Category: The Citizen

Arusha. Alternative mechanisms for financing the bloc, amid persistent delays by some member states in remitting their statutory contributions, and the appointment of a new East African Community (EAC) Secretary General will top the agenda of an emergency meeting of the Heads of State.

The EAC Heads of State are set to convene an emergency summit on March 7, 2026, called by the current bloc chairperson and President of Kenya, William Ruto. The meeting will take place in Arusha, home to the organisation’s headquarters.

The regional bloc was revived in 1999 by the then presidents Ali Hassan Mwinyi of Tanzania, Daniel arap Moi of Kenya and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. For years, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have largely met their annual obligations, while several other partner states have fallen behind, placing a heavier burden on compliant countries.

The EAC Council of Ministers has proposed an alternative model under which partner states would contribute according to the size of their economies, measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), similar to the system used by the African Union (AU). However, the proposal has met resistance, particularly from Kenya, which would shoulder a significantly higher financial obligation under the revised formula.

As of January 31, 2026, only Tanzania and Kenya had settled their contributions in full, while others had paid partially. The delays have disrupted operations within the community, including late salary payments to staff and reduced subsistence allowances for official travel.

More than $89 million in arrears have reportedly not been remitted to the EAC Secretariat, affecting the functioning of the bloc’s key organs; the Secretariat, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). The summit is also expected to consider firm recommendations aimed at strengthening the bloc’s financial sustainability and reviewing the current equal-contribution model, under which each country contributes $7 million annually to run the three organs and affiliated institutions.

A cost-cutting plan is also under consideration to streamline the organisation, which currently employs about 400 staff members, with the aim of making it leaner and more efficient. Race for Secretary General Since the revival of the Community in 1999, the position of Secretary General has rotated among partner states to promote unity and shared ownership of the bloc.

Those who have previously held the post include Francis Muthaura, Amanya Mushega, Juma Mwapachu, Richard Sezibera, Liberat Mfumukeko, Peter Mathuki and Veronica Nduva. Kenya’s term ends in March this year, and the summit is expected to announce a new Secretary General to serve a five-year term.

South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda are said to be frontrunners to produce the next office holder, with Tanzania and Uganda viewed favourably as founding members that have consistently honoured their financial obligations. Expert opinion A senior lecturer in international law at Tumaini University Makumira, Prof Elifuraha Laltaika, described the failure by some partner states to pay their contributions on time as a sign of weak political will.

“While it is commendable that President Ruto has convened an emergency meeting, the issue of non-payment should not even arise. This Community should serve as a model for other regional blocs in Africa,” he said.

He added that the situation suggests the bloc still has a long journey towards becoming people-centred, noting that leaders who do not prioritise the Community can easily delay or withhold contributions. “The contributions of each partner state are the lifeblood of the Community.

It is disappointing that some founding countries emphasise expanding markets for their goods without showing equal commitment to financing the institution,” he said. Prof Laltaika warned that failure to honour statutory annual payments undermines regional integration, as the EAC’s operations depend entirely on funding from partner states.

Member states The East African Community currently comprises eight countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia. .

Dar es Salaam. Bertha Nanyaro’s appointment as a Partner at Victory Attorneys and Consultants in 2025 marked a defining moment in a career shaped by purpose, discipline and service.

It reflected a philosophy that she holds dear that leadership is not a privilege, but a responsibility. For her, the role demanded making decisions with those absent from the room in mind, a commitment to protecting professional standards, and a determination to widen access where barriers once stood.

It also required accountability, not only for outcomes, but for the growth of others. Victory Attorneys and Consultants is a local law firm with a global outlook.

It delivers high-quality legal services to both international and domestic clients, combining technical rigour with strategic insight. Within this environment, Ms Nanyaro, who is a Corporate Commercial Lawyer and Investment Advisor by profession, emerged as a standout figure.

Her elevation made her the firm’s first female partner and one of the youngest women to attain such a position in competitive legal practice in Tanzania and across the region. For Nanyaro, the appointment carried significance beyond personal achievement.

It sharpened her awareness that young women are observing her journey and measuring what is possible through what they see. This awareness reinforced her resolve to act with integrity, intention and consistency, knowing that her conduct sets a visible standard.

