Category: The Citizen

Job cuts have made things in newsrooms most difficult, with surviving scribblers mostly left to their own devices–or AI–to sort out goofs we’re all susceptible to. Since it’s hard for one to proofread one’s own work, we should all brace ourselves for harder times ahead.

Scribblers will, now and then, be exposed to ridicule, not because their mastery of English is bad, but because of constrained gate-keeping. Which is why we’ve to be excused for repeating this perennial advice of ours: Before you hand over your work to the next person in the production chain, read, and read, and read it again.

Having thus lectured (bah!), we’ll now proceed to do what this column is essentially all about, namely, sharing linguistic gems collected over the week. Here we go The Thursday, May 21 edition of Bongo’s huge and colourful broadsheet has a story on Page 3 entitled, ‘RC office photographer killed, 7 injured in Shinyanga road crash.

‘ Now, in Para 5, the scribbler writes: “According to the police commanderthe accident was caused by negligence on the part of the Toyota Harrier driver who was driving from Shinyanga to Tinde at high speed before ON HEAD collision with the press vehicle.” On head collision? No way! When vehicles crash against each other “face-to-face,” we call that a HEAD-ON collision.

Yes; not “on head” collision! Page 4 is coloured by a photo whose caption reads, “Musoma District Commissioner Juma Chikoka makes remarks at a MEETING of the Musoma Municipal Council MEETING held on Tuesday” Using the word “meeting” twice was unnecessary. Let’s offer a rewrite that’ll get rid of one: “Musoma DC Juma Chikoka makes remarks during a Musoma Municipal Council MEETING held on Tuesday” Page 9 is carrying two feature stories, one of which has a headline that reads, ‘Teacher-student relations are decisive in promoting EDUCATIONAL.

‘ What we’ve on this headline is, we aver, a case of absent-mindedness on the part of the gatekeeper who handled the article. Why? Because it is unlikely he doesn’t know the word “educational” is an adjective, not a noun, which is to say, it can’t end a sentence the way it has.

We aver he meant to write, “promoting EDUCATION.” Now let’s look at a story appearing on Page 2 of Bongo’s senior-most broadsheet of Saturday, May 23, whose headline reads, ‘National IDs centralised, MPs told.

‘ In this one, the scribbler, purporting to report on what the Home Affairs minister said, writes the following: “He said this while responding to a basic question by Mtoni MPwho wanted to know when the Government would begin printing national identity cards in Zanzibar SIMILAR to passports to improve accessibility.” When you say “printing national identity cards in Zanzibar SIMILAR to passports” is like saying there’s a need to print national IDs in Zanzibar that will look almost exactly like passports.

However, what the MP actually said is that there’s a need to print national IDS in Zanzibar, JUST LIKE authorities are currently printing passports there. Finally, a look at Page 15 of the esteemed broadsheet.

Here, there’s a story entitled, ‘What to expect from TACEC 2026.’ To the uninformed, by the way, TACEC is the acronym for Tanzania Annual Customer Experience event, whose 2026 edition is scheduled to take place on July 3. In the last-para-but 3, the scribbler writes: “However, the demographic breakdown of the respondents reveals that overper cent of the respondents were AGED between 18 TO 40 years old (sic!) with males constituting 52 per cent” Hello! We don’t say “between this TO that;” we say “between this AND that.

” Ah, this treacherous language called English! .

Dar es Salaam. Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has launched a new digital environmental monitoring platform, the Tanzania Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (TOCEMS), aimed at strengthening the country’s efforts to combat environmental pollution.

The system, developed by the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), was unveiled during celebrations marking the council’s 40th anniversary since its establishment in 1986. The event, held in Dar es Salaam, brought together government leaders, environmental experts, development partners and private sector stakeholders involved in environmental conservation. Dr Nchemba acknowledged that tackling environmental pollution remains a major challenge, but pledged full government support to strengthen NEMC’s capacity to enforce environmental laws and regulations effectively.

“I will personally ensure that NEMC becomes a stronger authority capable of taking firm action against environmental polluters,” he said. He also commended NEMC for its four decades of commitment to environmental protection, stressing that safeguarding the environment is essential for the survival of both humanity and other living species.

