Category: The Citizen

By Tage Biswalo Across East African Community (EAC) member states, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, education systems are undergoing profound transformation. New competency-based curricula, expanded access to schooling, and the growing influence of global knowledge economies are reshaping how young people learn and how teachers teach.

Yet amid these reforms, a critical question often goes unasked: whose knowledge counts in our classrooms? To respond to this question, let us look at Pluralism in education. It is recognising and valuing multiple ways of knowing, learning, and understanding the world.

It is not a luxury for East Africa. It is a necessity.

The limits of a single knowledge tradition For decades, education systems across the region have largely followed inherited colonial structures that privilege a narrow set of epistemologies, languages, and teaching traditions. Schools often emphasize standardized knowledge rooted primarily in Western academic frameworks while local knowledge systems, community histories, indigenous languages, and everyday forms of expertise remain marginal.

The result is a subtle but powerful disconnect. Many learners enter school with rich cultural knowledge grounded in community practices, local languages, and lived experience.

Yet the classroom frequently requires them to suspend or even abandon those forms of knowing in favour of distant curricular frameworks. When this happens, education risks becoming an exercise in assimilation rather than empowerment.

Why pluralism matters for East Africa’s future Pluralistic education does not reject global knowledge. Rather, it creates space for dialogue between global, national, and local knowledge systems.

In practical terms, this means: teaching science alongside indigenous ecological knowledge relevant to climate resilience, integrating local histories and community narratives into social studies curricula, recognising multilingual realities by valuing African languages alongside global languages and encouraging critical dialogue rather than memorisation of singular “correct” perspectives. For EAC countries facing complex development challenges, from climate change to urbanisation and technological transformation, solutions will not emerge from a single intellectual tradition.

Innovation often arises when different knowledge systems interact. Pluralistic classrooms cultivate precisely this capacity.

A foundation for social cohesion Pluralism also has a deeper civic purpose. The East African region is culturally, linguistically, and religiously diverse.

Schools are one of the few institutions where young people from different backgrounds encounter each other regularly. An education system that acknowledges multiple perspectives prepares learners not only to tolerate difference but to engage with it constructively.

In societies where historical tensions sometimes surface along ethnic, linguistic, or political lines, pluralistic education becomes a quiet but powerful tool for social cohesion. Aligning with current education reforms Encouragingly, several EAC countries are already moving toward reforms that implicitly support pluralism.

The competency-based curricula introduced in Kenya and Tanzania emphasise critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that thrive when learners engage multiple perspectives. However, curriculum reform alone is not enough.

Pluralism must also shape teacher education, assessment systems, and classroom practice. Teachers need preparation to facilitate dialogue across knowledge traditions.

Assessments must reward critical engagement rather than rote recall. And schools must build partnerships with communities whose knowledge has historically been excluded from formal education.

A call for educational imagination The future of East Africa’s education systems should not be framed as a choice between tradition and modernity. That binary is misleading.

The real challenge is how to bring diverse knowledge traditions into productive conversation. Pluralism offers a way forward.

By embracing pluralistic education, EAC countries can cultivate learners who are intellectually confident, culturally grounded, and globally engaged. Such learners will not merely consume knowledge produced elsewhere; they will contribute new ideas rooted in the rich intellectual traditions of the region itself.

In a rapidly changing world, that may be East Africa’s greatest educational advantage. Dr Tage Biswalo is an Assistant Professor specialising in Policy Studies at the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development, East Africa .

Dar es Salaam. The up-and-coming Bluefins swimmers have scooped 42 medals at the recently concluded FK Blue Marlines Championships held at the FK International Secondary School pool in Bahari Beach.

Among them, 20 medals were gold, while eight medals were silver and 13 were bronze, helping the club finish second overall with 851 points in the exciting two-day event, which attracted a total of 15 swim clubs from around the country, including Zanzibar. The highest number of points for Bluefins was won by Shuneal Bharwani, who collected 96 points.

