$5.3 million nature-based solutions project seeks to unlock investment opportunities

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is stepping up efforts to position nature-based solutions (NBS) as part of its economic transformation agenda through a $5.3 million (about Sh13 billion) programme aimed at linking climate resilience with business and investment opportunities.

The ResolveNBS project, implemented by International Union for Conservation of Nature and funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, is a 36-month initiative running from 2025 to 2027. The programme has now moved into implementation, with activities underway in Morogoro and Iringa regions after more than a year of preparatory work. Initial efforts have focused on building community-led models, strengthening institutional capacity and testing how nature-based solutions can generate economic value alongside environmental benefits.

Speaking to The Citizen, the deputy country representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Tanzania, Anthony Mhagama, said the first phase of the programme had laid the groundwork for demonstrating the economic potential of nature-based approaches. “Over the past year, the focus has been on moving from concept to implementation, working closely with communities, local and national institutions.

What we are beginning to see is how these solutions can improve productivity, strengthen resilience and create a foundation for future investment,” he said. The ResolveNBS programme seeks to integrate nature into economic systems, particularly in agriculture, water management and land-use planning, rather than treating conservation as a stand-alone activity.

The initiative is expected to benefit more than 30,000 people through community-driven climate adaptation programmes while also supporting the development of technical and policy frameworks for long-term adoption. Despite growing global interest in nature-based solutions, uptake within Tanzania’s private sector has remained limited due to concerns over scalability, revenue models and the ability to translate environmental gains into financial returns.

To address the gap, the project is generating evidence and practical models that demonstrate the economic value of ecosystems. Emerging opportunities include agroforestry, sustainable land management, water resource management and ecosystem services such as carbon storage.

The programme is also expected to support the integration of climate adaptation into national and local development frameworks as Tanzania seeks to align sustainability with economic growth. The head of projects at the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania, Hawa Urungu, said the initiative comes at a time when businesses are increasingly under pressure to align growth strategies with resilience and sustainability goals.

“For the private sector, the significance of this project lies in its ability to connect environmental sustainability with real economic opportunity. Businesses are increasingly looking for models that are practical, scalable and investment-ready,” she said.

“What this initiative does is begin to create that bridge, showing how nature-based solutions can contribute to productivity, risk management and long-term value creation,” she added. .

Tanzania eyes economic gains from cultural diplomacy

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is increasingly positioning culture as a driver of economic growth, tourism and investment as the country prepares to host major international events in the coming years.

Speaking during celebrations marking the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations on Sunday, May 24, the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Mr Paul Makonda, said Tanzania now views culture as an important avenue for economic and social opportunities. He said global events such as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and Miss World 2027 should be seen as strategic platforms for promoting Tanzania internationally.

“Tanzania continues to see arts, sports, language and culture as new areas of economic and social opportunity. Afcon 2027 and Miss World 2027 are not only about entertainment, but also important platforms for promoting tourism, investment and cultural diplomacy,” he said.

According to Mr Makonda, the events are expected to attract investors and tourists while boosting businesses linked to hospitality, fashion, creative technology, arts and international marketing. He also noted that cultural and artistic cooperation between Tanzania and China continues to support growth in creativity and technology, describing China as a key partner in advancing cultural diplomacy.

“China stood with Africa during the anti-colonial struggle and continues to be an important development partner. The government believes major international events can help market Tanzania globally and open opportunities in investment, tourism and trade,” he said.

During the celebrations, leaders from Tanzania and China underscored the importance of cultural dialogue in promoting peace, mutual understanding and shared development. The International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations was officially adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024 after receiving support from more than 80 countries following a proposal by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Mr Makonda said Kiswahili also continues to strengthen Tanzania’s global cultural influence as its use expands across different countries. He credited efforts by President Hassan to promote Kiswahili internationally with strengthening Tanzania’s position in language and cultural diplomacy.