“A clean and safe environment is not optional. Without it, human beings and other species face serious risks of extinction,” he said.

Dr Nchemba warned that environmental degradation is no longer a distant threat but a reality already affecting communities across the country. “In the past, many people viewed environmental destruction as merely a theory, but today we are witnessing its real consequences.

Climate change and environmental degradation are realities that must not be taken lightly,” he said. He cited uncontrolled tree cutting, desertification, water shortages and declining rainfall as some of the visible impacts of environmental destruction.

“People cut down trees unnecessarily, leading to desertification, water scarcity and reduced rainfall. At the same time, competition for land use continues to increase due to rapid population growth and expanding economic activities,” he said.

He stressed the need for Tanzanians to adopt sustainable lifestyles and embrace environmental conservation measures before the situation worsens. “If we fail to change now, circumstances will eventually force us to change,” he warned.

The Prime Minister also revealed that the government, under President Hassan, has increased the agriculture budget more than fivefold to promote irrigation farming and reduce forest destruction caused by uncontrolled agricultural expansion. He noted that Tanzania’s population is projected to exceed 100 million within the next 30 years, making it necessary to strengthen environmental institutions such as NEMC to cope with increasing pressure on natural resources.

“NEMC must be empowered and strengthened to improve efficiency in environmental management as human activities continue to expand,” he said. He urged NEMC to intensify environmental education campaigns at family and community levels to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.

The celebrations also featured exhibitions showcasing various environmental initiatives and innovations. .

Dodoma. Tanzania has recorded concrete progress in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse following intensified nationwide enforcement operations and strengthened regulatory measures.

The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliamentary Affairs and Coordination), Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, told journalists in Dodoma on May 29, 2026, that the country’s anti-narcotics drive delivered measurable results in 2025 through enhanced implementation of national strategies aimed at reducing the supply and demand for illicit drugs, mitigating their social and health impacts, and strengthening cooperation at national, regional and international levels. He said authorities seized a total of 1,074.72 tonnes of narcotic drugs during operations conducted across various regions in 2025. The haul included 1,014.06 tonnes of cannabis, 26.36 tonnes of khat, 3.

20 tonnes of skunk cannabis and 29.52 tonnes of kratom, a newly identified psychoactive substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant. Prof Kabudi noted that although cannabis remained the most commonly seized drug, the volume confiscated fell by 55.97 per cent compared with 2024. He attributed the decline to the destruction of cannabis plantations in 2024, tighter enforcement measures, and expanded public awareness campaigns targeting cultivation communities.

He further disclosed that authorities intercepted a new narcotic substance, kratom, in Dar es Salaam, where 29.52 tonnes were seized after being imported disguised as fertiliser. Subsequent investigations confirmed the substance was a controlled narcotic.

Seizures of khat increased by 42.88 per cent compared with 2024, a rise the minister linked to strengthened surveillance and enforcement, particularly along border points and established trafficking routes. The government also stepped up inspections at customs checkpoints, transport terminals, courier services, and firms handling precursor chemicals and controlled medicines to prevent diversion into illicit markets.

As a result, authorities seized 31.76 tonnes and 183.5 litres of precursor chemicals, alongside 2.36 kilograms and 160 millilitres of controlled medicines.

On enforcement, Prof Kabudi said 1,124 drug-related cases were filed in courts in 2025, while 1,373 cases were concluded, with the State securing convictions in 1,058 cases. He added that assets worth more than Sh3.3 billion linked to drug offences were confiscated.

Beyond enforcement, the government expanded treatment and rehabilitation services for people affected by drug dependence. A total of 85,425 individuals received treatment through mental health units in regional and zonal referral hospitals, methadone-assisted treatment clinics, and sober houses nationwide in 2025. Public education campaigns were also intensified through community outreach programmes, schools, and media platforms, reaching an estimated 25 million people during the year.

Kabudi said Tanzania had strengthened cooperation with local and international partners through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint operations targeting trafficking networks. He said the government would continue working with stakeholders to eliminate drug trafficking and abuse, commending institutions involved in enforcement and rehabilitation efforts, and stressing that coordinated action remains central to sustained results.

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Dar es Salaam. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Tanzania has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with nine higher learning institutions aimed at strengthening graduate employability, practical skills development, innovation, and career readiness among young people across the country.

