Category: The Citizen

Several weeks ago, during a rather pressing period at work, I sent a message to my department head on Slack. The matter was urgent, something that required immediate clarity, and I expected, quite naturally, a swift, practical response.

He did respond, outlining the necessary next steps, precise and efficient as always. But at the very end of his message, he added, “It’s lunch; have you eaten?” I remember pausing when I read that.

The message itself was not long, just a single question, but I found myself lingering on it. There I was, entirely absorbed in the mechanics of the task at hand, yet this small, almost offhand remark was not merely about food.

It was a brief acknowledgement that I was still a person, not just a “cog in a larger system.” It struck me then that true leadership rarely announces itself with grand gestures.

More often, it reveals itself in quieter moments, small kindnesses that remind us there’s a human behind the deliverables, carrying the weight of the work. Perhaps that is what makes a boss worth celebrating.

World Boss’s Day usually fills our feeds with the usual LinkedIn soundbites: “She’s a visionary!” “He’s so inspiring!” “Grateful for leadership that pushes me to grow!” And sure, those things can be true, but sometimes, the best bosses aren’t the ones with the loudest voice, the biggest office, or extreme “TED Talk energy.” Sometimes, the boss worth celebrating is the one who sees you.

Asks how you are and actually listens to your response. A boss who understands that part of leadership is emotional labour.

Harvard Business Review reports that employees who feel psychologically safe are 76 per cent more likely to engage, 50 per cent more likely to stay, and 67 per cent more likely to take smart risks. Yet in many cultures, including ours, authority is rarely questioned.

Many employees are still “yes-sir-ing” their way through one-on-ones, hoping to stay out of trouble rather than speak up. I’m not advocating “soft leadership”; I’m challenging leaders to create environments where people feel safe enough to lead themselves, where employees can grow, fail, own their truth, and still be trusted.

4 things great bosses actually do (even when no one’s watching) 1. They build psychological safety.

Sometimes it’s by modelling vulnerability by taking responsibility publicly, even when it’s uncomfortable, with simple statements like “That one’s on me,” which defuses defensiveness and thus in turn models accountability, proving to the team that blame isn’t a survival strategy. In addition, they invite their subordinates to share creative ideas without judgement, making it safe for others to speak up, experiment, and grow.

2. They don’t glorify burnout.

They normalise rest and ask about your bandwidth before assigning more. 3.

They celebrate progress, not just outcomes. A quiet “well done” after a rough meeting.

A shoutout in a team call. They make you feel seen, not just useful.

4. They manage up, down, and across with integrity.

They don’t say one thing to the team and another in exec meetings; their values stay consistent, regardless of the room. So to Tyler, my department head, and to every boss who leads with heart rather than ego, this is for you.

You have earned the trust of your team, made difficult days less so, and helped build a culture where people can exhale. Because of your leadership, I don’t feel micromanaged; I feel trusted.

You keep me in the loop and check in, but you never hover. The space you leave for me to work makes my job feel less like an obligation and more like ownership.

You have created a room where ideas are not only heard but invited. In the past, at a previous job, I might have kept my ideas to myself, unsure if they would land or be discarded, driven by the need to perform, but I speak without fear because you listen with intention, and in doing so, I have become more myself.

I have watched you choose humility when you could have chosen authority by asking questions when you could have given commands, and I have learnt from that. So here is my simple offering, in these words, to say you are doing a GREAT job! Even though World Boss’s Day has passed (it’s marked on October 16), let’s celebrate the kind of leadership that doesn’t just look good but actually feels good to work under because, at the end of the day, the best bosses don’t lead from above; they lead beside us.

And sometimes, they even ask if we’ve eaten. .

Dar es Salaam. Hundreds of women entrepreneurs in Tanzania are set to benefit from an expanded clean energy initiative following a renewed partnership between the Puma Energy Foundation and Solar Sister.

