Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup, Singida Black Stars, took a significant step toward reaching the group stage after earning a crucial 11 away draw against Flambeau du Centre of Burundi on October 19, 2025. The hard-fought result in Bujumbura marked a determined display from the Tanzanian side, who showed character and composure in one of their toughest continental tests yet.

Both teams started cautiously, with the first half characterized by tight defending and few clear-cut chances. Singida, however, looked well-organized and confident in possession, frequently probing the Burundian defense through quick passes and movement in wide areas.

The match opened up in the second half as both sides pushed for the breakthrough. In the 60th minute, Singida finally broke the deadlock through Clatous Chama, who finished off a slick team move following a clever exchange of passes on the edge of the box.

His goal silenced the home crowd and gave the visitors a deserved lead. However, their advantage was short-lived.

Just two minutes later, Edson Munaba leveled for Flambeau du Centre, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area to fire past the Singida goalkeeper. The equalizer reignited the contest, as both sides sought a winner in the final stages.

Flambeau du Centre applied sustained pressure late in the match, but Singida’s defensive line. The 11 draw puts Singida Black Stars in a favorable position ahead of the return leg in Tanzania, scheduled for October 26. With an away goal in hand, a goalless draw at home would be enough to secure their first-ever qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, a remarkable achievement for a club making only its second appearance in continental competition.

For Tanzanian football, the result is another encouraging sign of progress on the African stage, following strong performances from compatriots Simba SC in the CAF Champions League. Singida Black Stars will now look to make home advantage count at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where fans are expected to turn out in large numbers to support the team’s historic bid for a place among the continent’s elite.

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Dar es Salaam. The disappearance and subsequent discovery of Father Camillus Nikata of the Archdiocese of Songea has sparked widespread discussion on social media, raising numerous questions.

Among the queries circulating online are how Father Nikata, a lecturer at St Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) in Mwanza, travelled from Dodoma to Songea, moved from the priests’ residence to his family home, survived in the bush where he was found, and what precisely happened during the ordeal. How he disappeared The first report of Father Nikata’s disappearance came from Archbishop Damian Dallu of Songea, who said the priest could not be reached by phone.

According to Archbishop Dallu, Father Nikata had returned from Dodoma, where he attended spiritual formation for priests teaching in Catholic universities under the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), accompanied by another priest from Songea. “In Songea, he stayed at St Vianney priests’ residence.

He had planned to travel to Mwanza on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, via a Superfeo bus, with a ticket purchased online,” said Archbishop Dallu. “However, by Wednesday afternoon, it was clear he had not travelled.

His luggage remained in his locked room, and the key had not been returned to staff,” he added. Staff at the priests’ residence were surprised that the luggage had not been taken, and attempts to contact him or others at the residence were unsuccessful.

The report added that Father Nikata did not appear in Mwanza as scheduled. “The Superfeo office confirmed that although he had purchased a ticket, he did not board the bus.

After failing to trace him, we reported the matter to the police,” the statement said. Statement from the University Amid the uncertainty, SAUT released a statement acknowledging Archbishop Dallu’s report, which had circulated widely on social media since October 8.

“SAUT wishes to inform the public that Father Camillus Nikata is our lecturer in the Department of Public Communication. He had gone to Dodoma for spiritual formation under TEC.

All initial efforts to locate him were unsuccessful,” he said. “Following this, SAUT, through the Chaplaincy office, arranged special prayers seeking God’s protection and safety for him,” the statement released on October 13 said, emphasising that divine intervention was sought where human efforts failed.

Police report Nine days after Father Nikata went missing, Ruvuma Regional Police announced on October 17, 2025, that he had been found alive, raising further questions. Police Commander Marco Chilya told journalists that the priest had been reported missing on October 9, 2025, and that experienced detectives immediately began a thorough investigation using all available methods.

“Following this investigation, on October 17, 2025, Father Nikata was found alive in the fields of Mawa Village, Hanga Ward, his birthplace,” the statement said, adding that he was extremely weakened from hunger, having survived 10 days on peanuts and water. The police said he was found with a small bag partially eaten by termites, a travel document, a towel used as bedding, Sh13,500, a wristwatch, glasses, Paracetamol, a phone, and keys, including for his seminary room.