She joined the firm as a Junior Associate, rose to Head of Department, and ultimately assumed partnership. In her current role, she leads the Mergers and Acquisitions, Commercial Transactions and Investment Department.

There, she has built a purpose-driven and performance-focused team known for strategic clarity, technical excellence and disciplined execution. “My mission is clear: to use the law to help businesses grow, elevate people and shape Tanzania’s development trajectory,” she said.

“My journey in the legal profession is a story of courage, conviction and an unwavering belief that the law can be both a shield and a bridge. It protects rights while opening doors of opportunity.

” Her fascination with law began early. As a young woman, she observed how diplomacy, governance and legal systems influenced public order and national development.

She came to recognise a central truth: when law is applied with integrity and vision, it can transform societies. This realisation planted the seed of a lifelong calling.

It placed her at the intersection of legal excellence and transformational leadership. She graduated from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2015 with a Bachelor of Laws degree.

She later pursued postgraduate training at the Law School of Tanzania. In 2018, she was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania.

Her academic journey continued through advanced studies with the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), the International Federation of Catholic Universities (UNICAP), the Project Management Institute (PMI Global), and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) in London. She specialised in contract management, construction law, project management, Public-Private Partnerships and arbitration.

These qualifications strengthened her expertise in corporate and commercial law, investment advisory, infrastructure project management and sustainable development. Deliberate goal setting, disciplined execution and a refusal to drift defined her ascent.

Positions once recorded in her notebook as future ambitions gradually became reality. “I believe clarity is power.

If you are not clear about where you are going, life will assign you somewhere convenient,” she said. “Every stage of my journey has been guided by disciplined execution, technical mastery and the courage to act even when outcomes were uncertain.

” Impact remains the compass guiding her leadership. She measures success not by titles, but by the positive change attached to each mandate she receives.

Leadership, she explains, became a responsibility rather than an ambition, because it expands the scale at which one can serve. “I am deeply committed to elevating women into spaces that shape economic growth, regulation and national strategy,” she said.

“But elevation is not symbolic. It is structural.

It requires building competence, expanding networks, granting exposure to decision-making rooms and fostering economic independence. I rise best when others rise with me,” she explains.

Her guiding principles are professional competence, integrity, accountability, empathy and empowerment. These values, she insists, are non-negotiable.

They form the foundation of her leadership and shape every professional decision she makes. Empowerment, in her view, must be tangible.

She actively mentors young female lawyers navigating complex fields such as corporate and commercial transactions, fintech, mining, investment advisory, arbitration and emerging sectors. Several of her mentees now occupy leadership roles or hold specialised technical responsibilities.

She also collaborates with women-focused funds and organisations. Her work involves structuring governance systems, strengthening compliance frameworks and shaping advocacy strategies.

Through these efforts, she has contributed to initiatives that extend impact to thousands of women across Tanzania. Beyond her professional commitments, she supports the education of more than seven young girls who would otherwise have been unable to continue their studies.

She regards education as generational leverage. By investing in it, she believes, lasting social transformation becomes possible.

Within Victory Attorneys and Consultants, the ethos of empowerment is institutionalised. The firm operates under the motto “We Rise Together.

” Young lawyers, both women and men, are deliberately exposed to direct client ownership. They receive sponsorship to attend national and international forums.

Structured mentorship programmes support professional growth. Continuous training builds mastery in emerging areas such as fintech, arbitration, artificial intelligence and technology law.

The firm also champions Tanzania’s national moot court competition. This initiative provides early exposure to advocacy excellence for students from universities across the country.

Many former participants now work in leading law firms, auditing institutions, academia and corporate environments. Despite these advances, Nanyaro acknowledges that the legal profession remains male-dominated, particularly within decision-making structures.

Women often feel compelled to prove their competence repeatedly. To counter this, she believes women must cultivate technical depth, executive presence, consistency and courage.

Institutions, in turn, must dismantle structural bias and intentionally create equitable pathways to leadership. The burden of excellence, she argues, should not rest disproportionately on women to justify their presence.