Speaking at the event, the Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Chen Mingjian, said many countries are increasingly using culture, language and the arts to expand global influence and strengthen social and economic ties. She said Kiswahili and Chinese languages continue to promote the cultures of the two nations globally as trade and cooperation between the countries expand.

“The partnership between Tanzania and China has expanded in language, tourism, arts, innovation and infrastructure. The Tazara railway remains one of the strongest symbols of the historic cooperation between the two countries,” she said.

Ms Chen added that cooperation between Tanzania and China continues to grow in language diplomacy, tourism, innovation and the arts, sectors that are increasingly being used globally to strengthen international influence. .

Tanzania’s insurance sector poised for regional growth amid reforms

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s insurance industry is positioning itself as one of Africa’s emerging high-growth markets as firms intensify investment in innovation, digital transformation and regulatory compliance to expand financial protection and attract new investment.

Industry stakeholders say the ongoing reforms are strengthening the sector’s resilience against global economic uncertainties while creating opportunities for broader insurance penetration across the country. Speaking during the awards organised by the Association of Tanzania Insurers yesterday, Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (Tira) commissioner, Dr Baghayo Saqware, said the future of the sector would depend on innovation, ethical leadership, customer trust and operational efficiency.

“Tanzania has an opportunity to become one of Africa’s most dynamic and forward-looking insurance markets. The growth prospects are promising and industry players have a major role to play in taking advantage of the reforms and opportunities available,” he said.

Dr Saqware said reforms, including the removal of the cash-and-carry system and the adoption of digital platforms, had improved operational efficiency and boosted confidence in the insurance market. According to him, sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without a strong insurance sector capable of protecting businesses and investors against risks.

“The industry must continue investing in innovation, technology and public awareness to ensure insurance services reach more people and respond to changing market demands,” he said. He added that Tanzania’s insurance market had the potential to become one of Africa’s most attractive destinations for investment due to reforms aimed at strengthening regulation and creating a more conducive business environment.

Dr Saqware noted that compliance and regulation should not be viewed solely as enforcement mechanisms, but also as tools for protecting policyholders and strengthening market confidence. “The objective is to build public trust in the insurance system so that policyholders feel confident insurers will honour their obligations.

Once that confidence is built, the entire market ecosystem becomes stronger,” he said. He urged insurance firms to accelerate the adoption of technology and innovation in order to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

“If we want to reach that level, we must change the way we do business and invest in technology, which is now globally accepted. Once we fully embrace innovation and technology, we will start seeing greater benefits in the market,” he said.

The chairperson of the ATI Insurance Awards organising committee, Mr Jared Awando, said insurance companies in Tanzania continued to attract investment aimed at increasing capital and expanding operations within local and international markets. He said the trend reflected growing investor confidence in Tanzania’s insurance sector and its potential to become a regional hub for insurance and risk management services.

“The awards are expected to transform the way industry players operate by encouraging innovation, competitiveness and service excellence,” he said. During the event, the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) received 10 percent of ticket sales from the awards ceremony to support treatment for children suffering from heart complications.

Speaking after receiving the support, JKCI director of children’s cardiology clinical support, Dr Naiz Majani, said heart complications among children remained a growing health challenge in Tanzania. She said out of every 100 children born in the country, two are diagnosed with heart complications, translating to nearly 50 children born with such conditions daily nationwide.

According to Dr Majani, approximately 16,000 children are born with heart complications annually, while around 4,000 require surgery each year. “In the past, many children had to be referred to India for treatment due to a shortage of specialists and limited treatment capacity locally.

Tanzania is now capable of conducting these procedures domestically, although treatment costs remain high,” she said. She said the cost of heart surgery ranges between Sh6 million and Sh30 million depending on the severity of the condition.

“The government covers 70 percent of treatment costs while parents contribute the remaining 30 percent. However, this remains a challenge for some families, which is why support from institutions and stakeholders is very important,” she said.

