Category: The Citizen

The Council of Presidents and Ministers of the East African Community (EAC) has lifted the recruitment freeze across all organs and institutions of the bloc and approved a phased staffing plan starting in the 2026/27 financial year.

The decisions were reached in Mombasa, Kenya, from August 18 to 21, 2026, during an Extraordinary Meeting convened to address urgent personnel matters.

Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for EAC Affairs, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, who is the current chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, chaired the meeting, according to an EAC media statement released on Monday, August 24, 2026. Ministers, permanent secretaries, and delegates attended the meeting from partner states, EAC Secretary-General Ambassador Patrick Mbundi, and staff members from various institutions of the bloc.

‘To ensure effective operations, the Council directed the Secretariat to advertise, as soon as possible, 69 priority positions across all partner states and begin the recruitment process immediately,’ reads part of the statement.

‘The Council also approved an electronic recruitment system (e-recruitment) for the entire hiring process, a move aimed at improving transparency and efficiency,’ reads another part.

It also adopted job descriptions that had been reviewed and verified by experts from partner states.

During the meeting, the Council appointed Pascaline Balisanga Nyiramutuzo from Rwanda as the new East African Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) Executive Director for a three-year term.

The decisions are expected to streamline recruitment and strengthen the workforce and operational capacity of EAC organs, helping to effectively implement the Community’s Seventh Development Strategy, launched by EAC Heads of State in March this year.

The bloc faces staff shortages after positions left vacant when employees’ contracts ended remained unfilled for long periods, while the EAC continues to face financial challenges because some partner states have failed to contribute funds needed to run the community.

Young Africans (Yanga) will look to strengthen their title defence and leapfrog traditional rivals Simba at the top of the NBC Premier League standings when they face JKT Tanzania at the KMC Complex today.

Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm, with Yanga going into the encounter second on six points from two matches, three points behind unbeaten Simba, who have played three games.

The Jangwani Street giants have also made an impressive start to the campaign, scoring seven goals and conceding twice, while a victory would take them to nine points and put pressure on Simba at the summit. Yanga have already shown strong attacking form, opening their campaign with a 3-1 away victory over Namungo before dismantling Coastal Union 4-1 at home last Thursday. That result maintained their perfect record and extended their scoring run to seven goals in two matches.

JKT, meanwhile, are 14th with one point from two matches after drawing 1-1 with TRA United and losing 2-0 to Polisi Tanzania. They will therefore be seeking a major turnaround against the defending champions. History strongly favours Yanga.

The two sides have met 11 times since 2020, with Yanga winning eight and the other three ending in draws, leaving JKT without a victory. Yanga have also scored 23 goals in those meetings, compared with just one for JKT.

The most recent meetings underline that dominance. Yanga won 3-0 away to JKT on June 30, following a 5-0 home victory in February. Earlier encounters include a goalless draw in February 2025 and Yanga victories of 2-0 and 5-0 in the 2024 and 2023 meetings respectively.

Despite the record, Yanga coach Manqoba Mngqithi is unlikely to underestimate JKT, particularly with the league campaign still in its early stages.

The champions are also balancing domestic ambitions with their CAF Champions League commitments, making squad management increasingly important.

For JKT, the match represents an opportunity to upset the established order and collect a result that could provide an important lift to their campaign.

The day’s other fixture will see Coastal Union host TRA United at 8.30pm. Coastal Union are bottom of the table without a point after two matches, having lost 1-0 to Mashujaa before suffering a 4-1 defeat against Yanga.

TRA United are 12th with one point from two matches after drawing with JKT and Coastal Union.

With Yanga chasing the summit and Coastal Union searching for their first points, today’s double-header promises another important chapter in the early title and survival battles.

Rwanda, Zambia stars set for Arusha Sterling golf tourney

_: . Rwanda’s leading female golfer Sylvie Irakoze and Zambia’s Lornah Kalunga Mwenda are set to add international quality to next month’s Sterling Invitational Golf Tournament at the Kilimanjaro Wildlife and Golf Estate in Arusha.

The three-day tournament, scheduled for September 4 to 6, is expected to bring together 80 golfers from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, with organisers seeking to make the event one of the region’s most competitive amateur golf meetings.

Irakoze arrives in Arusha with an impressive recent record that underlines her status as one of Rwanda’s leading female players. She won the Amateur Ladies’ Division at the 2025 Rwanda Open and was subsequently selected among four Rwandan golfers for a Japan-based development programme aimed at preparing players for the 2028 Olympic GamesHer presence is expected to provide a major test for Tanzania’s leading golfers, particularly those familiar with the demanding Kili Golf course.