Bharwani managed to win six gold medals and one silver medal and also won the overall trophy for the boys’ age category of 15 and over. He was closely followed by Diti Latighra from the girls’ side with 94 points after she scooped six gold and one bronze medal and also won the overall age group trophy in the same age category.

Mohammadhussein Imran had the third-highest number of points for Bluefins with 88 points after winning five gold and two bronze medals. He was also the runner-up in the boys’ 15 and over age category behind Bharwani.

Other swimmers who won medals for Bluefins were Sakina Abdulali, who won two gold, one silver and two bronze medals; Insiya Adamji (one silver and one bronze); Adam Hassanali (two silver and one bronze); Amatullah Mustansir (one gold and two bronze medals); and Maahira Noorani, who won one gold medal. The list also included Azaan Momin (two silver and one bronze medal), Kanzi Mussa (one silver medal), and Ummeabiha Esmail, Burhannudin Fazleabbas and Inaya Raheel, who each won a bronze medal.

“This was a good event for our young swimmers to be able to achieve new personal bests, which will enable them to qualify for next month’s National Junior Championships,” said the club’s founder and head trainer, Rahim Alidina. “We entered a team made up mostly of young swimmers so they could be introduced to the world of competitive swimming and gain some experience before going for the Nationals, and we are happy to say that most of our swimmers managed to achieve new personal bests, which will enable them to qualify for the National Junior event,” said Alidina.

He said preparations for the upcoming competition are underway as the club’s panel of coaches continues to train the swimmers. .

Dar es Salaam. Defending champions Young Africans SC (Yanga) are facing one of the most decisive moments of their season as their hopes of retaining both the CRDB Federation Cup and the Mainland Tanzania Premier League titles could depend on two crucial back-to-back matches against Azam FC.

According to the CRDB Federation Cup schedule, Yanga will face Azam FC on June 20 at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza in a highly anticipated semifinal clash. Just four days later, the two sides will meet again on June 24 in a Mainland Premier League fixture at KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.

The two matches are expected to define Yanga’s season and determine whether the club can continue its dominance in Tanzanian football. In the CRDB Federation Cup semifinal, Yanga must win to secure a place in the final.

A defeat would mean the end of their hopes of defending the trophy they have won for four consecutive seasons. The pressure is therefore immense on coach Miguel Gamondi’s side, as only victory will keep their dream alive.

The second encounter against Azam FC in the league could prove even more important. Yanga will again need maximum points to stay on course for a fifth straight Mainland Premier League title.

However, unlike the cup match where only a win matters, the league race will also depend on Simba SC’s results in their remaining fixtures. Currently, Yanga lead the league standings with 54 points from 23 matches, while arch-rivals Simba SC are second with 52 points from the same number of games.

Azam FC remain third in the standings with 46 points and could play a major role in deciding the destination of the title. Their performances against Yanga may either strengthen Yanga’s grip on the championship or hand Simba a golden opportunity to reclaim the trophy.

Before facing Azam FC on June 24, Yanga still have four difficult league matches to navigate. The league leaders will face Singida Black Stars on May 22, Namungo FC on May 25, Mashujaa FC on June 13, and Fountain Gate FC on June 17. Yanga must collect positive results from all those matches to maintain their advantage at the top of the table.

Simba SC also have a demanding schedule ahead as they continue chasing the title. The Msimbazi giants will play Coastal Union on May 21, Dodoma Jiji FC on May 24, Pamba Jiji on June 14, Mbeya City on June 18, and Mtibwa Sugar on June 24. With only a two-point gap separating the two giants, the title race remains wide open.

Simba cannot afford to drop points if they want to keep their championship hopes alive, while Yanga know that every remaining match is effectively a final. As the season approaches its climax, all eyes will now turn to Azam FC, the team that could ultimately decide the fate of both Yanga’s league and cup ambitions.