The agreements, signed on May 28, 2026 in Dar es Salaam, formalise and expand collaboration between UNDP Tanzania and the institutions through student-focused programmes, innovation initiatives, strategic dialogue, and enhanced institutional engagement. Speaking during the signing ceremony, UNDP Tanzania Resident Representative Shigeki Komatsubara said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparing young people for an increasingly dynamic and competitive global environment.

“The transition from university into the world beyond should not be left to chance. Young people should graduate not only with a degree, but with exposure, experience, and a clearer sense of direction,” he said.

He added that the partnership establishes a long-term framework designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and labour market realities, while strengthening pathways for young people to transition into employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles. The collaboration will be implemented under the UNDP Young Talent Development Programme, which brings together universities, development partners, and private sector actors to promote career readiness, mentorship, innovation, and practical learning opportunities for students and recent graduates.

The partner institutions include the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA), Arusha Technical College (ATC), St Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST). Through the agreement, UNDP Tanzania and the participating institutions will jointly implement career development initiatives, competency-based learning, mentorship programmes, innovation and entrepreneurship support, applied research, and enhanced engagement with employers and development partners.

The initiative also includes structured activities such as skills development workshops, internships, fellowships, innovation challenges, guest lectures, and professional networking opportunities for students and graduates. It further seeks to position higher learning institutions as active contributors to Tanzania’s development agenda through innovation, research, youth leadership, and practical solutions to national challenges.

Speaking on behalf of the participating institutions, Deputy Rector for Academic, Research and Consultancy at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA), Grace Temba, said the collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening links between universities and real-world opportunities. “As universities, we provide academic knowledge, but partnerships like this help connect students to practical experience, mentorship, and wider opportunities.

Those connections are vital in preparing young people for the future,” she said. According to available data, Tanzania produces nearly 60,000 graduates annually.

However, many continue to face challenges in transitioning into the labour market, largely due to mismatches between academic training and workplace demands, as well as limited direct linkages between universities and employers. .

The rhythmic Swahili Taarab gently plays as the dhow sails through the calm waves of the Indian Ocean as the sun sets. From the shaws of Stone Town in Zanzibar, these Swahili luxury dhow sails have become synonymous with curated tourism, a tourism innovation that blends the old taarab music with the local dhow sailing that has been practiced for centuries, only now that they are creatively fused to create unparalleled nautical tourism.

Abdillah Salim, the Mwana Unguja Dhow director, speaks of the two-year journey that has transformed the ordinary activity for the natives in Zanzibar into one of the most sought-after tourism experiences on the island. “The goal was to incorporate the Swahili sailing; we Swahili people have been sailing for a very long time with the beauty of our music, ” he mentioned.

Colourful cotton fabric The dhows are decorated with khanga, a colourful rectangular cotton fabric that Zanzibaris have worn since the mid-19th century. Fully embracing the Swahili culture during the sailing.

The music pays homage to the old taarab, in what they call “old is gold,” a band plays taarab songs sung in the 1980s to early 90s, before the new taarab was invented. The nostalgic music flavour that celebrates the beauty of Zanzibar, the beauty of love and even songs that celebrate the beauty of Zanzibar cuisine.

Songs like Kijiti, sung by the legendary taarab musician Fatuma binti Baraka, are famously known as Bi Kidude has often been featured in the sails. The local bands, comprised of older natives, practice these songs to perfection.

Some grew up to this music and know the songs by heart. You can feel the passion they put into their music as tourists watch as they are taken on a dhow sail through the Indian Ocean.

Taarab music has a rich history in the archipelago. For centuries, it has connected Arab, Indian and African cultures along the Swahili coast.

They purposely chose Stone Town as their docking area, at the seashore overlooking the ancient city. Right after a tourist gets off the ferry, their colourful dhows are conspicuous and inviting.

Visitors would, on many occasions, stop what they are doing and just marvel at the colourful traditional boats. Local cuisine is served during these hours-long trips, with Swahili snacks, like visheti, Samosas and Kashata, traditional foods eaten casually between meals and street foods influenced by African, Arab and Indian coastal cuisine.