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Parasite mapping boosts Tanzania’s 2030 malaria plan

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s ambition to eliminate malaria by 2030 has received a major scientific boost following new research that has identified and mapped different malaria parasite types across the country.

This development, experts say, will strengthen surveillance systems and improve responses to emerging drug resistance. Researchers from the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) said the country had for years operated with limited detailed data on the diversity of malaria parasites circulating in different regions, a gap that had constrained the design of targeted, location-specific control strategies.

The new findings, presented during the second annual dissemination meeting of the Malaria Molecular Surveillance Phase II project, now provide a clearer picture of parasite distribution and are expected to guide both diagnosis and treatment approaches in line with regional transmission patterns. Speaking at the meeting, Principal Researcher at IHI, Prof Deusdedit Ishengoma, said malaria in humans is caused by multiple parasite types that must all be addressed for elimination efforts to succeed.

“Malaria is caused by about 11 different parasite types, and elimination efforts must target all of them simultaneously,” he said. He warned that focusing on only some parasite strains while neglecting others could sustain transmission in communities and undermine national elimination goals.

“Targeting only some parasites while leaving others behind can sustain transmission in the community. Malaria elimination is not only about reducing symptoms but ensuring all parasites are completely cleared from the body,” Prof Ishengoma said.

The study also detected early indicators of reduced susceptibility of malaria parasites to commonly used antimalarial drugs, raising concerns about possible emerging resistance. These warning signs were most evident in Kagera Region, where some patients were found to still carry malaria parasites three days after starting treatment — longer than expected under normal treatment response.

“Normally, a patient is expected to have significantly reduced or completely cleared parasites within that period, but these findings showed delayed parasite clearance in some cases,” Prof Ishengoma said. He said that surveillance data suggests similar signals may already be spreading to other regions, including Kigoma, Katavi, Ruvuma, Njombe and Morogoro.

The research further shows that modern molecular diagnostic tools can now detect even very low levels of malaria parasites in the human body, offering more precise data for clinical and public health decision-making. Researchers say this advancement will significantly improve national surveillance systems and allow earlier detection of changes in transmission patterns.

They have recommended strengthened surveillance in high-burden areas, particularly Kagera Region, to enable early response to any further spread of drug-resistant strains. They also urged faster review and implementation of revised antimalarial treatment guidelines in response to evolving scientific evidence.

The researchers further called on the government to continue investing in malaria research institutions to ensure sustained scientific data collection and evidence-based decision-making towards elimination by 2030. Responding to the findings, Director General of the National Institute for Medical Research, Prof Said Aboud, said the government values research outputs and will continue to rely on scientific evidence in shaping health policy. “There has been significant progress in various methods of detecting and monitoring malaria and other diseases,” he said, noting that molecular surveillance was strengthening national response capacity.

IHI Chief Executive Director Dr Honorati Masanja said the second phase of the surveillance project, launched in 2024, continues to generate critical evidence to support malaria control and elimination efforts. .

Tanzania now Uganda’s top import source on gold surge

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has emerged as Uganda’s largest source of imports, overtaking China and Kenya in a dramatic shift in regional trade flows that is largely being driven by surging gold and other precious metals transactions.

According to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Annual Databook 2024/25, published in March, Uganda imported goods worth Ushs56.8 trillion (about Tsh39 trillion) in the financial year ending June 2025. Of this, Tanzania accounted for Ushs12.46 trillion (about Tsh8.57 trillion), representing 21.94 per cent of total imports, making it Uganda’s single biggest supplier. The figures place Tanzania ahead of China, India, the United Arab Emirates and Kenya, marking a significant reordering of Uganda’s import hierarchy over the past four years.

Uganda’s Daily Nation described the development as “a fundamental reshaping of East Africa’s trade architecture driven not by manufactured goods, but by mineral flows that are redefining regional commerce”. Rapid rise of Tanzania-Uganda trade.