The collaboration aims to address Tanzania’s persistent energy access gap, where over half of the population still lacks electricity and depends on harmful fuels such as firewood, charcoal, and kerosene for cooking and lighting. The partnership, launched in 2023 under Puma Energy Foundation’s Business Booster Programme, trained and supported 579 women entrepreneurs, equipping them with digital skills and tools such as smartphones to help boost sales and reach off-grid communities.

In the second phase, beginning in 2025, Solar Sister will recruit and train 500 more women across three new regions, provide 200 with advanced digital business skills, and distribute 16,000 solar products, including 2,000 clean cookstoves. “The goal is not just to sell energy products,” said Solar Sister Tanzania Country Director, Mr Cesear Mloka.

“It’s to empower women with confidence, financial independence, and a respected voice in their households.” The partnership aims to reach an additional 85,000 Tanzanians with renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and improve health outcomes.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is projected to sustain a robust economic growth rate of above 6 percent in 2025 and 2026, according to the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) regional economic outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to the IMF, while the external environment remains challenging specifically for resource intensive countries, Tanzania is among the nations with strategic domestic policy successes in areas such as revenue mobilization. The October 2025 report explicitly praises Tanzania’s progress in modernizing its tax administration, compliance, and staff training.

Through the implementation of risk-based case selection and digital systems, these measures have led to a near 20 percent increase in assessed taxable income. This successful reform positions the nation among the region’s leaders in strengthening fiscal capacity from within–a critical priority emphasized by IMF African Department Director, Mr Abebe Selassie, to secure macroeconomic stabilization across the continent.

“The projected sharp decline in foreign aid leaves several lower-income economies particularly exposed,” Mr Selassie noted, in his statement underscoring why Tanzania’s progress in self-funding development is so crucial. At a projected 6 percent, Tanzania’s growth outperforms Kenya, which is forecast at 4.

9 percent amid significant fiscal tightening and elevated debt service costs. However, the East African neighbours of Rwanda (7.5 percent) and Uganda (7.6 percent) are projected to lead the region, driven largely by public infrastructure projects and private investment.

While the IMF report acknowledges that external financing terms have improved slightly, allowing some nations like Kenya and Angola to access international capital markets, it concurrently warns that the global trade policy and aid landscape is deteriorating. Preferential access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has expired, and foreign aid is set to sharply decline.

Against this backdrop, Tanzania’s domestic fiscal shield becomes an invaluable asset. Local economists affirm that Tanzania’s steady performance reflects more than just domestic policy.

Senior Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam’s School of Economics,Dr Wilhelm Ngasamiaku, links the current stability to broader geopolitical shifts. “There’s been an economic war between major powers–the U.

S., China, and Russia–and as a result, many countries are diversifying their reserves away from the dollar and into gold,” Dr Ngasamiaku explained.

This global realignment has boosted demand for Tanzania’s gold exports, stabilizing foreign exchange reserves and providing a timely economic opportunity. However, the consensus among experts is that resource reliance is a fragile foundation.

Dr Ngasamiaku cautioned that long-term stability requires a shift in economic focus. “To sustain our economy in the long term, we must diversify.

That means building a strong domestic manufacturing base and expanding the export of manufactured goods,” he said. A lecturer at Mzumbe University’s School of Business Dr Daudi Ndaki, , echoed the same message, warning that resource-intensive growth models can become fragile during periods of global instability.

“Resource-intensive countries depend heavily on exports to grow,” Dr Ndaki said. “But when there is conflict or political instability globally, the entire chain becomes risky — from export demand to foreign exchange earnings.

” He added that Tanzania’s long-term stability will depend on developing a strong domestic market and choosing trade partners more strategically. “We need to build our internal market and understand clearly which countries we are engaging with,” he said.

“It’s about identifying sustainable, reliable partners rather than depending on volatile export markets.” “Strengthening the domestic market is essential,” he concluded.

“That’s what will shield Tanzania from external shocks and ensure steady, homegrown growth.” Moreover IMF African lead Mr.

Selassie stressed that significant potential exists to raise revenues through modernized tax systems, digitalization, and streamlining tax loopholes. He insisted that “these efforts must go beyond technical adjustments” to build public trust and ensure reforms are both effective and equitable via careful impact and distributional assessments.

