banking service, launched in December 2024, has already attracted more than 700 account holders across key markets, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Southern Africa, Germany, Netherlands and Canada. According to the bank, it has facilitated over Sh80 billion in remittance inflows through more than 95,000 transactions while disbursing more than Sh8 billion in diaspora mortgage financing.

TCB Director of Retail and SME Banking, Lilian Mtali, said the collaboration responds to growing demand among Tanzanians abroad for secure and professionally managed real estate investment opportunities. “Beyond financing, we are providing peace of mind.

Customers will have access to a trusted banking partner and a world-class development offering modern infrastructure, sustainability and strong long-term investment potential,” she said. Meanwhile, TCB’s Head of Premier and Diaspora Banking, Mercy Nkini, called for stronger collaboration among institutions serving Tanzanians abroad to ensure the development of supportive policies and systems.

“As stakeholders serving the diaspora community, we need to strengthen our collaboration so that we can speak with one voice and deliver a consistent message. This will help the authorities responsible for diaspora affairs develop more supportive systems and diaspora-friendly policies,” she said.

She also encouraged diaspora Tanzanians to actively participate in forums, conferences and stakeholder engagements to better understand available opportunities and provide feedback on services designed for them. Adding his voice to the partnership, CPS Africa Chief Executive Officer Sebastian Dietzold said the agreement aligns with Fumba Town’s vision of creating investment opportunities for Tanzanians while building a world-class city that welcomes residents and investors from across the region and beyond.

“We are delighted to partner with TCB Bank in expanding access to homeownership and investment opportunities within Fumba Town. Our vision has always been to build a world-class city that welcomes residents and investors from across Tanzania and around the world,” he said.

Mr Dietzold noted that the partnership will play an important role in attracting investment, creating jobs, supporting economic growth and strengthening Zanzibar’s position as a leading destination for sustainable living and international investment. He added that Fumba Town, located on Zanzibar’s scenic west coast, has emerged as a benchmark for sustainable urban development in Africa.

Designed as a mixed-use eco-city, the development combines residential, commercial, recreational and social infrastructure to create a vibrant and inclusive community. Industry observers say the partnership represents a significant step towards addressing one of the diaspora community’s longstanding challenges, accessing reliable financing and trusted property investment opportunities from abroad.

For many Tanzanians living overseas, the agreement signals a new dawn in their pursuit of homeownership, allowing them to invest confidently in their homeland while maintaining strong economic ties with Tanzania. .

Iringa. Residents of Maperamengi Village have raised concerns over persistent transport challenges that hinder access to administrative and social services due to the area’s geographical location.

Speaking on the matter on Friday, June 6, 2026, Migoli Ward Councillor, Ms Fatuma Moge, said residents are forced to cross the Mtera Dam by boat in order to access ward services, with some spending nights on the way before reaching the council headquarters at Ihemi. “We would like the village to be transferred to Bahi District in Dodoma Region so that residents can access services closer to their area,” said Ms Moge.

She added that during the harvest season, residents are compelled to transport their sesame produce to Bahi District instead of Iringa because of the difficulties involved in crossing the dam, which is also known for dangerous crocodiles. Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, supported the proposal to divide Iringa District Council and establish the Isimani Council to bring services closer to the people.

He said the geographical nature of the area requires the government to improve access to essential services by reducing travelling distances and transport costs for residents. The premier also directed all local government officials across the country to ensure they provide services fairly and without discrimination.

Speaking during his tour of Isimani Constituency in Iringa District on Friday, June 6, 2026, Dr Nchemba, said some public servants spend too much time on their mobile phones instead of attending to citizens waiting for services. At the same time, Isimani Constituency Member of Parliament, Ms Emmanuela Mtatifikolo, appealed to the Prime Minister to expedite the process of dividing Iringa District and establishing the Isimani Council to improve service delivery for residents.

Iringa Regional Commissioner, Mr Kheri James, also explained that the government is continuing with plans to divide Iringa District as part of wider efforts to bring development services closer to the people. .