Commander Chilya explained that Father Nikata’s disappearance was linked to mental stress caused by overwhelming debts he could not repay, as well as emotional distress after his partner of nine years, whom he had been supporting financially, left him. Investigations revealed that between June and September, Father Nikata had spent Sh39.158 million from his CRDB bank account caring for her.

Health issues were also cited: he had long suffered from eye pressure and had undergone one eye surgery, but could not afford a second procedure due to financial obligations. “Father Nikata had decided to leave the priesthood due to health, relationship difficulties, and financial strain, but he was not given a chance to discuss these with his superiors,” said Commander Chilya.

Police urged professionals to share challenges with peers rather than keeping them private and called on institutional leaders to allow subordinates to voice difficulties before they escalate. Father Nikata’s condition reportedly improved after initial treatment, and he was taken to Ruvuma Regional Hospital for further care.

Despite clarifications, the report sparked wider debate on social media, prompting discussions on priestly life and discipline. Not the first incident On September 24, 2025, Iringa Regional Police reported the detention of Father Jordan Kibiki of Mafinga Catholic Diocese over false claims of abduction.

Police Commander Alan Bukumbi said investigations showed Father Kibiki was struggling with debts after losing money online. He had falsely claimed on WhatsApp that he had been kidnapped and was being transported to Mbeya, but was later found in Mbalizi, Mbeya.

The Mafinga Catholic Diocese explained that Father Kibiki had suffered mental stress after losing Sh3.5 million in online eBay transactions. On September 30, 2025, Bishop Vincent Mwagala said the priest had been depressed due to these circumstances.

“Vulnerability can affect anyone facing life challenges. The church is monitoring Father Kibiki’s health to ensure he recovers,” said Bishop Mwagala.

He added that after consulting the priest on September 26, 2025, he was sent to Tosamaganga Referral Hospital and diagnosed with depression. Bishop Mwagala said the financial loss had contributed significantly to the priest’s emotional distress.

“He felt cheated and demanded more money than previously agreed upon. Of the Sh3.5 million lost, Sh500,000 was entrusted to Parish Priest Father Isaac, Sh1.5 million to diocesan accountant Father Godwin Maliga, and Sh1.5 million was his own money.

Given these circumstances, no person in normal mental health would abandon a Sh25 million vehicle in the bush,” he said. The police, taking into account the priest’s condition, dropped charges and released him.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football giants Simba SC took a huge step toward securing a place in the group stages of the CAF Champions League after earning an emphatic 30 away victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini on Saturday, October 19, 2025. The win marked an ideal start for Dimitar Pantev, who was taking charge of Simba for the first time since replacing Fadlu Davids earlier this month.

Davids departed to join Raja Club Athletic of Morocco, leaving Pantev with the task of guiding Simba through one of the most crucial phases of their continental campaign. From the opening whistle, Simba demonstrated their superior quality and tactical discipline.

They controlled the tempo of the game, dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch. Although the hosts tried to frustrate them with compact defending, Simba’s patience and composure in the build-up eventually paid dividends.

The breakthrough came late in the first half when defender Wilson Nangu rose above his marker to head home a pinpoint Neo Maema corner, giving the Tanzanian champions a deserved 10 lead. The goal injected confidence into the visitors, who went into the break in full control of proceedings.

After the interval, Simba continued to dictate play with neat passing and quick transitions. The Eswatini side struggled to keep up with the visitors’ rhythm, and in the 83rd minute, Kibu Dennis doubled the advantage.

The forward finished clinically after being set up by Jonathan Sowah, capping off a well-worked move that showcased Simba’s attacking cohesion. Just six minutes later, Dennis struck again to complete his brace, slotting home from close range after a clever assist from Moris Abraham.

The third goal effectively sealed the contest and gave Simba a commanding aggregate advantage heading into the return leg. The 30 result means Simba are now firmly in control of the tie and require only a draw when the two sides meet again on October 26 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

With home advantage and the backing of their passionate fans, Simba will be confident of booking their place in the CAF Champions’ League group stage for another season. The performance in Eswatini not only signaled a promising start for coach Pantev but also reaffirmed Simba’s reputation as one of the continent’s most consistent and formidable clubs.