Irakoze also demonstrated her competitiveness in regional events last year, when she featured among the leading players at the I and M Bank Katogo Golf Series in Kigali and claimed the women’s longest-drive award.

Kalunga Mwenda, meanwhile, brings considerable experience from Zambia and has established herself as one of the country’s prominent female golfers. Her participation will further strengthen the international character of the tournament and provide another serious challenge to the host players.

The Zambian golfer recently earned a runners-up finish at the Ghana Ladies Open, highlighting the level of form she is expected to bring to Arusha.

Their participation adds another dimension to an event that has steadily grown into an important platform for women’s golf in East Africa.

The tournament, sponsored by Sterling Surfactant Limited and organised by Madina Idd, will be played under the stroke-play format, with players completing 18 holes each day. The main competition will have Championship/Silver and Division B categories, alongside senior men’s and ladies’ events.

The Championship/Silver category will cater for golfers with handicap indexes of five and below, while Division B will accommodate players with handicaps of 5.1 and above.

The ladies’ competition will cover 54 holes, while senior golfers will play 36 holes. Importantly, the tournament has been registered with the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and recognised under the R and A, giving eligible players an opportunity to earn valuable ranking points

Tanzania will be represented by several established players, including defending champion Ashley Awuor of Kenya, who is expected to return to Arusha seeking to retain the title she won last year.

Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Dr Alex Malasusa, has urged believers to use their tongues wisely, saying the small organ can bring gain or loss, promote or destroy peace, and earn a person honour or contempt.

Dr Malasusa said that, when used well, the tongue could be a great blessing, noting that some people are respected because of how they use it.

He was speaking on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the 17th General Assembly of Meru Diocese in Arumeru District, Arusha Region. He said that although the tongue is a small organ, its improper use could cause loss and disrupt peace.

He likened it to a ship’s rudder, explaining how a small object can determine the direction of something much larger.

‘The tongue is a very small organ and sometimes doesn’t hurt, perhaps if someone gets an accident, but not something you can swallow a painkiller (pain medicine) for because it hurts,’ he said.

‘The tongue is a small organ but one bringing gain; we can preach, and that is why we are here, but also at the same time it can bring loss and breach of peace; there are many people honoured in this world for no other reason than because they use their tongue well,’ added Dr Malasusa.

He reminded believers to use their mouths and tongues well, including strengthening unity within Meru Diocese.

‘This Sunday, we are reminded to use our mouths and tongues well. I am not sure whether I would say more if this were another diocese, but here I know that you have used your tongues well, even in coming to this assembly. There were no harsh words concerning the agendas we know about. You used them well, and where you may have erred, we thank Jesus because he gives us time to repent,’ he explained.

‘Your tongue, my tongue is small, but it can rock a large ship or a marriage; it doesn’t matter how many years it has, but if the tongue moves a bit it can rock it,’ he added.

‘It can rock the good unity present within Meru Diocese; it is just a tongue, but it can heal, and the tongue has good work for one using it well to heal, and it can honour you or cause you to be despised,’ he insisted.

Head of ELCT Northern Diocese, Dr Fredrick Shoo, said the history of Meru Diocese showed how God’s hand had guided the church and urged believers to remain hopeful as they prepare to elect a new bishop.

‘Looking back, we see how God’s hand has been with you people of Meru Diocese, and we are filled with hope that this hand of the Lord will continue to be with you even this period when the Bishop’s election will be held,’ he said.

‘The word I would like to tell you and emphasise to you, as this matter has been spoken, let us leave it to God,’ added Dr Shoo.

Outgoing Meru Diocese Bishop, Dr Elias Nasari, thanked believers for praying for, supporting and encouraging him during his 10 years in office.

‘Thank you for supporting me, embracing me, and even where I failed the church and where I saw it was over, God told me the journey continues. I thank you very much for that period, and I cannot believe 10 years have passed since you elected me. Today is a very important day for the Diocese,’ he said.

‘That is where we are going to humble ourselves under God’s hand so that he can raise another leader who will carry this Diocese cooperating with him for another period that God will appoint,’ added the Bishop.

Tanzania’s leading marathoners Alphonce Simbu and Magdalena Shauri will carry the country’s hopes into a star-studded TCS Sydney Marathon next Sunday, as they face some of the world’s best long-distance runners in the Australian city.