Secondly, enhancing debt transparency and strengthening Public Financial Management (PFM) are key to reducing high borrowing costs and unlocking innovative financing. Mr.

Selassie urged publishing comprehensive debt data and reinforcing budget oversight as critical steps for building resilience and supporting inclusive, sustainable growth across the region. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football giants Simba SC and Singida Black Stars took major steps toward the group stages of their respective CAF club competitions after posting impressive results in the first-leg matches played yesterday.

In the CAF Champions League, Simba registered a commanding 30 victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini, while Singida Black Stars held Flambeau du Centre of Burundi to a 11 draw in the CAF Confederation Cup. The results put both Tanzanian clubs in strong positions ahead of their decisive return legs next week.

Simba’s victory in Eswatini came in what was the debut match for their new head coach, Dimitar Pantev, who replaced Fadlu Davids earlier this month after the South African tactician joined Raja Club Athletic. Despite being away from home, Simba dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities.

Their persistence finally paid off in the dying minutes of the first half when defender Wilson Nangu rose highest to head home from a Neo Maema corner, giving the Tanzanian champions a deserved lead. In the second half, Simba continued to press forward, and their efforts were rewarded again in the 83rd minute, when Kibu Dennis doubled the lead after a clever pass from Jonathan Sowah.

Dennis later struck again in the 89th minute, finishing off a neat assist from Moris Abraham. The result means Simba only need a draw in the return leg, which will be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on October 26, to secure qualification for the CAF Champions League group stage.

Meanwhile, in the CAF Confederation Cup, Singida Black Stars earned a crucial away draw in Bujumbura, Burundi. After a balanced opening half, the match came to life in the second period when Clatous Chama broke the deadlock for Singida in the 60th minute, finishing a well-worked team move to put the visitors ahead.

However, their lead lasted only two minutes as Edson Munaba equalized for Flambeau du Centre, ensuring the home side remained in contention. Despite late pressure from the Burundian club, Singida’s defense held firm to secure the valuable away result.

The 11 draw gives Singida a slight advantage ahead of the return leg in Tanzania, where a goalless draw would be enough to see them progress to the group stage for the first time in their history. .

Dar es Salaam. The Republic in the treason case against Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu has asked the High Court (Sub-Registry) in Dar es Salaam to dismiss his objection over the admissibility of a video containing his speech allegedly inciting treason.

In its submissions, the prosecution argued that Lissu’s claims lack legal merit and should be rejected. The case, which is being heard by a three-judge bench led by Resident Judge at the Iringa sub-registry Dunstan Ndunguru, is currently at the prosecution’s evidence stage.

Judges James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde are sitting with him. Lissu is accused of, on April 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, making statements intended to threaten the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, contrary to Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code.

The prosecution cited social media posts in which he allegedly said: “If this position is seen as incitement, it is true because we say we will obstruct the elections, incite rebellion this election we will really disrupt it we will sabotage it badly” Evidence verification The third prosecution witness, Samweli Eribariki Kaaya, 39, a forensic imaging expert from the Police Forensic Science Section, testified that on April 8, 2025, he received a flash disk and memory card containing the video from the Special Investigations Regional Office in Dar es Salaam. He confirmed the video was authentic after examination and submitted a forensic report.

The prosecution asked the court to admit it as evidence. Lissu objected, raising four main points.

Prosecution response On Lissu’s claim that the video was never shown in the committal court, Senior Government Advocate Nassoro Katuga said the court should refer to official committal records, which clearly show the video was played and read to the accused. Regarding the claim that the expert report should precede the video, Katuga argued there is no law requiring this.

He cited CPA Sections 216(1)220(1), adding that previous court rulings support admitting evidence based on relevance, materiality, and competency. On the objection that the witness lacked authority, Katuga said the witness had properly examined the video, demonstrated his expertise, and was authorised.

He cited DPP v Shaibu Mohamed and 6 others (Criminal Appeal No. 74/2016) as precedent.