Clients from the US, Europe and East Africa, including locals, have cruised in these dhow rides. “We have visitors from Nigeria, South Africa and across the world, but one thing is for sure: everyone who sails with us leaves with a great smile,” he laughed.

For most Swahili-speaking clients, they vibe to the music sung in a language they understand, but the beauty of music is that even for those who don’t, that in no way stops them from enjoying the rhythm, melodies and the soothing taarab vocals. “Sometimes we would translate the words for them and they would get excited when they understood what the songs meant, which makes the journey more joyful,” he said.

When the idea of Swahili dhow sailing came about, Abdillah and his team were meticulous about choosing the musicians. They searched through the island for entertainers with a deep knowledge of the old taarab genre, people who understood the history of the music.

It’s no surprise that most of the band is comprised of senior performers. “We made sure that when they step into our dhow to perform, it is something authentic,” he added.

The two-year journey has really transformed the dhowsail experience at the heart of Zanzibar. As Tanzania is boosting its tourism visibility across the world, luxurious dhow-sailing has surprisingly gained attention on the island.

The infusion of Swahili music, beauty, culture and food has propelled dhow sailing to the top of tourist activities on the island. Other dhow operators are still stuck to the traditional sails with no added advantage.

As their clients sit on hardwood, the luxurious Swahili dhow places big cushions across the deck and covers them with khanga, comfort and beauty. “Some riders would come to board other dhows, but when they see ours, they all want to jump ships and come to ours,” he smiled.

The concert cruise, as some clients have come to call it, starts in Stone Town at 4;30 PM to sunset. When the tide is good, they sail all the way to Nakupenda Sandbank, the temporary stretch of white sand popular with tourists who go there for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling.

The sandbank in the Indian Ocean appears when the tide is low. At high tide, it disappears underwater.

As the sandbank submerges underwater, the dhow sails back to Stone Town accompanied by the smooth sounds of taarab. Go for a swim Along the way, clients are allowed to stop mid-sails and go for a swim and carry on when they are content.

For visitors who find accommodation far from the shores, transport is always provided to take them to the dhows and take them back at the end of the sail. The Swahili dhow has become a symbol of pride and innovation among tourism stakeholders and even the government brings foreign dignitaries when they come to the island.

To showcase the unique dhows, the recognition that Abdillah is proud of. Even the 2025 Miss World, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, who visited the Island as part of tourism promotion, was scheduled to take a ride in their dhow, but the schedule overlap occurred and she missed out.

The dhow sails are currently serving private booked clients, exclusively for those who book the whole dhow. But plans are underway to create options, as they push to have more affordable sails and expand their market to accommodate even those on a budget.

They are looking at shared options, where two or more different clients can book one dhow. Trip across the ocean The sails are more than just a trip across the ocean.

These luxurious sails have served as celebratory occasions for work colleagues, festively marking the end of a year, newlyweds on a honeymoon rejoicing in their union, married couples on anniversaries, or a group of friends who just want a unique experience in the middle of the ocean. Mwana Unguja dhows are accelerating their nautical tourism promotion, with presence on social media, sharing their details with tourism authorities, different travel agents and tour guides.

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Last week I was driving around Dar with a friend visiting from Kigali. First time in Tanzania.

Sis was excited. She wanted zege, nyamachoma, beach vibes, amapiano nights, the full Dar experience.

Then traffic happened. As we sat somewhere between Ubungo stress and Kariakoo survival mode, she finished a bottle of water, looked around innocently and asked, “So where do I throw this?” I said, “Huh?” She repeated herself.

“Where are the trash cans?” Suddenly the car became very quiet. Because honestly? That question humbled me.

I started looking outside like I was also searching for answers from God Himself. Electric pole.

Another electric pole. No trash can.

And that’s when I realised something very serious about Dar es Salaam Our city operates on vibes and prayers. Because if we are being honest, public trash cans in Dar are treated like limited-edition luxury items.

You’ll find one today and never see another for the next 7 business days. So my friend kept holding the empty bottle while I kept driving around like I was on a treasure hunt sponsored by mazingira.

At one point she even asked, “Are people expected to carry their trash home?” And honestly? Maybe yes. Because where exactly are people supposed to throw trash in this city? We love shouting “Dar ni wachafu!” every five business minutes, but let’s be serious for a second.