“Female representation ensures that laws reflect lived realities,” she said. “When women participate in drafting, negotiation and adjudication, policies consider first-hand experiences, especially in areas such as labour rights, land ownership, access to finance and family law.

Inclusive lawmaking builds inclusive economies,” she quips. Creating environments where women thrive requires systemic change.

Institutions must establish inclusive policy frameworks, provide equitable access to high-value assignments, sponsor mentorship and learning programmes, reward competence fairly and normalise women in leadership. Culture, she notes, shifts when systems shift.

The legacy she hopes to leave is the normalisation of women in power. She wants young women to enter boardrooms without hesitation or self-doubt.

“I want decisiveness in women to be respected rather than misunderstood,” she said. “If my journey shifts even one narrative from limitation to possibility, or enables even one woman to rise without apology, then my legacy will have substance,” she says.

Her ability to merge legal precision with commercial awareness has elevated her standing within Tanzania’s corporate landscape. In 2025, she was recognised as Tanzania’s Notable Practitioner in Investment Funds and Corporate Matters by the International Financial Law Review 1000 (IFLR1000).

The ranking is among the most respected and widely acknowledged in the global legal industry, particularly in corporate and financial law. The recognition affirmed her growing influence in corporate and investment advisory practice.

“The recognition assigns responsibility to sustain excellence,” she said. “Reputation in corporate law is built on trust, depth and consistent delivery.

This honour reminds me to keep raising the bar,” she adds. Early in her career, between 2015 and 2016, she contributed to initiatives supporting asylum seekers and refugees.

Working in collaboration with institutions such as Asylum Access and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Tanzania, she engaged with the Centre for the Study of Forced Migration and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Through this experience, she witnessed how legal identity and policy frameworks could restore dignity, opportunity and belonging to displaced communities.

The exposure reinforced her belief in law as a tool for human restoration. Her professional journey also includes service at the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) in 2017. There, she engaged with the legal dimensions of infrastructure development, a critical engine of national growth.

The experience broadened her understanding of public-sector operations and strengthened her appreciation of the law’s role in economic transformation. To young women entering male-dominated industries, her message is one of assurance and resolve.

She insists that it is entirely possible to rise in such environments. History, she notes, offers abundant examples of transformative female leadership in both public and private sectors.

What it requires, she says, is intentional mastery, consistent delivery, clarity of execution and unwavering integrity. “When your competence is undeniable and your character is consistent, you do not merely earn a seat at the table.

You influence the direction of the room,” she said. .

Washington. Iran told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday that Tehran will consider bases, facilities and assets of the “hostile force” in the region as legitimate targets if it faces military aggression.

US President Donald Trump’s rhetoric towards Iran “signals a real risk of military aggression,” Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations said in the letter, adding Iran did not want a war. .

Washington. The United States has paid about $160 million of the more than $4 billion it owes to the UN, a United Nations spokesperson said on Thursday as President Donald Trump hosted the first meeting of his “Board of Peace” initiative that experts say could undermine the United Nations.

“Last week, we received about $160 million from the United States as a partial payment of its past dues for the UN regular budget,” the UN spokesperson said in a statement. Trump said during his comments at the opening “Board of Peace” meeting that Washington would give the United Nations money to strengthen it.

The US is the biggest contributor to the U.N.

budget, but under the Trump administration it has refused to make mandatory payments to regular and peacekeeping budgets, and slashed voluntary funding to U.N.

agencies with their own budgets. Washington has withdrawn from dozens of U.

N. agencies.

U.N.

officials say the U.S.

owed $2.19 billion to the regular U.N.

budget as of the start of February, more than 95% of the total owed by countries globally. The U.

S. also owes another $2.4 billion for current and past peacekeeping missions and $43.6 million for U.

N. tribunals.

“We’re going to help them (U.N.

) money-wise, and we’re going to make sure the United Nations is viable,” Trump said. “I think the United Nations has great potential, really great potential.

It has not lived up to (that) potential.” Countries, including major powers of the Global South and key U.

S. allies in the West, have been reluctant to join Trump’s “Board of Peace” where Trump himself is the chair.

Many experts have said such an initiative undermines the United Nations. Trump launched the board last month and proposed it late last year as part of his plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza.