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Dar es Salaam. Rising fuel prices in the country have turned vehicle gas conversion into one of the most sought-after services, with many companies overwhelmed by the growing number of motorists seeking installations.

The surge in demand has forced some firms to prioritise cash-paying customers while temporarily suspending credit arrangements for clients who previously paid in instalments, a situation largely linked to shortages of equipment. The trend has also pushed up installation costs, with an 11-kilogramme cylinder, preferred by most motorists, now costing between Sh1.8 million and Sh2.1 million, compared to between Sh1.5 million and Sh1.65 million charged by some companies before the current crisis.

The situation has left some companies with waiting lists of up to 300 customers, while delays in cargo shipments have been cited among factors slowing a service increasingly viewed as a lifeline by motorists. Tanzania remains among countries feeling the impact of rising global fuel prices following the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted oil production, storage and refining infrastructure, including production wells, storage facilities and refineries, ultimately affecting global supply capacity.

The situation has pushed fuel prices in Dar es Salaam to S,115 per litre of petrol, S,248 for diesel and S,677 for kerosene, making compressed natural gas an increasingly attractive alternative for motorists. Compared to compressed natural gas sold at Sh1,550 per kilogramme, petrol users save about Sh2,565 while diesel users save around Sh2,698. “The difference is currently huge.

Demand has increased sharply because everyone is looking for relief from fuel costs, but the biggest challenge now is the availability of equipment needed to serve customers,” said Exogas Green Solution Limited marketing officer, Mr Aron Dosha. He said the company currently receives more than 100 calls daily from customers seeking information on gas conversion costs, while over 300 people are already waiting for installation services.

“Equipment is our biggest challenge at the moment. We placed orders, but the ship carrying supplies delayed.

Because of the limited materials available, we have suspended instalment-based services and are prioritising customers paying cash,” he said. He added that shortages had pushed the installation cost of the widely used 11-kilogramme cylinder to Sh1.8 million from Sh1.65 million previously charged before the conflict escalated.

“When equipment is limited, you cannot continue charging Sh1.5 million or Sh1.65 million. Prices must increase because demand is high and costs have also risen,” he said.

EAM Autogas Garage managing director, Mr Emmanuel Mwakaje, said although installation costs had started stabilising, public demand for gas conversion had increased significantly. He said before the Middle East conflict, only a few motorists sought gas conversion services, and customers were difficult to secure, unlike now, when installers are many and demand is even higher.

“When demand rises, prices increase slightly, and most customers prefer 11-kilogramme cylinders because they fit easily in small vehicles,” he said. According to him, before the current global crisis, installations cost around Sh1.6 million with room for negotiation, but prices have now risen to no less than Sh1.8 million without bargaining opportunities.

“In the past, business was difficult. We had to lower prices to attract customers because people lacked motivation to install the systems.

Now the number of motorists seeking gas conversion has risen sharply as they try to avoid high fuel costs amid equipment shortages,” he said. Explaining the current charges, he said installation costs now stand at Sh1 million for a 4.

5-kilogramme cylinder, Sh1.2 million for six kilogrammes, Sh1.8 million for 11 kilogrammes, Sh2.2 million for 15 kilogrammes and Sh2.5 million for 17 kilogrammes. Before the Middle East conflict, some companies reduced installation charges by between Sh200,000 and Sh250,000 in efforts to attract customers to the business.

Nk CNG Auto Limited director, Mr Nurdin Kombo, whose company has also suspended credit services for gas installations, said the cost of fitting an 11-kilogramme cylinder had reached between Sh1.9 million and Sh2 million. “The equipment shortage has worsened because demand is increasing rapidly.

The industry has been overwhelmed and many businesses are rushing to order equipment. I believe prices will eventually return to normal,” he said.

Using his company as an example, he said more equipment was expected to arrive in June or July, particularly cylinders that cannot easily be transported by sea, forcing some firms to use air freight for smaller equipment. “Once companies receive the equipment they ordered, the market will stabilise, and prices will fall again.