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Abidjan. Alassane Ouattara’s long path to becoming Ivory Coast president included two elections in which he was disqualified from running and a brief but brutal 2010-11 civil war spurred by his predecessor’s refusal to leave office.

Things have been easier since he took the top job in 2011, with landslide re-election wins in 2015 and 2020. The 83-year-old former international banker hopes to replicate the feat for a third and potentially final time when West Africa’s biggest cocoa producer goes to the polls on October 25. Ouattara’s supporters say his success at the ballot box reflects voter satisfaction with strong economic growth since he took office and a flurry of infrastructure projects, from new roads and interchanges to a more than 300-metre tower that dwarfs everything else in the city centre skyline. His critics say it has just as much to do with restrictions on democratic activities, including what Amnesty International criticised on Thursday as a “disproportionate” ban on election-related protests.

The man who analysts say would be Ouattara’s biggest challenger, former Credit Suisse chief executive Tidjane Thiam, has been excluded after a court found he had French nationality when he registered, which is not permitted under Ivorian law. Ouattara’s predecessor Laurent Gbagbo is barred because of a prior conviction.

Those who are allowed to contest do not have the backing of the country’s major political parties, hindering their ability to mobilise on a large scale, analysts said. Instead, the four opposition candidates are heading up “makeshift coalitions” and are divided among themselves, said Cesar Flan Moquet, director of the Centre of Political Research of Abidjan, a think tank.

“All this means that these candidates do not really have a chance,” he said. Turbulent rise to the top Born in Dimbokro in central Ivory Coast on January 1, 1942, Ouattara received a doctorate in economics from the University of Pennsylvania, then rose to deputy director of the International Monetary Fund.

He later became prime minister under founding President Felix Houphouet-Boigny, whose death in 1993 ushered in a more toxic period in Ivorian politics. New electoral rules, including one requiring candidates to have lived in Ivory Coast for the previous five years, prevented Ouattara from running in the 1995 election.

He was excluded again in 2020 on the grounds that one of his parents was from Burkina Faso. Gbagbo, who won that election, called Ouattara “a candidate for the foreigners”.

A 2002 rebellion against Gbagbo split the country in two, leaving its northern half in the hands of rebels, many of them from Ouattara’s Dioula ethnic group. The war was largely a result of xenophobic policies by successive Ivorian governments against migrant farmers from Burkina Faso and Mali that also targeted northern Ivorians with cultural ties to them.

For the 2010 election, Ouattara formed a pact with former President Henri Konan Bedie which helped secure his victory in the runoff against Gbagbo. Fighting that erupted after Gbagbo rejected his defeat killed around 3,000 people before Ouattara was sworn in in April 2011. Ouattara coasted to re-election in 2015 and 2020, though the latter vote was marred by clashes between rival supporters that killed 85 people.

Uncertainty over who comes next Tensions do not appear to be running as high as in 2020, when critics were more agitated over Ouattara’s argument that a new constitution approved in 2016 had reset his two-term limit. The protest ban and the deployment of 44,000 security forces to prevent unrest will help stave off large-scale unrest, said West Africa political risk consultant Jessica Moody.

Ouattara is likely to spend a fourth term focused on economic targets, including making Ivory Coast a middle-income country by 2030, bringing a new Abidjan metro online and improving roads and electricity access. There is also the question of who comes after him, which he tried to answer before the 2020 election by naming then-Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly as his successor.

Coulibaly died several months later, and Ouattara went back on his promise to hand power to a new generation. Choosing a new successor will be a thorny process given divisions within the ruling party, but it is not impossible, Moody said.

“I don’t think he lacks the motivation to stand down,” she said. “He will be 88 by the next election.

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Dar es SalaamKibaha. It was an ordinary evening for four young friends sharing a house in Dar es Salaam.

Three were motorcycle taxi operators, popularly known as bodaboda, and the fourth drove a bajaji (three-wheeler). After a long day’s work, they were relaxing in one of the rooms, chatting as they waited for dinner.