A U.N.

Security Council resolution recognized the board late last year through 2027, limiting its scope to Gaza, the Palestinian territory it was meant to oversee following Israel’s devastating more than twoyear assault. Under Trump’s plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza, the board was meant to oversee Gaza’s temporary governance.

Trump subsequently said the board will tackle global conflicts and look beyond Gaza as well. U.

N. experts say that Trump’s oversight of a board to supervise a foreign territory’s affairs resembles a colonial structure and criticized the board for not having Palestinian representation.

There was no U.N.

representative at the “Board of Peace” meeting on Thursday. .

Dar es Salaam. As the Masika rains sweep across Tanzania, access to timely weather information and modern technology is becoming essential for safeguarding crops and supporting the country’s agricultural backbone.

For many smallholder farmers, the difference between a bumper harvest and a disappointing season often hinges on knowing what the weather will do next. A farmer in Mbarali, Mr Thadeus Mpendakazi, said checking weather forecasts is now part of his daily routine.

“Weather information helps us plan better. It guides us in choosing crops that can withstand dry spells or excessive rain,” he told The Citizen.

Mr Mpendakazi spoke during a partnership meeting involving the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA), Norges Vel and the World Food Programme (WFP), focused on improving delivery of weather and climate information, particularly short-term forecasts such as 10-day outlooks. Participants discussed ways to ensure forecasts reach farmers promptly, in formats and languages they can understand.

Another farmer, Mr Justice John, said forecasts are practical tools that directly influence farming decisions. “A warning about delayed rains may prompt me to adjust planting dates.

An alert about heavy rainfall gives me time to protect young crops or improve drainage,” he said. TMA official, Mr Wilbert Muruke, emphasised that reliable weather information is key to protecting livelihoods and strengthening food security.

“TMA will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure weather and climate information is accessible, simple to understand and useful in guiding decisions that build resilience in agriculture,” he said behalf of director general of TMA. Forecast accuracy in Tanzania now exceeds 88 percent, with TMA using modern technologies, including artificial intelligence and big data analytics, to enhance early warning systems for farmers and communities.

Country Manager for Norges Vel Tanzania, Ms Sesilia Jeremia, noted that engagement with farmers allows development partners to design practical and inclusive solutions. In a country where agriculture supports millions of livelihoods, timely, reliable and easy-to-use weather information could determine whether farmers thrive or struggle during the rainy season.

.

Dar es Salaam. The body of retired Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, Polycarp Pengo, will be laid to rest on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Pugu Pilgrimage Centre on the outskirts of the city.

According to the funeral programme released by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, members of the public and the faithful will pay their last respects at Pugu from 7:00am to 9:45am, before a requiem Mass begins. Prior to the burial, Cardinal Pengo’s body will lie in state at St Joseph’s Cathedral on Friday, February 27, from 9:00am to 04:00pm, allowing mourners to offer final tributes before the body is transferred to Pugu for the final rites.

Cardinal Pengo died on February 19, 2026, at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, where he had been receiving treatment. Before news of his passing, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi had indicated that the cleric might be flown abroad for specialised care.

In announcing the death, Archbishop Ruwa’ichi said burial arrangements would be communicated once preparations were complete and called on the faithful to pray for the late cardinal’s eternal rest. He chose Pugu as his resting place During his lifetime, Cardinal Pengo had openly expressed his wish to be buried in Pugu, saying the site held deep personal and historical significance.

“It was my wish to rest here alongside the first missionaries who brought the Gospel to our land,” he once said. He explained that he wanted to avoid any debate about being buried in his native regions of Tunduru, Masasi or Sumbawanga.

“I came to Dar es Salaam. I belong to Dar es Salaam.

I will remain here,” he said at the time. Samia, CCM lead tributes President Samia Suluhu Hassan led national condolences, saying she had received news of the cardinal’s death with deep sorrow.

She described him as a spiritual leader and patriot who contributed significantly to strengthening faith, moral values, unity and national cohesion through decades of service in the Catholic Church. “The nation has lost a leader who served with integrity and dedication.