URA data shows that Uganda’s imports from Tanzania have grown exponentially from Ushhs1.12 trillion (about Tsh770 billion) in June 2022 to Ushs12.46 trillion (about Tsh8.57 trillion) in June 2025 — an increase of more than 1,000 per cent in just four years. In contrast, imports from China rose from Ushs6.45 trillion (about Ts.

44 trillion) to Ushs10.92 trillion (about Tsh7.51 trillion) over the same period, while Kenya’s exports to Uganda increased from Ushs2.49 trillion (about Tsh1.71 trillion) to Ushs4.39 trillion (about Tsh3.02 trillion). India and the UAE also recorded moderate growth, but none matched Tanzania’s pace.

The result is a decisive shift, with Tanzania now accounting for about 21.9 percent of Uganda’s total imports, compared to China’s 19.2 percent. Bank of Uganda Director for Research Adam Mugume was quoted by Daily Nation as saying that the overwhelming share of imports from Tanzania consists of gold and other precious metals.

“Most of the imports from Tanzania are gold, which explains the unusually high value recorded in the trade statistics,” Mugume said. He noted that Uganda’s non-mineral imports from Tanzania, including food items such as rice, remain relatively small in comparison.

URA data strongly supports this explanation, showing that Uganda’s imports under the precious metals and jewellery category jumped from Ushs4.22 billion (about Tsh2.9 trillion) in 2021/22 to Ushs16.65 trillion (about Tsh11.45 trillion) in 2024/25 — now accounting for nearly 29 per cent of all imports. The surge in Tanzania’s trade position reflects a broader shift towards intra-African commerce.

Imports from Africa as a whole rose from Ushs5.11 trillion (about Tsh3.51 trillion) to Ushs30.68 trillion (about Tsh21.1 trillion) in four years, supported by regional integration under the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Tanzania’s rise has come at the expense of Kenya, which has traditionally been one of Uganda’s strongest trading partners.

In 2021/22, Uganda imported more than twice as much from Kenya as from Tanzania. By 2024/25, Tanzania had overtaken Kenya by a wide margin.

Even the Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded sharp growth, with imports into Uganda rising from Ushs44.6 billion (about Tsh30.67 billion) in 2022 to Ushs2.18 trillion (about Tsh1.5 trillion) in 2025, largely linked to mineral trade. The data also highlights Uganda’s growing position as a regional gold trading and refining hub.

While Uganda imported Ushs16.65 trillion (about Tsh11.45 trillion) worth of precious metals and jewellery in 2024/25, it also exported Ushs15.82 trillion (about Tsh10.88 trillion) in the same category, indicating significant re-export activity after processing. This trend suggests that gold imported from countries such as Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo is increasingly being refined in Uganda before being re-exported.

Kenya, once Uganda’s dominant regional supplier, has steadily lost ground as Tanzania’s exports have expanded. Tanzania’s shipments to Uganda are now nearly three times those of Kenya, underscoring the shifting importance of trade routes linked to Dar es Salaam port and regional logistics networks.

Despite this shift, China remains a major supplier of machinery, electronics, textiles and industrial inputs, while India and the United Arab Emirates continue to play key roles in Uganda’s import basket. .

Government: No Tanzanian with valid work permit affected by unrest in South Africa

Dodoma. The government has assured Parliament that no Tanzanians legally residing in South Africa have been affected by the ongoing unrest, while clarifying that videos circulating on social media and fuelling public concern are old clips, not recent incidents.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, gave the clarification in Parliament on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, when tabling the docket’s 2026/27 budget. He was responding to concerns raised by Mlalo Member of Parliament (MP), Rashid Shangazi, CCM, over the safety of Tanzanians living in South Africa.

Mr Shangazi had sought an official government statement following reports and videos shared online alleging attacks and growing insecurity in South Africa, targeting foreign nationals. Responding, Mr Kombo said the Tanzanian Embassy in Pretoria had been closely monitoring the situation and confirmed that no Tanzanian holding valid work and residence permits had been harmed.