Finally, on the chain of custody, Katuga argued that authenticity was sufficiently verified and that this issue is not one of the three main criteria for admitting evidence. Katuga urged the court to dismiss Lissu’s objections as legally weak and a waste of time.

Following the prosecution’s response, Lissu will reply before the judges make their ruling. .

Paris. Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, set to start a five-year prison sentence on Tuesday after being convicted of attempting to raise campaign funds from Libya in 2007, said he is not afraid of going to jail, La Tribune Dimanche reported.

Sarkozy, who is due to be incarcerated at Paris’s Sante prison on October 21, told the newspaper he had already packed his bags and feels calm ahead of the start of his sentence. “I am not afraid of prison.

I will hold my head high, even in front of the gates of Sante,” Sarkozy said, adding he will not ask for any special privileges. Sarkozy says plans to write book while in prison The former president told La Tribune Dimanche he does not want to complain or be pitied during his imprisonment.

He plans to spend his time in jail writing a book, the newspaper said. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was found guilty of criminal conspiracy over efforts by close aides to procure funds for his successful 2007 presidential bid from Libya during the rule of late dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Sarkozy has always said he was innocent and has appealed his conviction. .

Tokyo. Hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi is almost certain to become Japan’s first female prime minister on Tuesday, after the right-wing opposition Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin, said it was ready to back her premiership.

“I told Takaichi that we should move forward together,” Ishin’s leader and Osaka governor Hirofumi Yoshimura told reporters in the western Japanese city on Monday. He will meet with Takaichi at 6 p.

m. (0900 GMT) to conclude the alliance, he added.

Yoshimura and Ishin’s other boss, Fumitake Fujita, joined party lawmakers earlier at 2 p.m.

(0500 GMT) to discuss the coalition. Investors’ anticipation of a deal that could lead to higher government spending weakened the yen and pushed stocks in Japan to a record high, with the blue-chip Nikkei share index jumping almost 3% in afternoon trading.

The cooperation agreement would deliver a combined 231 seats in parliament’s dominant lower house. It would fall two short of a majority, but ensure Takaichi likely wins a vote in parliament on Tuesday to pick Japan’s next prime minister.

She will only need a majority of ballots cast rather than of all members in any runoff vote. To govern, however, she will still need to court the support of other opposition groups, including for an upcoming supplementary budget.

The expected deal with Ishin follows the collapse of the LDP’s 26-year coalition with Komeito, which ended its alliance after the ruling party picked Takaichi as its new leader. Komeito’s abrupt withdrawal triggered talks among opposition parties, including the second largest Ishin, that could have derailed her premiership ambitions and thrown her party out of power for the first time in more than a decade.

Ishin’s decision to side with the LDP ends that possibility. Fiscal dove, security hawk Takaichi, a fiscal dove, has called for higher spending and tax cuts to cushion consumers from rising inflation and has criticised the Bank of Japan’s decision to raise interest rates.

“Expectations for Takaichi’s economic policies, which include fiscal expansion and monetary easing, appear to be facilitating rising share prices and a weaker yen,” said Nomura Securities strategist Fumika Shimizu. Some analysts say Ishin, which advocates for small government and spending cuts, could restrain some of Takaichi’s spending ambitions.

Takaichi wants to revise Japan’s pacifist postwar constitution to recognise the role of its military. A regular visitor to the Yasukuni war shrine in Tokyo, viewed by some Asian neighbours as a symbol of wartime aggression, she wants higher defence spending to deter neighbouring China.

She has also called for stricter immigration rules and opposes social policies, such as allowing women to retain their surnames after marriage, which she says undermine traditional values. For now, Ishin will not take up a post in Takaichi’s government, at least until it is clear that the partnership with the LDP is working, Yoshimura said later in a television interview.

“Right now, we’re still a group of lawmakers with no experience in government. So rather than asking for a ministerial post, we want to first focus on realising our policies as part of the ruling coalition,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) has said it will only consider reviewing fares for the bus rapid transit (BRT) Phase Two route after confirming the effectiveness of the new electronic fare collection system.