His contribution to spiritual and moral formation will continue to be remembered, valued and honoured,” she said. The President also conveyed her condolences to Archbishop Ruwa’ichi, the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, religious leaders and all believers affected by the loss, praying for the late cleric’s eternal peace.

The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi also sent a message of sympathy, noting that Cardinal Pengo’s 55 years in priesthood, 43 years as a bishop and 28 years as a cardinal were marked by humility, social solidarity and dedication to community welfare. A fearless moral voice Throughout his leadership, Cardinal Pengo built a reputation as a forthright cleric who spoke truth to power, even when his message was uncomfortable for those in authority.

In the early 2000s, as corruption scandals rocked the country, he used the pulpit to condemn graft as “a sin that cries out to God”, arguing that theft of public resources was not only illegal but morally wrong because it deprived the poor of essential services such as healthcare and education. During general elections, he consistently urged calm and wisdom, maintaining that the Church’s role was not to endorse political parties but to offer moral guidance, promote justice and peace, and respect individual conscience.

His message was particularly evident during the constitutional review process and the 2015 General Election, when he called for fairness and restraint, helping to ease political tensions and prevent religious divisions. Defender of family and values Cardinal Pengo was also known for his firm defence of the family institution in line with Catholic teaching.

He openly opposed what he viewed as foreign pressures that could weaken African and Christian moral foundations. He often said that while a nation could endure economic hardship, it should never lose its dignity and moral values — a position that earned him respect among those who saw him as a guardian of ethical patriotism.

From village roots to the Vatican Born on August 5, 1944, in Mwazye Village, Rukwa Region, Cardinal Pengo was ordained a priest on June 20, 1971. He later pursued Moral Theology at the Pontifical Lateran University, earning a doctorate in 1976. He was appointed Bishop of Nachingwea in 1983 and later served TunduruMasasi in 1986. In 1990 he became Coadjutor Archbishop of Dar es Salaam and was named full Archbishop in 1992. In 1998, Pope John Paul II elevated him to the rank of cardinal, granting him membership in the College of Cardinals and the right to participate in papal conclaves in 2005 and 2013. He retired in 2019 and was succeeded by Archbishop Ruwa’ichi. His legacy Cardinal Pengo’s motto, In Caritate et Veritate — “In Love and Truth” — captured the spirit of his service.

He was widely regarded as a calm yet firm leader whose words carried moral weight, believing that genuine justice must be rooted in both compassion and truth. In Tanzania’s history, the name Polycarp Cardinal Pengo will endure as a symbol of spiritual leadership that shaped not only the Church, but also society, politics and the nation’s conscience.

.

The dining scene at Shah Palace Zanzibar is set to redefine what luxury tastes like on the Spice Island. As the resort prepares for its 2026 debut in Matemwe, the spotlight falls on a culinary programme that marries Zanzibar’s storied flavours with global precision–led by a Michelin-star trained chef whose experience in elite kitchens promises to elevate every meal into something unforgettable.

Forget the usual parade of beachside buffets and predictable seafood grills. Here, dining feels deliberate, almost narrative–and all meals, including breakfast, are served a la carte.

This approach ensures personalized, thoughtful selections rather than impersonal spreads, allowing guests to savour curated dishes at their own pace from the moment the day begins. The Palace Restaurant serves as the centerpiece: an elegant space where royal-inspired dishes draw from Swahili roots, Arabesque spice routes, and subtle nods to Mediterranean and Japanese restraint.

Expect line-caught fish transformed through meticulous techniques–perhaps a tuna tartare laced with coconut and foraged herbs, or octopus slow-roasted with cardamom and clove, finished with emulsions that showcase the chef’s high-end training. Multi-course menus will shift with the seasons and tides, spotlighting local bounty like heirloom mangoes from village groves or seaweed harvested from nearby reefs.

The Michelin influence shines in the details: flawless balance, artistic presentation, and an insistence on ingredient integrity that turns simple Zanzibari staples into sophisticated storytelling statements. Sustainability runs through every decision.

Around 80 percent of ingredients will come from nearby farmers, fishermen, and artisans, supporting Matemwe’s economy while keeping the carbon footprint light. Kitchen scraps feed the resort’s gardens in a closed-loop system, and zero-waste principles guide operations.