The race has gained added significance after Sydney was admitted to the Abbott World Marathon Majors, making it the seventh marathon in the prestigious series alongside Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York and Tokyo.

The development has attracted a stronger international field and gives Simbu and Shauri an opportunity to test themselves against the world’s elite. Simbu goes into the race with considerable momentum and confidence after making history at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he became the first Tanzanian athlete to win a world marathon title. The 33-year-old has a personal best of 2:02:47 and has also finished runner-up at the Boston Marathon in both 2025 and 2026, underlining his ability to compete at the highest level.

The Tanzanian will face a formidable men’s field led by Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma, whose personal best of 2:01:48 makes him the fastest entrant. Kenya’s Timothy Kiplagat, who has run 2:02:55, is another leading contender, while Vincent Ngetich brings extensive World Marathon Majors experience. Defending champion Hailemaryam Kiros of Ethiopia will also return after winning last year’s race in 2:06:06. Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana, who improved his personal best to 2:04:18 at this year’s Boston Marathon, adds further depth to the field.

The strength of the men’s race is reflected by the numbers, with 25 athletes boasting personal bests below 2:10 and 14 having broken the 2:05 barrier. Simbu’s experience, however, means he is unlikely to be intimidated by the quality of opposition.

Shauri will face an equally demanding challenge in the women’s race. The Tanzanian has established herself among the country’s leading marathoners and strengthened her reputation with a third-place finish at the 2025 Chicago Marathon.

Her Sydney campaign will be led by a clash with Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir, the Olympic and world champion, whose personal best of 2:14:43 places her among the fastest women in the field.

Jepchirchir’s record includes victories at the Boston, New York and London marathons, while compatriot Irine Cheptai, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist, is another serious contender after recording a 2:17:51 personal best in Chicago.

The financial incentive is also significant. The winners of both the men’s and women’s races will each receive US$60,000, which is approximately Sh158.6 million).

French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are holding talks in Paris on Monday, with regional security, energy and investment high on the agenda as France and Saudi Arabia seek to deepen their strategic partnership.

The two-day visit, which began on Sunday, brings together two influential players at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty over energy and transport routes in the region. Macron’s office said the leaders would discuss major regional issues as part of close cooperation between France and its Gulf partners.

The talks are expected to cover the situation in the Middle East, including regional conflicts and security concerns surrounding energy supplies and transport routes. France and Saudi Arabia are also looking at ways to strengthen connectivity between the Gulf and Europe and diversify routes affected by instability around the Strait of Hormuz. Economic cooperation is another major focus. Macron and Prince Mohammed are due to oversee the first meeting of the French-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council and attend a Saudi-French business forum, where opportunities for investment and bilateral trade are expected to feature prominently.

The partnership spans sectors including energy, transport, healthcare, technology and infrastructure, with Saudi Arabia seeking international investment as it pursues its Vision 2030 economic diversification programme.

The visit follows Macron’s trip to Saudi Arabia in December 2024, when the two countries agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership.

The crown prince’s visit began on Sunday with Macron hosting him at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris. The tournament was held outside Saudi Arabia for the first time, reflecting the growing role of sport, entertainment and technology in the two countries’ relationship.

For Macron, closer ties with Riyadh also provide an opportunity to strengthen France’s influence in the Gulf and its role in addressing regional crises. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is seeking stronger economic and diplomatic partnerships as it transforms its economy and expands its international role.

The talks are taking place against a backdrop of continuing instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy supplies. Regional countries have been exploring alternative transport and energy routes amid concerns over disruptions to shipping.

The meeting therefore puts both regional diplomacy and economic interests at the centre of the France-Saudi relationship, with the outcome likely to shape cooperation on security, energy, investment and trade.

More than 95 Tanzanian students have travelled to India to pursue higher education, with most enrolling in science, technology and engineering programmes.

The students, who departed over the weekend, are the first group of 198 Tanzanians expected to travel to India this year through the Global Education Link.

The courses they are going to undertake include computer science, computer engineering, cyber security, artificial intelligence, civil engineering, health-related courses, law and business administration. Speaking on behalf of Global Education Link Executive Director, the company’s Dar es Salaam Branch Manager, Micky Musa, said the departures were part of efforts to expand access to international education for Tanzanian youth.

‘More than 95 students are departing in this first group for India, while throughout this year we expect a total of 198 students to pursue their studies there,’ Mr Musa said.