Suddenly, their cheerful evening turned grim when a knock came at the door. As it opened, a masked man with a gun burst in, followed by two others, one carrying handcuffs.

The four friends were seized and taken away. The story ended tragically on October 16, 2025, when Coast Regional Police reported that the bodies of the four young men had been found along a roadside in the region.

Police said the discovery was made by the Kidimu Street Chairman, who reported seeing four unidentified bodies along the KidimuVingunguti section in Kibaha District, near the MapingaKibaha road. Forensic officers at the scene said the men, estimated to be aged between 19 and 22, had injuries on their faces and legs.

Their identities and residences were initially unknown. The bodies were taken to Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital for post-mortem examination.

As investigations continued, relatives later identified them. The deceased were named as Mikidadi Abbas Mikidadi (21) and Hassan Juma Jumanne (21), both bodaboda riders from Tabata Chang’ombe; Fadhili Patrick Hiyola (19), a bodaboda rider from Vingunguti Miembeni; and Abdalla Fadhil Nyanga (21), a bajaji driver from Kisukuru, Tabata.

Police said the bodies were released to families for burial after examinations, as investigations sought to establish where and how the killings occurred and who was responsible. Coast Regional Police appealed to anyone with information that could help solve the murders to come forward.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, on October 16, 2025, relatives of Hassan and Abdalla, popularly known as Dulla, shared their accounts. Dulla was buried at 4 p.

m. on October 16, 2025, while Mikidadi and Fadhili were buried a day earlier.

Hassan’s body was to be laid to rest in Same, Kilimanjaro Region, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, after a farewell service at the Ilala Regional Referral Hospital, Amana. A mother’s account The late Hassan Jumanne’s mother, Ms Hadija Mmbaga, recalled receiving a call on the morning of October 14, 2025, from another bodaboda rider asking if she knew her son had been taken away.

“I said no, and that’s when I was told Hassan and three friends had been abducted the previous night,” she said. Ms Mmbaga contacted the other parents, and together they began searching police stations and hospitals in vain.

Later that evening, she received another call from a parent who said an unknown number had reported that four bodies had been found in Kibaha and taken to Tumbi Hospital. “The men went there and recognised them as our children.

They had visible injuries; it was clear they’d been beaten,” she said. Life together Ms Mmbaga said the four were close friends who shared a rented house.

Quoting Dulla’s wife, she said the abduction occurred around 1 a.m.

The four usually gathered in Dulla’s room to chat after work, as they operated in different areas. “According to Dulla’s wife, she was preparing food while one of them went to buy something.

Moments later, there was a knock. Thinking it was their friend, she opened the door and faced a masked man with a gun, who ordered her to keep quiet,” said Ms Mmbaga.

Two more masked men entered, one carrying handcuffs. The intruders tied the youths’ hands, blindfolded them with their clothes, and ordered the women present to cover themselves with bedsheets until they left.

“It all happened very fast. When the friend who had gone to buy food returned, he was told armed men had taken them away,” said Ms Mmbaga.

” “We reported the abduction to the police, but later we were only handed their bodies,” she said sorrowfully. Behind the scenes Ms Mmbaga said that on October 13, 2025, the day before the abduction, the youths had quarrelled with another young man in their neighbourhood.

The fight escalated, and the youth was injured. “We were told the injured boy’s parent later threatened our sons, saying they would ‘disappear’ and even their parents couldn’t save them.

The next day, they truly went missing, and later we found their bodies,” she said. When asked about the injury, the parent reportedly demanded Sh25,000 for treatment, which the families promptly paid.

Mr Said Mikidadi, brother of the late Mikidadi Abbas, said the dispute had involved Dulla and another youth from Kisukuru. “It was just a youthful fight.

But the injured boy’s parent came to Dulla’s house, threatening to make them disappear,” he said, adding that although the matter appeared settled, the four were abducted days later. “When they went missing, Dulla’s brother reminded us of the earlier threat.

The parents confronted the man, asking where the boys were, but he denied any involvement,” he said. “Even if he didn’t do it himself, his words showed a clear link.