But for now, some customers have been asked to wait until equipment becomes available,” he said. Situation at DIT While private companies complain about overwhelming demand and equipment shortages, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) project manager for compressed natural gas vehicle integration, Dr Esebi Nyari, said the institution still had adequate equipment.

“It is true that customer numbers have increased. Previously, we struggled to attract clients, but now people call and visit daily seeking gas conversion services.

We currently handle four vehicles a day according to our capacity,” he said. Speaking separately, driver Victor Mashaka criticised the increase in installation costs and called for measures to make the services more affordable.

“If you missed the earlier period when negotiations were possible, you are unlucky now. Without at least Sh1.9 million or Sh2 million, you cannot get the service at many places,” he said.

The remarks come as the Ministry of Energy’s 2026/27 budget estimates that more than 20,000 transport and logistics vehicles are currently using natural gas across the country. In addition, by March 2026, a total of 86 local and foreign private companies had been licensed to invest in Tanzania’s natural gas value chain.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s road racing calendar is set for another thrilling chapter after the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) officially flagged off the seventh edition of the NBC Dodoma Marathon, scheduled for July 26, 2026 in Dodoma City, with organizers targeting a record-breaking field of more than 15,000 runners from Tanzania and across the globe.

Fresh from last season’s impressive turnout of over 12,000 participants, the marathon continues to rise in stature as one of Tanzania’s premier long-distance running events, combining elite competition, community participation and life-changing social impact under one banner. The official launch ceremony, held in Dar es Salaam, brought together key stakeholders behind the race, including officials from the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Benjamin Mkapa Foundation (BMF), sponsors and NBC staff members.

Speaking during the launch, NBC Managing Director Theobald Sabi said the seventh edition carries renewed ambition — not only to elevate the race experience, but also to deepen its impact on healthcare and community development across Tanzania. “As we continue building the NBC Dodoma Marathon, our vision is for this race to remain much more than an athletics competition.

This is a race for hope, a race for health and ultimately, a race dedicated to saving lives,” said Sabi. According to Sabi, this year’s edition aims to raise funds that will support efforts to reduce maternal and infant deaths during childbirth, facilitate heart surgeries for children suffering from cardiac conditions, and strengthen bone marrow transplant services for children living with sickle cell disease.

The marathon will once again feature four race categories — the 5KM fun run, the 10KM road race, the Half Marathon (21KM) and the grueling Full Marathon (42KM), expected to attract strong competition from both local and international runners. Sabi noted that since its inception six years ago, the NBC Dodoma Marathon has raised more than TZS 1.

5 billion to support various healthcare initiatives across the country. He explained that more than 80 percent of the funds raised have been directed toward the fight against cervical cancer through a partnership with the Ocean Road Cancer Institute.

Through the initiative, over 200,000 women have undergone health screening, while many others have received treatment and fully recovered. “Since 2023, we have also contributed more than TZS 400 million toward diploma scholarships for 200 midwives through our partnership with the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation.

The objective is to help reduce maternal and child mortality during childbirth, and this year we are looking to expand the program to reach even more healthcare professionals,” he added. Sabi further revealed that NBC has allocated TZS 200 million this season to support pediatric heart surgeries through JKCI, alongside another TZS 200 million aimed at strengthening bone marrow transplant services for children living with sickle cell disease through Benjamin Mkapa Hospital.

“All these achievements have been made possible through the strong support of our stakeholders and partners who have stood with us throughout this journey. We sincerely appreciate all our sponsors and partners for continuing to back these important efforts,” he said.

Speaking at the event, JKCI Director Dr Peter Kisenge said the institute currently has more than 1,500 children waiting for heart surgery, with treatment costs ranging from TZS 4 million to TZS 8 million per child. “NBC Dodoma Marathon has brought hope to many families with children suffering from heart conditions.

This support will help us procure medical equipment and improve treatment services. Statistics show that out of every 100 children born, two are born with heart complications,” said Dr.

