The Citizen – Page 27 – Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Nigerian Nightmare returns: Kamaru Usman to headline one of this summer’s biggest fights

On July 18, MMA fans’ attention will be focused on one of the most anticipated fights of the year. The main event of UFC Fight Night 281 in Oklahoma City will feature former dominant UFC champion Kamaru Usman taking on former middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis. For both fighters, this bout could play an important role in their future championship ambitions.

Kamaru Usman’s return

Kamaru Usman’s name has long been etched into UFC history. The former welterweight champion put together one of the most impressive runs of the modern era, winning 19 consecutive professional fights, including 15 straight in the UFC, while successfully defending his title five times.

After a challenging stretch in his career, The Nigerian Nightmare has another opportunity to remind the world why he was considered one of the best fighters regardless of weight class for years. A victory over a formidable opponent from a higher weight class could once again put Usman in contention for a championship title, this time in a new division.

Dricus du Plessis is ready for a new challenge

For Dricus du Plessis, this bout is no less significant. The South African intends to make a massive comeback after losing his championship belt and aims to prove that his past successes truly reflected his caliber and were not just a one-time fluke.

An aggressive fighting style, a fast pace, constant pressure, and powerful stamina – this is how Stillknocks plans to impress everyone in his upcoming fight against Usman.

Why you can’t miss it

The clash between these two former champions promises to be a true showdown.

Usman traditionally relies on outstanding grappling, opponent control, excellent distance management, and unconventional strategies. Du Plessis, on the other hand, prefers constant pressure, powerful combinations of unconventional strikes, and a high pace, forcing his opponents to push themselves to their limits throughout the entire fight.

For MelBet’s global ambassador, Usman, victory would be an important milestone in his return to competition in a heavier weight class. For du Plessis, success would confirm that he is ready to fight for the middleweight belt once again.

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There’s always a chance!

For millions of MMA fans, this evening will be an opportunity to witness one of the most dominant champions of the modern era return to action. And for MelBet customers, it’s a chance to add even more excitement. Every big fight presents a new challenge, and every lost round can set the stage for a spectacular comeback.

Why investing in LPG safety education is vital

Oryx Gas Tanzania said it has decided to invest in safety education to reduce accidents resulting from the incorrect use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

The company made the statement in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, during the launch of a Guidebook for the Safe Use of LPG Gas and the signing of a three-year cooperation agreement with the Tanzania Scouts Association (TSA).

The step is aimed at strengthening safe cooking gas usage education for citizens through the network of scout youth in the country.

Speaking during the event, Oryx Gas managing director Benoit Araman said that the book is a highly important tool for learning and teaching the correct use of LPG gas, adding that the cooperation with scouts aims to ensure the education reaches the majority of Tanzanians.

‘Although the company has duties to shareholders, employees, and the government, Oryx Gas believes that citizens are its key stakeholders, hence deciding to invest in safety education to reduce accidents from incorrect use of the gas,’ he said.

“We want to see more Tanzanians use LPG safely. We cannot reach millions of users alone, which is why we decided to partner with the Tanzania Scouts Association, which has a large youth network that can deliver this education directly to society,” he added.

He explained that through the agreement, his company will train scout trainers who will later teach citizens in various areas across the country using a train-the-trainer approach.

Mr Araman said the Oryx Gas training manager, Peter Ndomba, collaborated in the book preparation to be a permanent reference for LPG users, despite the world increasingly using more digital systems.

“It is crucial to have a physical tool that one can hold, read, and refer to whenever they need to learn safe gas usage,” he said, adding that the book will be available in print and digital formats to reach more citizens.

During the event, Mr Ndomba said the idea arose from the company’s managing director after realising that, alongside clean energy campaigns, safety education remains highly essential for every single consumer.

“We ensure everyone who chooses our gas product remains safe. This book will give users a broad understanding of safe LPG use and will be used for teaching in institutions, including schools, after completing copyright procedures,” he said.

TSA’s chief scout, Mr Rashid Mchatta, said the event was not just about signing, but starting a journey to equip youth with knowledge, skills, and national opportunities.

He said scouts believe knowledgeable, ethical, and disciplined youth are key to Tanzania’s development, noting that the partnership will help build youth capacity in clean energy, job creation, and safety.

“We will ensure this partnership is implemented carefully so our youth become ambassadors of safe gas education and help reduce accidents from incorrect LPG use,” he said.

TSA chief commissioner, Mr Abubakar Mtitu, said the cooperation aligns with scout values of serving society and empowering youth to help solve challenges facing citizens.