Soon after, we were informed the bodies had been found,” he added. Family and friends speak Mr Mohamed Abdallah, uncle and spokesperson for Dulla’s family, said they first learned of the abduction from Dulla’s wife, who witnessed the ordeal.

“Our boy was not a troublemaker or a thief. We thought police had taken him, but after searching all stations with no results, we later received news of his death,” he said.

He added that the bodies showed signs of torture, rope marks around the neck, and cloth stuffed in their mouths. The four had lived like brothers, with Fadhili frequently visiting.

Dulla left behind a wife and a one-year, eight-month-old child. A fellow bodaboda rider, Abdul Twaha, said the killings had shocked the community.

“We’re now living in fear because we don’t know who might be next. These young men were just ordinary riders; we all knew them,” he said.

How the bodies were found Kidimu Neighbourhood Chairman, Dionis Charwa, said he received a call early on October 14, 2025, from a resident reporting the discovery of four bodies near a drainage ditch along the BagamoyoKibaha highway. Speaking on Friday, October 17, 2025, Mr Charwa said a large crowd had gathered at the scene.

Three bodies lay together, and one was slightly apart. “They were clothed, with no signs of struggle or blood, suggesting they were killed elsewhere and dumped here,” he said.

“It’s clear these young men were murdered elsewhere. The incident has deeply unsettled Kidimu residents,” he added.

He said the killings had revived memories of similar incidents reported years ago in the same area. Resident James Mgaya said he discovered the bodies while heading to work at dawn.

“I was shocked and terrified when I saw them by the roadside. Years ago, similar cases happened here before things quietened down,” he added.

He added that the area once had houses demolished by the government for being within the road reserve, leaving it deserted. Another resident, Ms Christina Mwaluko, urged the government to develop abandoned land near residential areas to deter crime.

“The government should put such areas to productive use to eliminate hiding spots for criminals,” she said. .

The friendship between Raila Odinga and John Pombe Magufuli, the former Tanzanian president, was more than political–it was rooted in shared ideals and forged during their time as ministers for Works in their respective countries. Their collaboration began in 2003 at an international infrastructure conference in Durban, South Africa.

“I wanted to share my experiences, learn from fellow ministers and other experts,” Odinga recalled. “From there, our friendship kicked off.

We became advisers to each other.” Between 2003 and 2005, the two leaders worked closely to fast-track transport services between Kenya and Tanzania.

They exchanged visits and launched joint projects aimed at modernising roads, bridges and railways. Their efforts focused not only on physical infrastructure but also on rooting out corruption in road contracts.

Odinga would later note: “Together with Magufuli we fought corruption and championed quality infrastructure in both Kenya and Tanzania, where contractors were demanding pay and getting paid for works they had not done, or those done way below specifications.” Magufuli invited Kenyan engineers to Dar es Salaam to exchange ideas with their Tanzanian counterparts.

This marked the beginning of a cross-border collaboration that would span years and transcend political office. After Magufuli became president in October 2015, their friendship deepened.

Odinga advised him on governance and anti-corruption strategies. Their families also grew close.

In April 2016, Odinga, accompanied by his wife Ida and daughter, visited Magufuli’s home village in Chato, Geita region, for Easter holiday. They attended Sunday mass together at a local Catholic church, just five months after Magufuli assumed the presidency.

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) being received by the late Tanzanian President John Magufuli and his wife Janeth at their Milimani home in Geita region, Tanzania. Magufuli later visited Kenya in November 2016, joining President Uhuru Kenyatta to inaugurate the Southern By-pass in Nairobi.

Odinga returned the gesture in March 2019, visiting Tanzania to inspect the standard gauge railway construction between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro. When Magufuli died on March 17, 2021, Odinga was devastated.

“It was the worst time to lose a friend and a comrade,” Odinga said. “We as Kenyans will use this railway to maintain our relationship with Tanzania in transport, economic and industrial development.

We want to do business with our neighbours Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda through our regional rails and roads,” Odinga said during the visit. “When rumours started going around about the health and whereabouts of my friend President John Pombe Magufuli, I placed several calls to him.

Later, I sent him a text message. Both went unanswered.