Latra director general Habibu Suluo said during an inspection tour at the weekend that the authority is closely supervising fare operations under the new operator, Mofat, to avoid revenue collection problems experienced during Phase One. “During BRT Phase One operations, the main challenge was poor revenue collection because the system was not integrated electronically.

We insisted that before any fare increase, the new operator must first establish a proper electronic fare collection system,” he said. Mr Suluo added that Latra had initially proposed a fare increase in 2022 to Sh1,000 but deferred the decision until a reliable collection mechanism was established.

“For Phase Two, we directed the operator to implement an electronic ticketing system and ensure transparency before authorising any fare review. That was part of the measures we announced in December 2022.” Latra has now reviewed the fare structure under the Land Transport Regulatory Authority Tariff Regulations of 2020, allowing a transitional fare of Sh1,000 on condition that Mofat continues to improve service quality and ensure smooth passenger movement.

“If the systems perform well, services improve and passengers travel comfortably, the interim fare of Sh1,000 will apply. But our main goal is to reduce congestion and road accidents.

Many people still use unsafe transport modes, leading to loss of lives and property,” he said. Mr Suluo clarified that under the current framework, the Dar Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) remains the main overseer of the BRT service, while Latra serves as the regulator.

“Mofat cannot submit fare proposals directly to the regulator. They must go through Dart, which supervises operators and ensures compliance with performance indicators such as vehicle cleanliness, driver conduct and safety,” he said.

He added that Dart will forward fare proposals to Latra for review based on investment levels and service performance. “For now, we have given a temporary fare of Sh1,000 while monitoring performance.

Once we are fully satisfied with the systems and service delivery, we will consider a new fare review, which could reach Sh1,400.” Mr Suluo noted that the BRT system is a major investment financed through large loans and the operator must generate enough revenue to repay them while ensuring Tanzanians receive quality service. He assured commuters that Latra continues to monitor fare collection and management to ensure transparency and fairness, urging the public to embrace the BRT as the safest and most efficient urban transport option.

Mofat director Abdulrahman Kassim said the firm is in the trial phase and has received positive feedback despite a few challenges being addressed before the official launch. Each bus can carry up to 165 passengers per trip, with 40 seated and 125 standing, stressing that adherence to capacity limits is key to ensuring safety and efficiency, he added.

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Dar es Salaam. The treason case facing Chadema national chairperson Tundu Lissu resumes today, Monday, October 20, 2025, at the High Court’s Dar es Salaam sub-registry after a weekend recess.

In today’s proceedings, the prosecution is expected to respond to objections raised by Mr Lissu over the admissibility of a video alleged to contain statements of a treasonous nature, which the prosecution seeks to tender as evidence. Mr Lissu is charged with treason for allegedly uttering words intended to threaten the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, contrary to section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code.

It is alleged that on April 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, while being a Tanzanian citizen loyal to the Union, he made statements threatening the Government and posted them on social media, saying in part: “If they say this stance signals rebellion, it’s true, because we are saying we’ll stop the election, we’ll mobilise for rebellion–that’s how change comes, so we’ll disrupt it, this election, we’ll mess it up completely, we’ll cause serious chaos” The case is being heard by a panel of three judges, led by Iringa High Court Resident Judge, Justice Dunstan Ndunguru, sitting with Justices James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde. The matter is currently at the stage of the prosecution’s evidence through its third witness.

The third prosecution witness, Police Inspector Samweli Eribariki Kaaya, 39, a video expert from the forensic imaging unit at Police Headquarters in Dar es Salaam, told the court that his department deals with recording and analysing still and motion images related to criminal incidents and suspects. He said that after conducting a two-stage forensic examination, both physical and scientific, he concluded that the video was authentic.

Led by Senior State Attorney Tawab Issa, Inspector Kaaya said he received and examined Mr Lissu’s video, which was submitted on April 8, 2025, by the Office of the Regional Crime Officer in Dar es Salaam. The video was provided in two forms: a flash drive and a memory card.