This ethos aligns perfectly with the chef’s philosophy–rooted in Michelin-starred rigour yet adapted to celebrate place over spectacle. Guests can join hands-on moments, like blending custom spice mixes or guided foraging along the shore, turning dinner into discovery.

For lighter moods, the Atoll Beach Bar delivers effortless elegance right on the sand. Fresh catches hit open grills for platters that feel indulgent yet unpretentious: grilled prawns with tropical fruit salsas, vibrant salads, and cocktails that capture the island’s vibrancy–a hibiscus gin fizz with edible blooms, or a spiced rum twist on classics.

The chef’s touch refines these too: think lobster rolls with yuzu accents or plant-based options like tahini-drizzled eggplant. As evenings unfold, the bar becomes a sunset gathering spot, with acoustic music and shareable small plates that encourage lingering conversations.

The Palace Main Bar offers a unique immersive sophistication–intricate carvings, soft lantern glow, and a lineup of handcrafted drinks. Signature pours might include ginger-lemongrass elixirs or non-alcoholic sugarcane refreshes, alongside fine wines and premium spirits.

Daytime brings the Panoramic Ocean View Lounge for morning coffees overlooking Mnemba island or afternoon teas with house pastries, all infused with the same thoughtful curation. Beyond the resort’s core venues, Shah Palace extends its culinary vision into truly immersive, exclusive experiences.

Private dining options allow guests to curate intimate meals in secluded settings–perhaps a candlelit setup in the villa terrace or on the private beach stretch, tailored by the chef with personalized multi-course menus that highlight seasonal Zanzibari ingredients. For those craving adventure on the water, curated dhow cruises offer sunset sails where the chef’s team prepares fresh, elevated bites aboard traditional vessels, blending the romance of gliding across turquoise waters with refined plating and wine pairings.

Yacht outings promise similar sophistication, with bespoke onboard feasts drawing from the resort’s global-local fusion. And for pure escapism, sandbank lunches transport diners to secluded, temporary islands in the Indian Ocean–think private setups with grilled lobster, prawns, tropical fruits, and chilled drinks served against endless horizons, all orchestrated to feel like a personal castaway banquet.

What makes this stand out is the chef’s global lens on local tradition. Trained in Michelin environments, he brings technical mastery–amazing flavours and innovative pairings–without overshadowing Zanzibar’s soul.

Dining here isn’t about impressing with excess; it’s about creating resonance, where a single bite can evoke centuries of trade winds and spice caravans. Inclusivity is baked in: vegetarian, halal, and vegan choices abound, ensuring everyone finds their place at the table.

In a Zanzibar crowded with resorts, Shah Palace chooses depth and quality over dazzle. Just an hour from the airport and Stone Town, it invites travelers to savor not just food, but the stories behind it–crafted by a chef who understands that true culinary experiences lingers long after the last course.

.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is in mourning following the death of Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, the former Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, who passed away at the age of 81 while receiving treatment in the city.

According to a statement issued by the Catholic Church, Cardinal Pengo died on Wednesday night, February 19, 2026, at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute. Cardinal Pengo dedicated decades of service to the Catholic Church in Tanzania, earning widespread respect for his spiritual leadership, humility and unwavering commitment to social justice.

He served as Archbishop of Dar es Salaam from 1992 until his retirement in 2019, a period marked by significant growth within the Church and profound national transformation. Throughout his tenure, he consistently called for peace, unity and moral responsibility in public life, positioning the Church as a steady moral voice during times of change.

In a statement signed by Thaddeus Ruwa’ichi, Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, the Church urged the faithful and members of the public to pray for the late Cardinal. “The Church will announce burial arrangements once preparations are complete.

The faithful and members of the public are asked to keep him in their prayers. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace,” the statement read. Polycarp Cardinal Pengo Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.

.

Dar es Salaam. Traditional medicine remains a cornerstone of healthcare in Tanzania, with the 2024 Performance Audit Report on the Regulation of Traditional and Alternative Medicine estimating that between 60 and 80 percent of the population relies on it for primary healthcare needs.