Kisenge. He added that beyond supporting treatment, the marathon has also become a powerful platform for promoting fitness, active lifestyles and the fight against non-communicable diseases through sport and exercise.

On his part, Benjamin Mkapa Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Prof Abel Makubi said bone marrow transplant treatment for a child living with sickle cell disease can cost as much as TZS 200 million, making the partnership a significant boost toward expanding specialist training in the field. “So far, 30 children have successfully undergone bone marrow transplants and recovered.

Our target now is to increase the number of beneficiaries from the current 10 children annually to 30 every year. We believe NBC Dodoma Marathon will continue to serve as a major source of hope for these children and their families,” said Prof.

Makubi. Meanwhile, Benjamin Mkapa Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr.

Ellen Mkondya-Senkoro said the partnership between BMF and the NBC Dodoma Marathon, which began in 2023, has enabled the training of 200 midwives and nurses from public health facilities who are now serving in more than 150 health centers across 31 districts nationwide. Representatives speaking on behalf of the marathon sponsors, including Sanlam Allianz Tanzania and GSM Group, said their continued support stems from the marathon’s strong commitment to using sport as a vehicle for saving lives and driving positive social transformation.

Registration for the NBC Dodoma Marathon is now officially open through the NBC Dodoma Marathon Registration Portal, www.events.

nbc.co.

tz with entry fees set at TZS 45,000 for individual runners and TZS 42,000 per participant for group registrations of 30 people or more. .

By Anna Tibaijuka In the first part of this series I discussed the debate on insurance and Islam. In the second part I explained why Tanzania remains underinsured.

In last week’s third instalment I clarified that insurance funds are not unlimited and must be used responsibly. In this final part, I turn to a broader question: What kind of insurance industry does Tanzania want to build for the future? This is not just a technical issue; it is a matter of economic development, financial inclusion, and national resilience.

Tanzania’s Vision 2050 recognises the importance of a modern and inclusive financial system. It acknowledges that insurance plays a role in protecting citizens against risk, supporting investment, and strengthening economic stability.

It also highlights the need for financial inclusion, stronger institutions, and better use of technology. However, the Vision does not provide a detailed roadmap for how the insurance industry itself should develop.

It recognises insurance, but does not fully strategise its transformation. This leaves an important policy space that must now be addressed.

Insurance development is not only about laws and awareness. It is also about how the market is structured.

One important development in Tanzania has been the growth of bancassurance–where banks distribute insurance products. In principle, this is positive.

Banks have wide customer networks, strong distribution channels, and trusted relationships with clients. This can help increase insurance penetration.

However, in practice, concerns have emerged. In many cases, banks work with a limited number of insurance companies under fixed arrangements.

Customers seeking loans may be required, or strongly encouraged, to obtain insurance from these designated providers. This creates several challenges.

It reduces consumer choice, disadvantages smaller insurers, and contributes to market concentration among a few large players. A customer who has been insured for many years by one company may be forced to switch simply to access a loan.

This is not just a business issue. It is a public policy issue about fairness, competition, and inclusion.

Another important but less visible issue is the cost of compliance. Tanzania has adopted international standards such as IFRS 17, which changes how insurance liabilities are calculated and reported.

This improves transparency but also requires new systems, expertise, and significant investment. At the same time, insurers must invest in modern software systems, which are often expensive and imported.

These systems are necessary but raise the cost of doing business, especially for smaller and locally owned companies. The cost structure is further affected by regulatory levies, commissions, operational costs, and taxation.

While not all insurance products attract VAT, the overall burden remains significant and affects affordability. These pressures have implications for market structure.

Local insurance companies remain small and struggle to compete, while larger or foreign-linked companies expand. In some cases, profits are repatriated, limiting domestic capital accumulation.

If current trends continue, Tanzania risks developing an insurance industry that is compliant but expensive, growing but concentrated, and modern but not inclusive. This is not the goal of development policy.