“From Tanzania’s side, no Tanzanian living legally in South Africa has been affected. Those mostly affected are citizens from Malawi and Zimbabwe, many of whom do not possess valid work permits,” he said.

The minister also confirmed that some Tanzanians without proper documentation had been arrested during ongoing operations targeting undocumented migrants in South Africa. Tanzania’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr James Bwana, said more than 90 Tanzanians are currently being held at the Lindela Repatriation Centre following a crackdown linked to rising anti-immigration sentiment.

Mr Bwana said most of those detained originate from Dar es Salaam, while embassy officials continue to monitor the situation closely. Mr Kombo urged Tanzanians living abroad to ensure they possess valid documentation to ease government follow-up during emergencies and security incidents.

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Tanzania face Egypt as Morocco, Senegal renew rivalry in Afcon

Dar es Salaam. The stage is set for a thrilling semi-final showdown at the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after Tanzania’s Serengeti Boys booked a historic last-four clash against Egypt, while hosts Morocco prepare for a fiery reunion with defending champions Senegal.

The two semi-finals will be played on May 29 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with Tanzania facing Egypt before Morocco take on Senegal in a contest already loaded with tension, history and unfinished business. Tanzania’s qualification has emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest stories.

The Serengeti Boys displayed resilience, courage and attacking flair in their dramatic 3-3 quarter-final draw against Algeria before holding their nerve to secure a 4-3 penalty shootout victory. Twice coming from behind, the East Africans showed remarkable composure under pressure, qualities they will need again against a confident Egyptian side that dismantled Ca’te d’Ivoire 4-1 in the quarter-finals.

Egypt have looked sharp, clinical and tactically disciplined throughout the tournament, with Khaled Mokhtar scoring twice as the young Pharaohs overwhelmed their opponents before half-time in the last eight. Their quick transitions and organised defending have made them one of the favourites for the title, but Tanzania’s fearless attacking style and fighting spirit suggest another upset cannot be ruled out.

For Tanzania, reaching the semi-finals already represents a major milestone, but the Serengeti Boys now stand just one victory away from a first-ever U-17 Afcon final. However, much of the spotlight will fall on the explosive second semi-final between Morocco and Senegal, a fixture overshadowed by one of the most controversial episodes in recent African football history.

The two sides were at the centre of dramatic scenes during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on January 18, 2026. Senegal initially appeared to have secured a 1-0 extra-time victory courtesy of Pape Gueye’s decisive goal, seemingly sealing a second continental crown. But the match descended into chaos late in regulation time after Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty.

Furious with the decision, Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch in protest for nearly 17 minutes before eventually returning following discussions with match officials. Morocco’s hopes of winning in normal time were then dashed when Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved the penalty, preserving the deadlock before Senegal struck in extra time.

The controversy, however, did not end there. Following an appeal by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Caf’s Appeal Board later ruled that Senegal had violated tournament regulations by leaving the field without the referee’s permission.

In March 2026, Caf overturned the result and awarded Morocco a 3-0 default victory, officially declaring the hosts champions. The ruling sparked fierce debate across African football, with opinions divided over whether tournament regulations or sporting merit should prevail.

Senegal’s Football Federation rejected the decision and escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where proceedings remain ongoing. .

EAC pushes harmonised mobile roaming framework to cut communication costs

Arusha. The East African Community has launched a series of regional engagements aimed at developing a harmonised mobile roaming framework to support affordable cross-border communication, strengthen regional trade and advance implementation of the bloc’s Single Digital Market agenda.

The engagements, taking place in Dar es Salaam from May 25 to 29, 2026, have brought together telecommunications experts, policymakers, heads of communications regulatory authorities and regional partner institutions under the Meeting of the Technical Committee on Telecommunications. The regional bloc comprises Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Speaking during the opening session, Principal ICT Officer in Tanzania’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Philemon Machaine, said the outcomes of the meetings are expected to help reduce telecommunications costs and improve communication across the region. “We appreciate the decision to host these important meetings in Dar es Salaam, recognising that the outcomes of these engagements will contribute significantly towards reducing the cost of telecommunications services and improving communication across the region,” he said.