In Dar es Salaam, the sector has expanded rapidly, particularly in areas such as Kariakoo, Mbagala, Buguruni and Manzese, which have evolved into major commercial hubs for the sale and distribution of traditional remedies. However, this rapid urban expansion has far outpaced regulatory oversight, resulting in a supply chain that experts say exposes consumers to significant and largely preventable health risks.

Clinicians in the city say they are increasingly confronted with complications linked to the use of unverified traditional medicines. For her part, a clinician at Temeke Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Agnes Kweka, says many patients arrive at hospital after their conditions have deteriorated following the use of herbal remedies.

“Patients often come with complications worsened by traditional medicine. Some remedies, especially when used alongside conventional treatment, can pose serious risks,” she explains.

With similar sentiments, a pharmacist and clinical researcher based in Dar es Salaam, Dr Clemence Mushi, says public confidence in traditional medicine has grown faster than safety awareness. “Many consumers assume that all shops are safe.

In reality, some products contain harmful substances, incorrect dosages or contaminants. Awareness and monitoring are crucial to protect public health,” he says.

At the centre of the problem is a supply chain that remains extensive but largely informal. Raw materials feeding Dar es Salaam’s market are sourced from regions such as Morogoro, Arusha, Manyara and Zanzibar, areas known for biodiversity and long-standing herbal traditions.

Once harvested, these materials move through loosely structured networks involving transporters, wholesalers, processors and retailers, before reaching consumers through physical shops or online platforms operated by informal agents. According to the 2024 CAG report, of the 499 traditional medicine products sampled in Dar es Salaam, only eight were officially registered, exposing a deep compliance gap between policy and practice.

Experts say this gap is partly driven by weak digital oversight. Traditional medicine activities are not fully integrated into the AfyaSS digital supervision system, leaving regulators without real-time tools to track practitioners, products or reported adverse effects.

Meanwhile, financial constraints continue to undermine enforcement efforts. According to the 2025 NAOT report, funding allocated to the regulation of traditional and alternative medicine declined sharply from Sh2 billion in the 2023/24 financial year to just Sh329 million in 2024/25. For her part, a clinician at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dr Asha Suleiman, says this decline has directly affected the ability of regulators to carry out inspections and routine supervision.

“Regulation requires people, transport and laboratory support. Without adequate funding, enforcement remains symbolic rather than effective,” she says.

Beyond institutional weaknesses, experts point to the public’s enduring trust in traditional medicine as a factor that complicates regulation. Many residents of Dar es Salaam continue to rely on herbal remedies because of cultural familiarity and personal experiences within families and communities, where positive outcomes reinforce perceptions of safety.

However, experts caution that cultural trust, while important, cannot substitute scientific validation. For her part, a clinician and public health expert, Dr Neema Kessy, says the absence of structured referral and reporting systems has allowed harmful practices to persist unnoticed.

“A structured referral system ensures that patients with complex conditions are directed to hospitals, while the effects of traditional remedies are systematically recorded and analysed,” she explains. With similar emphasis on scientific oversight, a researcher at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dr Benson Mugaka, says the commercial growth of the sector has not been matched by quality control.

“Every medicine must pass through botanical identification, chemical analysis and dosage testing. Rapid expansion without these safeguards exposes users to toxins, heavy metals and organ damage,” he says.

Experts further note that safety risks do not begin at the point of sale. Reliance on wild-harvested plants, which remains common in the supply chain feeding Dar es Salaam, increases the likelihood of contamination, inconsistent potency and environmental degradation.

For his part, a clinician at Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Emmanuel Nyankunga, warns that unsafe practices at any stage of the chain can undermine patient safety. “From harvesting to processing and storage, poor handling can introduce contaminants.

Traceability and proper standards are essential to protect patients,” he says. To address these challenges, experts argue that regulation must shift from reactive enforcement to an integrated, preventive framework.

One critical step, they say, is the full integration of traditional medicine practitioners and retail outlets into the AfyaSS digital system. Such integration would enable regulators to monitor registered shops in real time, flag unregistered products and schedule inspections more effectively, particularly in high-density areas such as Kariakoo and Mbagala.