He said scouts will continue using its youth network to spread safe gas education and promote clean energy use to contribute to community and environmental welfare.

UK summons senior Iranian diplomat over alleged proxy attacks in Europe

Britain on Tuesday summoned Iran’s most senior diplomat in London over what the UK government said was Iran’s role in directing proxy groups to carry out attacks across Europe in recent months.

Charge d’Affaires Ali Nasimfar was summoned to the foreign ministry over the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force allegedly directing a group to carry out attacks across Europe between March and May, ?the British Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

It identified the proxy group as the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right. Calling the activity “completely unacceptable,” the foreign ministry said, “Despite repeated warnings, Iran’s intelligence services have not ceased in their hostile activity. Instead, Iran has sought to intensify its malign behaviour.”

The Iranian embassy in London could not immediately be reached ?for comment outside regular business hours. Iran, which is at war with the United States and Israel, has previously denied using proxies.

Britain on Monday designated the IRGC and a linked group as a security ?threat under new powers aimed at preventing foreign states from using proxies for activities such as surveillance and sabotage.

Tehran on Tuesday condemned the decision, saying ?the IRGC was an official part of Iran’s armed forces and accusing Britain of violating international law by targeting a ?state institution.

The Quds Force is the IRGC’s overseas arm. The United States has designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.

France celebrates Bastille Day in Tanzania, reaffirming strong bilateral ties

France marked its National Day, Bastille Day, in Tanzania on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, with a colourful celebration that showcased the country’s cultural diversity while reaffirming its longstanding partnership with Tanzania.

Held under the theme “Afro Bastille”, the event celebrated the African heritage of many French citizens through music, fashion, art and cultural performances, highlighting the growing cultural connections between France and the African continent.

Addressing diplomats, government officials and invited guests, French Ambassador Anne-Sophie Ave challenged traditional perceptions of French identity, saying nationality is defined by citizenship rather than physical appearance.

Government admits delays in enforcing court decisions continue

The government has acknowledged challenges in enforcing court decisions for people who have won cases, blaming negligence among some lower-level officials for delays in delivering justice.

It has urged citizens facing such challenges to seek assistance from Regional and District Commissioners’ offices, which have authorities, including the police, to help ensure court decisions are implemented.

The Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Dr Juma Homera, made the remarks on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, while responding to public complaints during the ‘Sema na Waziri’ programme, which receives grievances from citizens.

Dr Homera said many complaints submitted to his office involved cases where individuals had already secured favourable court rulings but faced difficulties when seeking enforcement.

‘Many of the calls we received today show that people have already won cases in court, but there is negligence somewhere that needs to be addressed so that citizens who win cases can receive justice without unnecessary delays,’ he said.

In another development, Dr Homera directed authorities to ensure that the case involving Salumu Namtuka, a Dar es Salaam resident, is handled fairly, describing as unacceptable a situation where a state attorney advised that a criminal matter be resolved through a civil claim before it reached court.

Mr Namtuka contacted the programme to explain how he had been frustrated by the police after allegedly being shot.

He said he still has a piece of metal lodged in his neck from the incident, which he described as having taken too long to resolve.

He claimed a state attorney advised him to file a civil case despite what he considered clear evidence, arguing that the suspects did not intend to cause injury.

‘This is very unusual. A state attorney cannot make decisions based on personal judgment. This is not right. Police, please reopen this case so that we can help this citizen,’ Dr Homera told Dar es Salaam police officers.

The minister said a country cannot achieve justice without strong laws and effective enforcement, urging all stakeholders to play their part in protecting citizens’ rights.

Commenting on the use of English in court judgments, Dr Homera said lawyers would soon tour the country to explain laws translated into Kiswahili following President Hassan’s directive issued in Arusha on Monday.

He said 446 laws have so far been translated into Kiswahili, while nearly 1,000 others are in the process of being translated.

However, he urged judges to improve the quality of their judgment writing to ensure decisions are easier for citizens to understand.

Oura going nowhere as Simba rule out exit rumours

Simba SC have moved to dismiss reports linking attacking midfielder Anicet Oura with a move away from the club, insisting the Ivorian remains part of their plans ahead of the 2026/2027 season.

Simba team information officer Ahmed Ally told The Citizen that the club has not received any official offer from foreign clubs seeking the services of the talented midfielder.

Neos launches direct flights to Tanzania, lands at KIA with over 210 tourists

Italian carrier Neos has officially launched direct flights to Tanzania, after its maiden flight landed at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) on Wednesday.