Following his analysis, he confirmed the preliminary findings that the video was genuine and prepared a forensic report, which, together with related exhibits, he handed over to the requesting authority. The prosecution subsequently asked the court to admit the video as evidence.

However, Mr Lissu objected, advancing four reasons. First, he argued that although the video was listed among the prosecution’s exhibits, it was never presented before the Committal Court at Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court during committal proceedings, contrary to section 263(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA), Revised Edition 2023. He further cited Court of Appeal precedents, insisting that all exhibits must be read or shown during committal proceedings.

Second, he claimed the video was introduced prematurely, arguing it should only have been tendered after the forensic report had been formally received, contrary to sections 216 to 220 of the CPA. Third, he challenged the witness’s authority to tender the video, saying he was not duly appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and had not been gazetted, as required by law.

He noted that his appointment came from the then-Attorney General, who lacked the legal mandate to make such designations, and that he was an image specialist, not a certified forensic scientist. Lastly, Mr Lissu contended that the prosecution had failed to establish a proper chain of custody from the time the video was obtained to its submission in court.

After hearing Mr Lissu’s objections, the court adjourned the case to today, when the prosecution is expected to respond before Mr Lissu is given a chance to reply. The court will then deliver its ruling on the admissibility of the video evidence .

Bishop Dr Stephen Munga joined the Tanzanian diaspora community in Sweden in the early 1990s, when the community was still modest. He moved his family to the Scandinavian country as he pursued his PhD in theology.

From the beginning, it was evident that this leader of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, Northeastern Diocese, was never a man afraid to speak truth to power. His thesis, which was published by Lund University in 1998, titled ‘Beyond the Controversy: A Study of African Theologies of Inculturation and Liberation’, revealed a man of faith who is also in tune with the suffering of ordinary Tanzanians.

He tried to understand his culture as an African and its inculturation. His thesis would define his life mission for decades to come.

Liberation theology: how to use his faith and influence to speak for marginalised. The Swedish Evangelical Mission played a big role in enabling him to pursue further studies in their country in 1991. He relocated to Sweden with his wife and two kids he had at the time; he would later be blessed with two more babies who were born there and currently reside there.

His time was strictly dedicated to studies and family. Dr Munga and his wife had their hands full; they were both studying at Lund University while raising their children.

Speaking of their time in Sweden, Rev. Dr Anneth Munga, the bishop’s wife, said their ties to the country date back to the time when she was just a young child; the Swedish missionary in her village helped raise her after her mother’s demise.

Coincidentally, the same missionary Swedish lady she affectionately calls ‘Mama Ulla’, who took care of her as a child in the village, helped babysit their kids when the Munga family moved to Lund during their rigorous studies. Learning the medium of communication a society uses helps ease the integration.

Luckily, Rev. Dr Munga was fluent in Swedish; she had learnt it for years, and the Bishop enrolled in a Swedish class the first year they got to the country.

They were surrounded by gracious neighbours, whose doors were always open to them. They felt the love and admiration from the community they lived in.

“They have unity and cooperation within their community. Sweden is one of the countries with strong traditions of socialism,” said Mrs Munga.

Their church community became part of their family; it went beyond prayer sessions. Their kids would play together and get invited to birthdays, and soon they felt part of the Lund community they lived in.

They met a few Tanzanians who were also studying at the university; most of the fellow countrymen they met stayed temporarily, but they got to know each other well. The weekends were moments to stay home with their kids and catch up on the busy week they had.

The days were spent between visiting friends and visiting churches as guest preachers. “We were invited to preach by the Church of Sweden and Swedish Evangelical Mission whenever they gathered,” Mrs Munga elaborated.

They used these opportunities not only to preach but also to attest to the community projects and social services that the church has been able to implement back at home in Tanzania. That was the core of what the Bishop was passionate about.

Seeing that the Church has noticeable participation in uplifting its people not only with words but with tangible deeds. On 5th August 2001, Dr Stephen Munga was ordained as a bishop and returned to Tanzania.

Back home, he continued serving the church as a leader, simultaneously standing as the voice of integrity and empathy. His message emphasised social justice, dignity, health, and lifting people out of poverty.