I then resigned to expect the worst while hoping I was wrong.” Even after Magufuli’s death, the bond between their families endured.

In February 2025, Magufuli’s daughter Jessica visited Odinga in Kenya to express support for his candidacy for the African Union Commission chairmanship. .

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania continues to embrace the digital economy, the rollout of mobile network coverage has reached nearly 100 percent, driven by substantial and ongoing government investment in telecommunications infrastructure, according to a report by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).

Communication statistics released by TCRA on October 18, 2025, show that from July to September this year, network improvements have coincided with a rise in internet subscriptions, which climbed to 56.3 million from 54.1 million recorded in June. The data indicate that network availability now stands at 98.6 percent for 2G, 93.8 percent for 3G, 94.2 percent for 4G, and 28.9 percent for 5G.

In terms of geographical coverage, there has also been notable progress: 5G coverage rose to 8.6 percent, 4G to 76.9 percent, 3G to 75.9 percent, and 2G to 78.2 percent.

Regarding mobile internet market share by subscription, Vodacom leads, followed by Yas, Airtel, Halotel, and TTCL. Smartphone penetration increased to 39.53 percent, up from 36.75 percent in June 2025, while feature phone penetration grew to 86.53 percent from 84.97 percent in the same period.

“The communications sector continued to record significant growth during the quarter ending September 2025, underscoring its vital role in advancing Tanzania’s digital transformation and socio-economic development,” said in a report, the TCRA Director General, Dr Jabir Bakari. He noted that the sector remains resilient and adaptive, reflecting increased investment, innovation, and consumer uptake across telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal and courier services.

In telecommunications and internet services, there was sustained growth in subscriptions, mobile money usage, and data consumption, driven by expanding broadband infrastructure and greater adoption of smart devices. Mobile money platforms continued to foster financial inclusion, while improved service quality demonstrated operators’ ongoing efforts to meet regulatory standards and customer expectations.

Broadcasting services also experienced growth in both active subscriptions and content distribution, supported by broader digital coverage and rising consumer demand for satellite and online broadcasting. Notably, active decoder subscriptions increased by 14 percent, reaching 2.

3 million by September 2025. Dr Bakari emphasised that this growth highlights the sector’s contribution to information dissemination, cultural promotion, and national cohesion. Meanwhile, postal and courier services continued to evolve in response to digitalisation and the growth of e-commerce.

“Overall, the quarter’s performance reaffirms the strong momentum towards a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered Tanzania. TCRA remains committed to fostering an enabling environment that supports infrastructure investment, innovation, and sustainable growth of the communications ecosystem in line with national development priorities and the vision of a digital economy,” the report concluded.

Commenting on the findings, a student at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), Mr Emmanuel Mushi, said the expansion of internet access was a positive development, helping students improve their learning efficiency through faster connection speeds. He added that with the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, internet speeds must continue to improve to support quicker and more efficient task execution.

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Dar es Salaam. The 24th edition of the Kilimanjaro Premium Lager International Marathon was officially launched in Dar es Salaam on Friday, setting the stage for one of Tanzania’s most anticipated sporting and tourism events.

The colourful launch ceremony, held at the Johari Rotana Hotel, marked the official start of preparations for the 2026 marathon, which will take place on March 22, 2026, in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region. Speaking during the launch, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila, represented by Ilala District Commissioner, praised the marathon for its consistency and contribution to sports tourism over the years.

“The Kilimanjaro Marathon has become a model event that others should emulate. It has maintained excellence for 24 years while working closely with the government,” he said.

He noted that the event has nurtured Tanzania’s athletic talent, citing Alphonce Simbu, the Tokyo World Athletics Championships winner, as one of the athletes who rose to prominence after competing in the Kilimanjaro Marathon. “It’s through this marathon that athletes like Simbu gained experience competing against international runners.

His success should inspire more young Tanzanians to take part,” he added. Chalamila described the marathon as the country’s biggest sporting event and a major tourism draw, attracting over 13,200 runners and a similar number of spectators from more than 60 countries.

“This is not just a race–it’s an international event that brings together thousands of potential tourists. It also boosts the local economy, as businesses in Moshi and nearby towns thrive during the marathon period,” he said.