To build a strong and inclusive insurance industry, Tanzania should focus on expanding insurance penetration, strengthening public education, ensuring fair competition, supporting local industry growth, managing cost pressures, and aligning insurance with national development priorities such as health, agriculture, and infrastructure. Insurance is not just a financial product; it is a foundation of a modern, resilient, and inclusive economy.

Tanzania has made important progress. The laws exist, institutions are in place, and awareness is growing.

But deeper structural issues remain. The task now is not only to grow the industry, but to shape it deliberately–so that it is fair, inclusive, competitive, and beneficial to the nation.

If this is done well, insurance can become a powerful tool for development. If not, it risks becoming a system that serves only a few.

The choice is ours. Prof Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka is a retired Tanzanian Minister and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-HABITAT in Nairobi .

Tanzanian Bongo Flava star Zuchu has officially launched a special music training programme aimed at empowering upcoming artistes and music industry professionals across the country. The programme, dubbed Zuchu-Imbeju Masterclass 2026, is being organised in partnership with CRDB bank and is expected to bring together singers, music managers, producers and behind-the-scenes creatives from Tanzania’s entertainment industry.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam on May 19, 2026, Zuchu said many talented young people fail to achieve their dreams because they lack the right knowledge on how to turn their talent into profitable businesses. “Music has a lot of money only if an artiste treats their talent like a business,” said Zuchu during the press briefing.

The Wasafi signee reflected on her rise to fame following the success of her breakout hit Sukari, revealing that she earned significant income within a short period after the song’s release. “The first three years were epic I was making money like crazy.

I’m delighted that young people who are not yet in the game will now be nurtured and taught how to manage the money they will earn from their creative work,” added Zuchu. The ‘Honey’ hitmaker also detailed how music completely transformed her life, explaining that even when she only had one song, she was already receiving major performance payments and digital streaming revenue.

She said her first performance fee with just one song was five million Tanzanian shillings. She later received a call informing her that her YouTube earnings of 3,000 euros had arrived.

According to organisers, the masterclass will be held at the CRDB headquarters in Dar es Salaam. Registration will take place at various CRDB branches nationwide at a fee of Tsh500,000. .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) is set to enter the next stage of oil and gas exploration at the Eyasi-Wembere block next month after the ongoing geophysical survey reached 78 percent completion.

The state-owned energy firm said the current seismic data acquisition phase, which forms the first stage of the multi-phase exploration programme, is expected to be completed by June this year before the project advances to further analysis and drilling preparations. The Eyasi-Wembere exploration project, which started in 2015, has so far cost S7.47 billion, fully financed by TPDC, the agency said in a statement.

The programme is being implemented in five phases, with the current stage involving underground geophysical surveys covering 779 kilometres across the exploration block. Speaking during an inspection visit by the TPDC board at the project site at the weekend, board chairman Ombeni Sefue said the progress recorded so far reflects positive advancement in the country’s upstream petroleum exploration efforts.

He said the decision to invest in the Eyasi-Wembere block was informed by promising geological characteristics identified within the area. “We are satisfied with the progress and the geological evidence supporting the project,” said Mr Sefue.

According to him, the Eyasi-Wembere basin shares geological similarities with Uganda’s Lake Albert basin and Kenya’s Turkana basin, both of which are part of the East African Rift System where commercially viable oil discoveries have already been made. Mr Sefue added that the presence of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) improves the commercial viability of any future discoveries by providing existing infrastructure for crude oil transportation.

He also noted that TPDC has continued to strengthen local technical expertise, enabling the corporation to manage exploration activities with reduced dependence on foreign specialists. The board further commended contractor AGS for maintaining operational efficiency despite challenges caused by weather conditions and shallow water levels in Lake Eyasi, which have affected parts of the seismic acquisition exercise.