Even responsible people struggle sometimes because bins are basically playing hide-and-seek with citizens. Now don’t get me wrong, some Dar people are also committed to chaos.

You’ll watch somebody open a car window dramatically like they’re in a music video only to launch a plastic bottle into the streets at 80 km/h. No hesitation.

Just environmental terrorism. Then when rain comes and floods happen, everybody suddenly becomes a climate change expert on Instagram.

Meanwhile the drainage system is choking on Energy bottles, takeaway containers and somebody’s abandoned sandals. What makes it even funnier is that Tanzanians are actually very clean people inside the house.

Our mothers will wake up at 5 AM to sweep the compound like they are preparing for a state visit. Shopping bags are folded neatly.

Containers are reused until they deserve retirement benefits. But public spaces? That’s where citizenship disappears.

The road becomes “sio kwangu”. The bus stop becomes “tatizo la serikali”.

The drainage becomes “Mungu atasaidia”. Meanwhile, Kigali is there looking clean, organised and moisturised.

My friend kept apologising for bringing it up, but honestly I’m glad she did. Because sometimes it takes an outsider to remind you that maybe just maybe your city should not require advanced survival skills just to dispose of a water bottle.

Dar is beautiful. Dar is vibrant.

Dar has amazing people. But my fellow citizens, if visitors need a GPS, prayer circle and emotional support just to find a trash can, then surely we need to have a conversation.

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Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Police Force to strengthen community policing, stressing that national security and safety must be rooted in citizens through their active participation.

She said effective policing depends on building trust between the police and the public, adding that citizens should regard the force as a reliable institution for reporting crime and sharing security information. “Citizens, if properly educated, will be able to protect one another and provide information on criminal activities whenever they occur.

I want to emphasise this area. If this system is effectively implemented, it will help strengthen efforts to engage citizens in safeguarding peace in our country,” she said.

President Hassan made the remarks on Thursday, May 28, 2026 while officiating the closing ceremony for more than 700 police officers and assistant inspectors who completed various training programmes. She said the training was designed to equip officers with knowledge on emerging global issues, including geopolitics, to enhance their effectiveness in service delivery.

According to the President, modern policing requires a broad understanding of legal, social and cultural dynamics, given the evolving nature of security threats. She said citizens should reach a point where they fully trust the Police Force as a safe and reliable institution for reporting concerns, stressing the need to bridge the gap between law enforcers and the public.

President Hassan added that the Police Force must strengthen its capacity to identify early warning signs of potential threats, noting that this would demonstrate institutional transformation and improve operational efficiency by moving away from routine-based approaches. “What happened last year taught us important lessons.

Despite the challenges, the Force responded quickly. We must never ignore any piece of information; instead, it should be acted upon immediately.

This can only be achieved if the Police Force works closely with other security agencies and the community,” she said. She further noted that rapid technological advancement has changed methods of committing crime, creating new security challenges at borders, on roads, at sea, in public spaces and online.

As a result, she said, the Police Force must continuously assess its performance and adapt its working methods while strengthening ongoing training. President Hassan also directed the Force to broaden its understanding of the evolving global economic order and geopolitics in order to improve efficiency in executing its duties and contribute more effectively to national development.

She said reforms must go hand in hand with continuous professional training, including the use of modern technology in policing and public service delivery. The President also referred to the 2022 Criminal Justice Commission report, which proposed reforms aimed at improving the Police Force, including strengthening community policing, enhancing training and expanding the use of technology.

She said some recommendations were already being implemented, particularly in ICT adoption and community policing, but stressed the need for continuous evaluation to ensure the reforms deliver intended results. “Changes within the Force must continue to be assessed to determine whether they are improving operational capacity, efficiency and the quality of services provided to citizens,” she said.

Speaking at the event, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camillus Wambura said the Force would continue providing training programmes locally and abroad to strengthen professionalism and performance. “The work of the Police Force requires patriotism, professionalism and public trust.

Anyone who goes against these principles will face disciplinary action to ensure discipline within the Force continues to improve,” he said. Meanwhile, Minister for Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi said legal action would be taken against officers who violate laws and procedures.