He insisted that speaking up for the downtrodden is synonymous with the gospel he preaches. His boldness didn’t always sit well with the political elite.

Nevertheless, he humbly but firmly spoke his mind even when it was unsuitable to do so. Dr Mrs Munga remembers when government primary and secondary schools were instructed to ban girls who got pregnant while in school from continuing with their studies.

He vehemently protested it. She verbalised what he said: “When you deny a girl education, you subject her and her future children to a lifetime of poverty and ignorance.

” As the countrywide debates on the matter were raging on, it was even hotly debated in the parliament. Bishop Munga used his pulpit as a platform to speak for these voiceless young girls.

His wife is glad the Bishop got to see the ban lifted before he was called home. He understood the dynamics of the work he was doing; he actively engaged with national leaders, and when the situation necessitated, he communicated with international leaders.

He spoke at the European Union parliament committee, lobbying for Tanzanians to have more benefits from foreign investment in our extractive industry. He felt it was his moral responsibility.

Norwegian Church Aid-Tanzania Country Director, Berte Marie Ulveseter, with whom Bishop Munga worked closely, eulogised him as more than a religious leader. But a champion of human rights, a tireless advocate for economic justice, and a committed bridge-builder across faiths.

“As a close friend and long-standing partner of NCA, he played a key role in shaping our shared vision for a just and inclusive society. Throughout his leadership as Chair of the Interfaith Standing Committee,” she mentioned.

“On Economic Justice and Integrity of Creation (ISCEJIC), Bishop Munga led impactful campaigns, including the ‘Make It Possible’ campaign in 2018, calling for tax commitments as a pathway to universal health insurance in Tanzania,” she added. “Whether advocating for ethical mining, civic space, or access to healthcare, he remained consistent, courageous, and compassionate,” she said.

Advocate Gloria Mafole from the Interfaith Standing Committee had worked with the late Bishop for the last 18 years. They worked on a challenging mission to ensure that ordinary Tanzanians reaping the benefits of the mining industry had received abundant foreign investment, but the communities surrounding the mines had little to show in terms of infrastructure improvement that came with the investments.

Bishop Munga was part of the Tanzanian religious leaders who were tasked to engage the investors. “The people who were displaced and had their land seized refused to negotiate with anyone; that’s when we brought Islamic and Christian leaders to mediate,” she said.

Religious leaders are revered and respected, Gloria noted, and their influence and ability to speak to government leaders, the people, and investors alike were the strength that the InterFaith Standing Committee harnessed to be able to broker better living standards for communities living close to these extractive industries. “Bishop, as a human being, believed in equality; he was never scared of standing up for individuals’ rights and freedom.

“He was a man of peace and reconciliation, too,” she said. Bishop never accepted Tanzania having big mineral investments while its communities were in poverty with no land to farm.

“He told me to never sell my soul for whatever amount of money is offered to me,” she added. Something that he practised.

During his time in Europe, he built a network of friends who became vital when he needed financial backup in major initiatives he was implementing in Lushoto. A district-designated hospital in Kilindi that eased the transportation burden of pregnant women and nursing mothers and reduced maternal deaths was a direct result of Bishop Munga’s engagement with the Finnish Government through their embassy in Dar es Salaam and the Finnish Evangelical mission.

The then President Jakaya Kikwete was the guest of honour presiding over the opening ceremony. This, with the establishment of Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University, was among many initiatives that, together with his diocese, he was able to accomplish during his tenure.

Part of his family still resides in Sweden, along with his grandkids, whom he was so fond of. His social media followers got to see his personal life as a father and a grandfather.

He was not shy to tell his children living in Sweden how much he loves them. He posted about his daily life mingling with ordinary Tanzanians just as much as he posted about the infringement of people’s rights in Tanzania whenever an incident occurred.

He was never known for sugar-coating anything. He never belonged to any political party.

He stood as a man of faith and a servant for the people. And his organisation he founded, ‘Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation’, is the legacy he leaves behind.

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