With similar urgency, experts stress the need for stable and adequate funding to restore routine inspections and outreach activities. For her part, Dr Agnes Kweka notes that without consistent supervision, non-compliant practices are likely to persist unchecked.

“Monitoring requires manpower, transport and equipment. When those elements are missing, regulation loses its meaning,” she says.

Capacity building is another area experts identify as essential. Muhas has already introduced short-term training programmes targeting traditional medicine manufacturers and sellers, focusing on Good Manufacturing Practices, legal compliance, product registration, safe packaging and quality standards.

For his part, Dr Mugaka says improving technical knowledge within the supply chain is key to reducing risks. “Training ensures that those involved understand safety protocols and the consequences of ignoring them.

This protects consumers and strengthens confidence in the sector,” he explains. Experts also argue that stronger links between traditional and modern healthcare systems are necessary to ensure patient safety.

Formalised referral mechanisms would allow traditional practitioners to direct patients with serious or persistent conditions to hospitals, while enabling health facilities to document adverse reactions linked to herbal remedies. For her part, Dr Neema Kessy says such systems would generate valuable data for regulators and researchers.

“Without records, harmful effects remain anecdotal. Data allows authorities to identify dangerous products and intervene early,” she says.

At policy level, officials say regulatory reforms are ongoing. For her part, the Acting Assistant Director in the Directorate of Curative Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr Winifrida Kidima, says registered products are subjected to scientific testing and post-market surveillance.

“Through the Traditional and Alternative Health Practice Council, medicines undergo testing before registration. Post-marketing surveillance is conducted, and non-compliant products are removed from the market,” she explains.

However, experts caution that regulation alone is insufficient without public awareness. With similar concern, Dr Clemence Mushi says consumers must be empowered to question the safety of products they use.

“Even a safe plant can become dangerous if processed incorrectly or combined with other medicines. Public education must go hand in hand with regulation,” he says.

While traditional medicine continues to serve millions, experts acknowledge that there are people who suffer adverse effects due to unsafe or unverified practices. They argue that strengthening the supply chain requires action at every level, from sourcing and processing to retail and consumption.

For his part, Dr Nyankunga says the system must be viewed as a whole. “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Any lapse, whether in harvesting, processing or distribution, can lead to health complications,” he explains. MUHAS researchers maintain that science must remain central to the sector’s future.

Dr Mugaka says traditional medicine can coexist safely with modern healthcare if standards are consistently enforced. “Traditional medicine can be safe and effective, but only when every step is guided by science and regulation.

Commercial interests must never outweigh patient safety,” he says. .

Dar es Salaam. The leadership of Young Africans S.

C. has assured fans that striker Clement Mzize is fit to feature in the club’s upcoming Mainland Premier League, CRDB Federation Cup and Caf Champions League fixtures, despite missing two recent matches.

Mzize, who had been sidelined for an extended period due to injury, recently made his long-awaited return during Yanga’s Caf Champions League encounter against ASFAR in Rabat, Morocco. The forward was introduced in the 81st minute as a substitute for Stephane Aziz Ki’s teammate Pacome Zouzoua, marking his first competitive appearance in months.

However, following the match in Morocco, Mzize did not feature in Yanga’s subsequent domestic fixtures, raising concerns among supporters about his fitness. The striker had not played for the Jangwani Street giants since September 16 last year after suffering a serious knee injury that required surgery.

His absence was a significant blow to the team, as he remains one of the club’s key attacking options. A senior club official has now clarified the situation, dismissing fears of a relapse.

According to the source, Mzize sustained only a minor knock after the ASFAR clash, unrelated to his previous knee problem. The club’s medical team conducted thorough examinations and determined that the injury was not serious.

“He is now fit and can play in our league and CRDB Federation Cup matches, as well as in the Caf Champions League tie against JS Kabylie,” the official said. “The reason he did not feature in the CRDB Federation Cup match against Cosmopolitan was purely to give him rest, not because of any major concern.

” The reassurance comes at a crucial time for Yanga as they navigate a demanding schedule across multiple competitions. The Mainland Premier League title race remains tight, while the CRDB Federation Cup offers another route to silverware.

.