TPDC said preliminary seismic interpretation results indicate encouraging signs of possible hydrocarbon deposits within the block, although further technical analysis is still required before drilling decisions are made. He explained that interpretation of the seismic data will help identify suitable locations for exploration wells, appraisal activities and potential future production sites.

For his part, project manager Sindi Maduhu said processing of the collected geological data was progressing well as the first phase nears completion while the second phase continues simultaneously. He said the exercise is aimed at ensuring accurate geological information is obtained before any drilling activities commence.

“We are processing this data carefully to avoid making decisions that could be costly to the country. This is an important verification stage before moving into drilling operations,” said Mr Maduhu.

According to him, modern seismic acquisition equipment tailored to the conditions of Lake Eyasi has improved efficiency and is expected to support timely completion of the work. Mr Maduhu added that part of the data analysis is being conducted both locally and abroad, including in Serbia, where specialists are assisting with interpretation to improve accuracy and speed up the process.

“We are well prepared and the work is progressing steadily. Within the next month, we expect the seismic data acquisition phase to be 100 percent complete,” he said.

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By Mohamed Besta The government of the United Republic of Tanzania through Ministry of Works and TANROADS has on May 18, 2026 signed the Works Contract for the implementation of the Dodoma Integrated and Sustainable Transport (DIST) Project, marking an important milestone in the continued development of the nation’s capital city. The signing of the contract signifies the commencement of one of the most strategic urban transport infrastructure programmes currently being undertaken in the country.

The DIST Project comes at a time when Dodoma is experiencing rapid expansion arising from increased government activities, population growth, commercial development and rising mobility demands. Over recent years, pressure on the city’s transport infrastructure has become increasingly evident, particularly along major corridors connecting residential areas, Government institutions and business centres.

Recognising these challenges, the government, with support from the International Development Association (IDA), secured financing amounting to $200 million for the implementation of the project. The project aims at improving safe, sustainable and inclusive accessibility within Dodoma through the upgrading and rehabilitation of strategic roads and supporting urban transport infrastructure.

Among the principal works to be undertaken is the upgrading of the DodomaChamwino corridor, where sections of the road will be expanded from two lanes to four and six lanes respectively. The improvements will facilitate comfortable access towards Msalato Airport, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station and important roads within the Central Business District.

The significance of these investments cannot be overstated. Efficient transport infrastructure is indispensable to the orderly functioning of a capital city.

Improved road connectivity will reduce travel time, ease congestion and facilitate the movement of people, goods and public services within the city. In practical terms, the project will enhance productivity and improve the general efficiency of urban mobility.

Particularly commendable is the integrated nature of the DIST Project. In addition to road widening, the project incorporates service roads, pedestrian walkways, cycling infrastructure and provisions for future bus rapid transit (BRT) development.

Such an approach reflects sound and forward-looking urban planning principles. In many developing cities, infrastructure development has often concentrated primarily on vehicular traffic while neglecting pedestrians and users of public transport.

The DIST Project, however, seeks to address mobility in a more comprehensive manner by recognising the needs of all categories of road users, including persons with disabilities and ordinary commuters. The project is also expected to generate important economic and social benefits.

During implementation, employment opportunities will arise for local citizens, contractors and service providers. Upon completion, improved accessibility is expected to stimulate commercial activities, strengthen public transport operations and reinforce Dodoma’s role as Tanzania’s administrative and political capital.

Equally important are the proposed beautification measures, including installation of street lighting and roadside greening. These elements contribute not only to safety and environmental improvement, but also to the overall appearance and dignity of the capital city.

Nevertheless, projects of this magnitude demand careful management, professional supervision and strict adherence to engineering standards. Timely execution and prudent utilisation of public resources will be essential in ensuring that the intended benefits are fully realised and sustained for future generations.

Dodoma occupies a special place in the future development of Tanzania. Infrastructure investments undertaken today will define the city’s efficiency, character and functionality for decades to come.