The RC commended the event’s sponsors for their continued support.The main sponsor is Kilimanjaro Premium Lager (42km Full Marathon), while YAS sponsors the 21km Half Marathon and CRDB Bank the 5km Fun Run.

Supporting sponsors include Kilimanjaro Water and TPC Sugar, with partners such as GardaWorld Security, Toyota Tanzania, Columbia Sportswear, Simba Cement, and ALAF Limited. Official suppliers include Salinero Hotel, Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha, and Keys Hotel Moshi.

He encouraged both runners and spectators to use the marathon season as an opportunity to explore Tanzania’s world-renowned attractions, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar. On her part, Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) Marketing Director Khensani Mkhombo expressed pride in sponsoring the marathon through Kilimanjaro Premium Lager for 24 consecutive years–making it one of the country’s longest-running sponsorships.

“We are proud to have supported this event for nearly a quarter of a century. It promotes Tanzanian tourism, culture, and unity,” she said.

Mkhombo announced that registration opens on October 20, and participants can register via the official website www.kilimanjaromarathon.

com or through Mixx by YAS. She encouraged early registration to avoid disappointment, as entries are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

She also promised runners and visitors a vibrant weekend filled with entertainment and cultural experiences around Moshi during the marathon period. Meanwhile, YAS Corporate Communications Manager Christina Murimi reaffirmed her company’s commitment to supporting the event for the 11th consecutive year.

“YAS is proud to return as the official sponsor of the Kilimanjaro Half Marathon. This partnership reflects our commitment to empowering communities, developing talent, and promoting health and tourism, all powered by our 4G and 5G technology,” Murimi said.

The marathon, organized by the Kilimanjaro Marathon Company Limited, will be hosted at the Moshi Cooperative University (MoCU). Wild Frontiers Events will handle inbound travel and international marketing for the race.

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Katavi. The CCM presidential candidate, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Katavi into a strategic business corridor linking Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through major infrastructure investments designed to unlock the region’s trade potential.

Speaking at the launch of her presidential campaign in Katavi Region on Saturday, October 18, 2025. President Hassan said her administration would prioritise improvements to road, rail, and water transport to boost cross-border trade and stimulate local economic growth. “Our goal is to make Katavi the new gateway for business between Tanzania and the DRC.

We are investing in modern transport infrastructure that will make it easier for traders and industries to move goods across Lake Tanganyika,” she said. At the centre of this vision is the Karema Port Project on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, which has already cost S7.9 billion.

The port is expected to ease passenger and cargo movement between Tanzania and neighbouring countries, including the DRC, Burundi, and Zambia. “The construction of the Karema Port goes hand in hand with the introduction of new cargo ships on Lake Tanganyika.

Our target is clear: by 2030, we want to see a strong flow of trade between Tanzania and the DRC passing through this port,” she added. To complement the port investment, President Hassan said the government had completed design work for rehabilitating the KaliuaMpanda railway line, a 210-kilometre corridor expected to reduce travel time from seven or eight hours to just two or three.

“This modern railway line will enhance business efficiency, lower transport costs, and open new opportunities for farmers, traders, and investors in Katavi,” she said. On roads, she cited the ongoing construction of the MpandaUvinza highway, a 250.4-kilometre stretch linking Katavi and Kigoma regions.

The project, currently 13.7 percent complete, is being implemented in four phases. The CCM presidential flagbearer pledged to fast-track its completion and prioritise other key routes listed in CCM’s 20252030 manifesto.

“We also recognise the urgent need for bridges, especially those connecting key economic areas. In the next five years, we will build the Kakese and Ugala bridges, alongside smaller ones that support trade and social mobility,” she said.

Boosting agriculture, industry, and jobs President Hassan said developing the transport sector would directly support other productive sectors such as agriculture, industry, and trade. “Katavi is one of Tanzania’s most fertile regions.

We will expand irrigation schemes, provide subsidies, and strengthen processing centres for honey and other agricultural products,” she said, acknowledging former Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda for his role in promoting beekeeping. She noted that four honey processing and collection centres had already been established, boosting production and export potential.