He added that reforms within the Force were ongoing, including the construction of police stations in various parts of the country to improve working conditions and enhance operational efficiency. .

Moshi. Muslim women have been urged to avoid competing in fashion, clothing and beauty trends and instead focus on good morals, fear of God and proper family upbringing.

The call was made on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, by Sheikh Thabit Tarimo during Eid al-Adha sermons delivered at a regional prayer service held at Riadha Mosque in Kilimanjaro Region. Addressing hundreds of worshippers, Sheikh Tarimo said true beauty is not found in outward appearance alone, but in good character and piety.

He said many women have increasingly engaged in competition over clothing and adornment while neglecting religious principles and moral values that should guide daily life. “You love beautification, but the best adornment is taqwa.

You compete in clothing, but the best garment is modesty and good morals,” he said. Sheikh Tarimo said women with good morals and God-consciousness play a key role in building strong families and a respectful society.

He also urged men to ensure they encourage their wives and children to observe prayers and adhere to religious teachings. “A father may go to the mosque for every prayer, but his wife does not pray and his children do not pray, while he makes no effort to guide them.

Everyone will be accountable for their family,” he said. He said it is not appropriate for a parent to focus solely on personal worship while neglecting the spiritual guidance of their family.

The sheikh further emphasised the importance of teaching children to pray from an early age in order to build a strong foundation in faith and morals. “We have been instructed to teach our children to pray from a young age so that they grow up on the right path,” he said.

He said observing the five daily prayers on time is a fundamental duty for Muslims, adding that negligence in prayer can affect one’s spiritual life. Sheikh Tarimo also urged worshippers to use Eid al-Adha as an opportunity for self-reflection and to improve their conduct in line with religious teachings.

One of the worshippers, Khadija Lema, said the sermon served as an important reminder to women about their role in family upbringing and moral values. “We have been reminded that a woman’s dignity is not in expensive clothing, but in good character, proper upbringing and fear of God,” she said.

Another worshipper, Omar Mongi, said Eid is a time for strengthening unity, helping one another and promoting love within society. .

Songwe. Police in Songwe Region are searching for a woman identified as Queen Mbuba, who is accused of killing her husband, Shizya Mwangwale, 35, of Igunda Village in Mbozi District.

The deceased was allegedly injected with a substance suspected to be poison in his left shoulder before later being stabbed on the right side of his abdomen by his wife, who reportedly fled immediately after the incident. Songwe Regional Police Commander Augustino Senga said the incident occurred on Friday, May 22, 2026, at around 3 am.

According to police, when Shizya questioned his wife about the injection, she allegedly told him it was medicine intended to treat a leg condition that had been troubling him. Commander Senga said the victim was initially taken to Mbozi District Hospital for treatment before being transferred to Mbeya Referral Hospital, where he died on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, while receiving treatment.

“Preliminary investigations have established that the incident was caused by romantic jealousy, with the suspect accusing the deceased of having relationships with other women,” said RPC Senga. He said police were continuing efforts to arrest the suspect so that legal action could be taken against her.

Songwe Regional Police have appealed to members of the public to cooperate by providing information that could assist in locating the suspect. They also urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead seek legal and peaceful means of resolving family and community disputes.

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Ugandan banking veteran Herman Kasekende has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and Head of Coverage at Standard Chartered Bank Tanzania, effective May 26, 2026, ending a distinguished regional career spanning more than two decades. He will be succeeded by Geoffrey Mchangila, who assumes leadership of the bank’s Tanzanian franchise.

Kasekende is widely regarded as a transformative figure in East African banking, credited with advancing SME financing and strengthening corporate partnerships across the region. His tenure began in Uganda in 1998, rising to become the first Ugandan CEO of Standard Chartered Uganda in 2012, a milestone that reshaped local leadership in international banking.

He later served in regional roles across Nairobi, Kenya, before leading operations in Tanzania from July 2022, where he focused on sustainable growth and financial inclusion. Industry colleagues credit him with pioneering SME banking centres and landmark financing deals that boosted private sector development.

Beyond banking, Kasekende has also been involved in governance and advisory roles across East Africa. His departure marks the end of an era in regional banking leadership.

The bank said the transition would ensure continuity and stability in its Tanzanian operations. .