The DIST Project should therefore be viewed not merely as a road construction undertaking, but as a long-term investment in the future growth, mobility and stature of Tanzania’s capital city. Mohamed Besta is Chief Executive of Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) .

Dar/Upcountry. Authorities have announced plans to strengthen health safety measures at border posts in coordination with neighbouring countries and international agencies, following rising concern over the spread of Ebola in the East African region.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, on Monday, May 18, 2026, Health Minister, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, said regional commissioners in border areas had already been instructed to intensify surveillance of people entering and leaving the country to prevent the disease from spreading into Tanzania. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), by Saturday, May 16, 2026, a total of eight laboratory-confirmed Ebola cases and 246 suspected cases had been reported in Ituri Province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while 80 deaths linked to the disease had also been recorded.

At the same time, Uganda on Sunday, May 17, 2026, confirmed two Ebola cases in Kampala, one of whom subsequently died. The patients had travelled from DRC, formally confirming the cross-border spread of the disease within the region.

Speaking about the preventive measures being implemented, Mr Mchengerwa said epidemic diseases are not a challenge for a single country but a global concern requiring collective international cooperation. He said the government is preparing to strengthen border surveillance in collaboration with neighbouring states already battling the outbreak.

“All regional commissioners in border regions have received directives and are monitoring people entering and leaving the country. We are also collaborating with our neighbours because health matters are not for one country alone but a global concern, and whenever outbreaks occur nations must work together,” he said.

He added that Tanzania continues to collaborate with regional health agencies through the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the WHO Africa under the Regional Director Prof Mohamed Janabi, while teams of specialists have already been deployed to DRC and Uganda to assess the outbreak situation. The comments come after the WHO declared the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain a public health emergency of global concern following its spread from DRC into Uganda.

According to the WHO, more than 246 cases have so far been reported in eastern DRC, with over 80 deaths linked to the disease. Uganda has also confirmed two Ebola cases in Kampala, one of the patients having died.

The outbreak has raised alert levels across East African states, especially Tanzania, which maintains extensive trade and movement of people with neighbouring countries through land borders, airports, and ports. In Kagera Region, which borders Uganda, officials have already begun implementing several preventive measures.

Misenyi District Medical Officer Daniel Chochole said dedicated temperature screening equipment had been installed at the Mutukula border post to screen travellers entering from Uganda. He said the programme aims to detect people showing Ebola symptoms at an early stage because one of the disease’s first warning signs is sudden high fever.

“We have received government directives and have already assigned Kabyaire Health Centre to manage Ebola patients or suspected cases should they emerge,” he said. He added that the district has also readied a special vehicle to ferry patients or suspected cases from various areas to treatment facilities.

Village monitoring teams have also been formed alongside public sensitisation groups tasked with informing communities about Ebola symptoms and the importance of reporting suspected cases promptly. Although Tanzania has not reported any Ebola cases, health experts have warned that the country remains at risk because of heavy cross-border trade and movement of goods within the East African region.

Among locations deemed highly vulnerable is Kariakoo, Tanzania’s main commercial hub, which receives traders and goods from several East and Central African countries daily. “In that bustling market, hundreds of traders from DRC, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan frequently move in and out for commercial activities, raising the need for strict health measures,” said Medical Association of Tanzania (MAT) president, Dr Mugisha Nkoronko.

Public health experts cautioned that congested settings, frequent commercial travel, and close contact within market environments could increase the risk of disease spread if screening systems and public awareness campaigns are not strengthened. At the same time, freight transport through lorries coming from neighbouring states to the Dar es Salaam port remains crucial to the regional economy but could also speed the spread of infectious diseases if monitoring systems are weakened.

EAC urges warning The East African Community (EAC) has already urged member nations to strengthen screening at border entry posts while boosting the capacity of health workers and rapid response teams. EAC Deputy Secretary General in-charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Mr Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, said the outbreak shows the importance of regional cooperation in information sharing and boosting disease monitoring systems.

According to the WHO, Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person or anyone who has died from the disease. .