On fisheries, she said the government would construct new ponds and fish cages on Lake Tanganyika to support youth employment and promote aquaculture. “In Mpanda, we will build an international produce market and a modern abattoir to ensure our meat products meet export standards.

This is how we create jobs and build confidence in Tanzanian products globally,” she said. In line with CCM’s new manifesto, the ruling party’s presidential aspirant said her government planned to develop industrial clusters in every district to encourage small and medium-scale manufacturing.

“In the past five years, we have built five large industries and 20 medium ones in Katavi, creating 5,828 jobs. We plan to increase this number significantly by supporting youth with skills through vocational training centres,” she said.

Finance Minister and Iramba West parliamentary candidate Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, who accompanied the presidential candidate, said Tanzania’s economy was stronger today than it was in 2021 when President Hassan took office. “Today, Tanzania holds foreign reserves of over $6.7 billion, equivalent to Sh16 trillion.

Those claiming the government is printing money are misleading the public. No country prints its own currency for daily use; the money supply follows international procedures that take years,” said Dr Nchemba.

He said the government’s fiscal discipline and infrastructure investments had strengthened investor confidence and macroeconomic stability. Call for unity and participation President Hassan also urged all Tanzanians, particularly pastoralist communities, to participate fully in the upcoming general election.

“In some areas, people send representatives to vote on their behalf. I want to remind everyone that a vote is personal; go and cast your ballot yourself.

Let’s all take part in shaping our nation’s future,” she said. Former Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda praised the President’s vision, saying Katavi’s size and resource wealth position it as a future hub for agribusiness, tourism, and trade.

“I have reviewed the CCM manifesto, and I’m impressed by its vision for agriculture and livestock development. Katavi has vast forests, national parks, and fertile land.

If we invest wisely in processing industries and irrigation, this region can shine even brighter,” he said. He also called for more water and road projects to support Katavi’s growing population and attract investors.

With a mix of infrastructure expansion, industrialisation, and inclusive development, President Hassan’s Katavi blueprint signals a decisive shift towards transforming Tanzania’s western corridor into a regional gateway for trade and prosperity. .

Lilongwe. Young Africans (Yanga) head coach Romain Folz is facing mounting pressure after his side fell 10 to Silver Strikers in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The defeat has intensified scrutiny from a section of Yanga supporters, many of whom remain unconvinced by the team’s performances this season despite their impressive squad depth and domestic dominance.

The Jangwani giants, who entered the competition with high expectations, have struggled to replicate their league form on the continental stage, a shortcoming that has now placed Folz firmly under the spotlight. Yanga’s inconsistency in front of goal has been a recurring issue, and Saturday’s narrow loss only added to growing concerns about their attacking efficiency.

Silver Strikers, maintained by their home supporters at the Bingu National Stadium, were disciplined defensively and took full advantage of one of their few clear chances. The decisive moment came midway through the second half when Andrew Joseph finished clinically after a swift counter-attack, handing the Malawian champions a valuable lead to protect in the return leg.

Joseph scored in the 76th minute. Despite the setback, Yanga showed glimpses of their quality, creating several scoring opportunities that went begging.

Pacome Zouzoua and Mohamed Doumbia came agonizingly close to finding the equalizer in stoppage time, both missing chances that could have changed the complexion of the tie. The team’s wastefulness in front of goal ultimately proved costly, leaving them with a difficult task back in Dar es Salaam.

Yanga will have an opportunity to turn the tie around when they host Silver Strikers in the return leg at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium next Saturday. The Tanzanian champions must score at least two unanswered goals to advance to the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.

Playing on home soil, Folz’s men are expected to show greater urgency, attacking intent, and composure in the final third. The team will depend heavily on the creativity of Zouzoua, the midfield stability of Doumbia, and the finishing prowess of Prince Dube, who is yet to find his scoring rhythm this season.

With a packed home crowd expected to rally behind them, Yanga will be counting on their experience and resilience to overturn the first-leg deficit. Anything less than progression to the next round would be seen as a major disappointment for the Tanzanian giants and could further increase the pressure on Folz’s tenure.

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