He said another group of about 185 students was preparing to travel to China, while others were completing arrangements to study in Malaysia, the US and the UK.

Mr Musa urged parents and guardians to seek professional guidance when sending their children abroad, particularly on university selection, programmes, admissions, visa applications and travel arrangements.

Among those travelling to India is 17-year-old Alvin Munda, who will study Computer Science at Lovely Professional University before specialising in Cyber Security.

He said he chose the programme because he wanted to develop practical technology skills.

‘I prefer a learning system that places greater emphasis on practical training rather than focusing solely on theory and examinations,’ he said.

Mr Munda said he was interested in specialising in Cyber Security because of its growing importance in the digital economy.

He credited Global Education Link with guiding him and his family through university selection, admissions and travel arrangements.

Another student, Amani Musa, is pursuing Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence and hopes to specialise in data and technology.

He said the growing use of artificial intelligence in banking, healthcare, business and government had influenced his decision to study the subject. Another student, who is pursuing a combined Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Laws programme, said he hoped to build a career as a lawyer and entrepreneur.

He said Global Education Link had assisted with university placement, visa processing and travel preparations.

Donald Kito, whose son Isaac is travelling to Lovely Professional University to pursue a Diploma in Civil Engineering, said the family first learned about Global Education Link through advertisements.

He said the organisation later provided information and guidance that helped the family make a decision on the university and programme.

Mr Musa said young people interested in studying abroad could access guidance through Global Education Link offices in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Zanzibar, Mwanza and Arusha.

The latest departures reflect continued interest among Tanzanian students in international higher education, particularly in technology, engineering, business and law.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan and African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI) president Arikana Chihombori-Quao have discussed ways of strengthening cooperation between Tanzania, the institute and the African diaspora to support development across the continent.

Their talks on Monday, August 24, 2026, at State House in Dar es Salaam focused on equipping young Africans with knowledge of the continent’s history, their role in development and the political and economic changes shaping the world, according to a statement from the Directorate of Presidential Communications.

The discussions come at a time when African countries seek to strengthen the participation of young people and the diaspora in shaping the continent’s development and responding to global economic and political changes. According to the statement, President Hassan said young people needed knowledge that would help them understand the changing global environment and participate more effectively in shaping the future of their countries and Africa.

She also stressed the importance of teaching young people patriotism and civic responsibility, including leadership, responsible use of information and participation in community and development activities.

The talks also covered the role of women in raising children, building communities, leadership, preserving African culture and promoting indigenous knowledge.

Ms Chihombori-Quao, who leads the ADDI, commended President Hassan for her leadership and Tanzania’s ongoing development initiatives.

She said cooperation between Africa and the institute could help promote investment, connect knowledge and build a more positive narrative about the continent.

The discussions also highlighted the role of Africans in the diaspora in contributing to the continent’s development through investment, knowledge and stronger links with their countries of origin.

President Hassan commended Ms Chihombori-Quao for her longstanding efforts to advance Africa’s interests and strengthen relations between the continent and people of African descent living abroad.

Coca-Cola has introduced a new Fanta Berry flavour in Tanzania as it seeks to expand the brand’s appeal among young consumers.

The new flavour is available at selected retail outlets, supermarkets, universities, kiosks and other trade outlets across the country.

According to Coca-Cola Tanzania Senior Marketing Manager Kabula Nshimo, Fanta Berry is designed to offer consumers a fruity alternative while responding to changing tastes. The launch campaign will be driven by the ‘Kipapli’ platform, which will use music, dance, fashion, creator culture and consumer activations to engage young people.

The campaign will include commuter activations, influencer engagements, taste-testing challenges and university events, as well as the #KipapliChallenge social media campaign.

Coca-Cola Kwanza has also begun a promotional convoy in Dar es Salaam, starting at its Mikocheni plant and stopping in Ubungo, Mabibo, Buguruni and Temeke before ending in Mbagala.

Consumers at the stops will have opportunities to sample Fanta Berry and participate in entertainment and interactive activities.

Coca-Cola Kwanza General Manager David Chait said the new product reflected the company’s efforts to offer beverages that respond to Tanzanians’ preferences.

‘Our diverse beverage portfolio reflects our dedication to meeting the preferences of Tanzanians and bringing people together through products that add flavour to everyday moments,’ he said.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in Ukraine on Monday for his first overseas trip since taking office, pledging continued British support for Kyiv and announcing measures to strengthen Ukraine’s domestic production of long-range missiles.