Chairperson of the meeting and Principal Regional Integration Officer for Science and Technology in Uganda’s Ministry of EAC Affairs, George Lwevoola, said discussions on regional mobile roaming within the EAC began in 2013 and have since progressed steadily. “Efforts aimed at making communications affordable within the region have been ongoing for more than a decade,” he said.

He added that initiatives such as the One Network Area had provided valuable lessons in developing a sustainable and harmonised regional roaming framework. “We expect further progress in reducing communication costs while facilitating business and regional integration through improved connectivity,” he said.

EAC Deputy Secretary General for Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Andrea Ariik Malueth, said digital connectivity has become a key driver of regional integration and economic transformation. “Affordable and seamless communication across borders is essential for deepening regional integration, supporting trade and enabling East Africans to fully participate in the digital economy,” he said.

According to the EAC, despite adoption of the regional roaming framework in 2014, challenges such as high roaming charges, inconsistent implementation and varying regulatory approaches continue to affect seamless regional connectivity. The bloc said high roaming costs continue to affect cross-border traders, transport operators, tourists, students and businesses that rely on mobile communication while travelling within the region.

Current engagements are reviewing findings of a regional study on implementation of the EAC Roaming Framework and deliberating on a draft long-term Regional Mobile Roaming Framework aimed at establishing a harmonised regulatory mechanism for international mobile roaming services. The study, conducted by the EAC Secretariat with support from the World Bank under the Eastern African Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), identified challenges including inconsistent regulatory practices, high interconnection costs, tax disparities, fraud risks and limited consumer awareness.

It also found that the current framework remains largely focused on voice services and does not adequately address growing demand for affordable mobile data services needed for e-commerce, digital payments and online services. To address these challenges, the proposed framework recommends harmonised measures to strengthen consumer protection, establish cost-based tariffs, improve service quality and enhance compliance mechanisms.

The framework is also expected to reduce communication barriers across borders while supporting trade, tourism and investment across the region. Delegates attending the week-long meetings are expected to conduct technical reviews of the study report and draft framework, participate in capacity-building sessions and hold policy discussions among heads of communications regulatory authorities.

The outcomes will inform subsequent policy processes within the EAC, including submission of the draft framework to the Sectoral Council on Transport, Communications and Meteorology for consideration and adoption. .

Tanzania High Court bars move against Chadema

Babati. The High Court of Tanzania at Babati Sub-Registry in Manyara Region has issued a temporary order restraining the Registrar of Political Parties (RPPs) from taking action against opposition Chadema.

The ex parte interim prohibitory order was issued on Monday, May 25, 2026 by Justice Irvin Mugeta in a brief ruling on an application seeking leave to commence injunction proceedings. Application No.

12812 of 2026 was filed by Chadema’s Secretary General and Board of Trustees against the RPPs following a letter dated May 7, 2026 requiring the party to explain alleged breaches. In the letter produced in court, the Registrar wrote to Chadema under the heading: “Re: Submission of explanations regarding alleged breach of political parties law in your party activities (Chadema).

” The response was required by May 20, 2026 at 3:30pm, and after the deadline lapsed, the Registrar indicated that action could follow at any time. Chadema then sought court protection.

Chadema lawyers’ submissions A three-lawyer team led by Mpare Mpoki, Nyaronyo Kicheere and Hekima Mwasipu urged the court to grant ex parte orders, citing urgency over possible regulatory action. The application was supported by affidavits from Board of Trustees members, Ms Ruth Mollel, Ms Mary Joachim and Dr Azavel Lwaitama.

They said there were indications the RPPs had already resolved to suspend Chadema or impose measures that could bar it from political activity. Mr Mpoki submitted that unless restrained, the RPPs could suspend the party’s registration or impose penalties at any time.