Burnham is in Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day to co-chair a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries backing Ukraine, and meet President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

During the visit, Britain announced it would allow European missile manufacturer MBDA to release classified information on British-made components used in the SCALP long-range cruise missile. The move is intended to help France and Ukraine establish local assembly lines for the missile, which incorporates British and French technology, according to the UK Government.

‘Ukraine’s security is our security,’ Burnham said, reaffirming Britain’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.

Britain has been one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, providing military, economic and diplomatic assistance. The UK says its support has exceeded £25 billion ($34 billion). The visit comes amid heightened tensions between London and Moscow. The Kremlin said on Monday that Britain’s decision to share classified missile information with Ukraine would ‘add fuel to the fire’ and deepen Britain’s involvement in the conflict.

Burnham has said Russian threats will not weaken Britain’s support for Ukraine, insisting that the UK will continue to stand by Kyiv.

The push to expand Ukraine’s domestic missile production comes as Kyiv increasingly relies on long-range drones and strike weapons to target Russian infrastructure, oil facilities and logistics sites far behind the front lines.

In an era dominated by short videos, instant updates and endless social media notifications, it may appear that audiences no longer have the patience for long-form journalism. The modern information environment rewards speed, simplicity and quick consumption.

A headline can travel across the world within seconds, while a short video can attract millions of views within hours. Yet, despite these changes, long-form journalism continues to survive and even experience renewed appreciation. The reason is simple: information is everywhere, but understanding is increasingly rare.

Long-form journalism goes beyond telling audiences what happened. It explores why events happen, who is affected and what the wider consequences are. Through investigative reporting, detailed interviews, data analysis and human storytelling, deep journalism provides context that short updates often cannot deliver.

The rise of digital media initially created concerns that traditional storytelling formats would disappear. Many predicted that readers would lose interest in lengthy articles because social media encouraged shorter attention spans. However, experience has shown that audiences are still willing to spend time on meaningful stories when the content provides insight, relevance and value.

Major global stories have demonstrated the continued power of investigative journalism. Reports exposing corruption, corporate misconduct, social inequalities and failures in public systems often require months or even years of research. These stories cannot be produced through quick searches or immediate reactions. They require journalists to follow evidence, interview sources, analyse documents and challenge powerful interests.

This type of journalism plays a crucial role in society because it creates accountability. Breaking news may announce an event, but investigative journalism explains the systems behind that event. It helps citizens understand issues that affect their lives, from economic policies and governance to environmental challenges and social change.

Long-form storytelling also succeeds because it connects facts with human experiences. Statistics and official statements may explain a problem, but personal stories help audiences understand its impact. A well-researched article can introduce readers to people, communities and experiences they may never encounter directly. This human connection creates empathy and encourages deeper public conversations.

Technology has not destroyed long-form journalism; instead, it has created new opportunities for it. Digital platforms allow journalists to combine written stories with videos, podcasts, interactive graphics and data visualisations.

The popularity of podcasts and documentary-style storytelling is evidence that audiences still appreciate depth. Many people are choosing longer conversations and detailed explanations because they want more than headlines.

However, the survival of long-form journalism depends on trust. Audiences are increasingly selective about where they spend their time. A lengthy story must provide accuracy, originality and meaningful insights. Media organisations cannot simply produce longer content; they must produce better content. This creates a responsibility for journalists and editors. The future of long-form journalism will depend on maintaining high standards, investing in investigative skills and understanding audience needs.

For media organisations, long-form journalism also presents a business opportunity. While quick content may generate temporary attention, valuable journalism can build long-term relationships with audiences. Readers and viewers are more likely to support platforms that provide exclusive investigations, expert analysis and stories they cannot find elsewhere.

The challenge for media leaders is balancing speed with depth. Audiences still need breaking news, but they also need trusted voices that help them interpret events. The strongest media organisations will be those that can deliver both immediate updates and thoughtful analysis.

The future of journalism will not belong only to those who publish the fastest. It will belong to those who tell the most meaningful stories. In a world where information moves quickly but understanding often falls behind, long-form journalism remains essential.

Deep stories remind us that behind every headline there are people, decisions and consequences. They provide the context needed to understand our world and the knowledge required to shape its future.

The return of long-form journalism is not a rejection of digital change. It is a reminder that audiences may consume information differently, but their desire for truth, insight and powerful storytelling remains unchanged.