He said the concern arose after the Deputy RPPs appeared on ITV on or before May 16, 2026, and suggested Chadema could be banned if it failed to give satisfactory explanations. The applicants further argued that the Registrar had acted with bias and had already formed an adverse view against the party.

Mr Mpoki also submitted that the Registrar would act as complainant, witness and adjudicator in his own cause, contrary to principles of natural justice. He further argued that the notice did not include the party’s registered trustees, exposing them to possible adverse action without being heard.

The judge’s ruling Justice Mugeta held that the court was only required to determine whether sufficient grounds existed for interim relief. He said an interim prohibitory order is discretionary and must meet legal thresholds, including an arguable case, risk of irreparable harm, and balance of convenience.

He observed that Chadema is a political party engaged in political activity, owning property, with a Secretary General managing operations and trustees overseeing assets. “In reality, as counsel Mpoki submitted, the notice is addressed only to the Secretary General.

Whether trustees should also be included is a material issue,” he said. He further noted the allegation that the RPPs acted as complainant, witness and adjudicator, “Whether that amounts to bias is for determination after hearing both sides,” The judge found that the application disclosed a triable case.

On irreparable harm, Justice Mugeta said such harm cannot be adequately compensated in monetary terms. “I have considered what compensation Chadema would receive if its political activities were suspended.

I cannot see any,” he said. He stressed that political activity is central to governance and democratic participation.

Suspension, he said, would result in irreparable loss, including lost time and inability to participate in political processes. He added that it would also limit citizen participation and disrupt party administration.

Justice Mugeta noted that fines could be compensated financially, unlike suspension of political activity, “Suspension would cause immeasurable loss.” Assessment of RPPs’ grounds The judge noted allegations that Chadema had made defamatory and inflammatory remarks against government leaders, including the President.

Chadema denied the claims, insisting its actions were within constitutional opposition rights. “The question whether statements amount to defamation depends on context,” he said.

He added that suspension could have far-reaching effects, including loss of membership and weakened democratic participation. He concluded that the inconvenience to Chadema outweighed that of the RPPs.

“This is a proper case for interim orders restraining action pending determination,” he ruled. No costs were awarded as the order was issued ex parte and the matter will return for inter partes hearing on a date to be fixed.

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Junior swimmers ready to make waves as preps gather pace

Dar es Salaam. Young swimming talents from across the country are set to light up Dar es Salaam during the 10th Tanzania National Junior Championship 2026, a prestigious competition aimed at nurturing the next generation of aquatic stars.

The two-day championship will take place from June 6 to 7 at the International School of Tanganyika (IST) in Masaki, bringing together junior swimmers from different regions in a celebration of talent, discipline and sportsmanship. Organised by the Tanzania Swimming Association in collaboration with Africa Aquatics and World Aquatics, the event is expected to attract hundreds of participants, coaches and supporters eager to witness the country’s rising stars in action.

According to organisers, the championship has become one of the most important platforms for identifying and developing young swimmers capable of representing Tanzania at regional and international levels. “This championship is more than just a competition.

It is an opportunity to inspire young athletes, build confidence and strengthen the future of swimming in Tanzania,” said one of the event coordinators ahead of the tournament. Participants will compete in various swimming disciplines and age categories, with organisers promising exciting races, strong competition and memorable performances throughout the event.

The championship will also provide young athletes with exposure to professional standards in swimming while encouraging teamwork, dedication and healthy competition among participants from different clubs and schools. Parents, sports stakeholders and swimming enthusiasts have been encouraged to attend and support the event as Tanzania continues investing in youth sports development.

Over the years, the Tanzania National Junior Championship has produced several swimmers who have gone on to compete in major regional competitions, highlighting the tournament’s growing importance in the country’s sporting calendar. With excitement building ahead of the competition, all eyes will now turn to IST Masaki as the nation’s future champions prepare to dive into action and make history in the pool.

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