The aircraft arrived on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, carrying more than 210 tourists, marking a strong start to the peak tourism season that began in July.

This is set to boost arrivals from the lucrative European market to northern Tanzania’s key tourist attractions.

Speaking shortly after the plane landed, KIA marketing and research manager Zefrin Lubuva termed Neos’s entry a milestone in promoting tourism and the economy of the northern safari circuit during this peak high travel season.

“We have received the Neos aircraft from Italy, which will now operate direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport. This is a major event that raises the profile of international airlines from Europe flying directly to KIA,” said Mr Lubuva.

He added that the new service has significant commercial benefits due to the aircraft’s high passenger capacity.

“The maiden flight has brought over 210 visitors who are heading directly to various attractions. This presents a massive opportunity for the tourism sector and businesses in the northern zone, as well as the nation at large,” said Mr Lubuva.

He noted that KIA continues to align with government directives to promote trade and tourism, highlighting that the northern circuit hosts world-class attractions that draw massive global interest.

“We are continuing with efforts to market Tanzania, building on initiatives like the Royal Tour film. As this is the peak season, we believe citizens will benefit from business opportunities and jobs created by this influx of visitors,” he added.

KIA director, Ms Rehema Myeya said the direct flights would simplify travel for international tourists and stimulate economic growth.

“This service makes it easier for visitors to reach our attractions directly through KIA. It will also open up business opportunities for both local micro-enterprises and large-scale traders,” said Ms Myeya.

She added that the airport authority would work closely with airlines and other stakeholders to ensure world-class service delivery to travellers.

Neos representative Antonella Balestra expressed excitement over the new route, noting that the airline has already been flying to Zanzibar since 2022.

“We are delighted to land in Kilimanjaro today. We have been operating in Zanzibar since 2022, and we plan to increase flight frequencies based on demand, especially during this peak season,” said Ms Balestra.

One of the tourists on the flight, Ms Eliza Saminar, said she was looking forward to her holiday.

“We are here to explore different areas. Tanzania is a beautiful country with breathtaking scenery, and we are thrilled to be here,” she said.

Budget reforms could reduce Tanzania’s gender imbalance

The belief that national budgets are gender-neutral came under scrutiny last week as experts warned that public spending continues to reinforce inequalities unless gender considerations are deliberately integrated into planning and implementation.

They said women, particularly those engaged in agriculture and other productive sectors, remain disadvantaged by budget priorities, funding delays, and unequal access to resources.

The concerns were raised during a high-level dialogue organised by Policy Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Equanomics initiative, which seeks to promote gender-responsive fiscal policies across Africa.

Participants argued that the challenge is not only about budget allocations but also whether approved funds are released and used effectively to address citizens’ needs.

Presenting an analysis by the Agricultural Non-State Actors Forum (Ansaf), programme officer, Ms Werner Hillary, compared planned allocations with actual disbursements, saying the gap between the two determines the real impact of public spending.

She noted that although agriculture contributes 24.6 percent of Tanzania’s gross domestic product (GDP), the sector receives only three percent of the national budget, below the 10 percent target under the Malabo Declaration.

‘The consequences are real. In the 2024/25 financial year, the Ministry of Agriculture received only Sh500 billion out of the planned Sh1.19 trillion,’ she said.

Ms Hillary said delayed release of funds remains one of the sector’s biggest challenges, with money often reaching ministries towards the end of the financial year.

‘When funds are released in May or June, they often return to the Treasury unused,’ she said.

She linked the delays to poor agricultural performance, noting that Tanzania produced only 9,000 tonnes of seed in 2025 against a national target of 80,000 tonnes.

Beyond financing challenges, women involved in agricultural value addition continue to face regulatory obstacles that increase production costs.

Tanzania Milk Processors Association (Tampa) representative, Ms Rose Lyimo, said dairy processors must obtain 28 different permits from institutions, including the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (Osha), the National Environment Management Council (Nemc), and the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura).

‘These regulatory hurdles make Tanzanian milk uncompetitive,’ she said, adding that imports from Kenya and South Africa often enter the market at lower prices due to more favourable tax arrangements.

She said processors pay Sh150,000 for permits to transport milk between districts, while supplies to Zanzibar attract an additional Sh50 per litre levy.

Ms Lyimo also highlighted gender disparities in livestock ownership, saying women own only 7.4 percent of ranches, leaving them vulnerable when male relatives decide to sell family livestock.

UNDP SDG Finance and Investment Specialist Mr Simon Moshy said the organisation is working with civil society organisations to strengthen public participation in gender-responsive budgeting.

He identified agriculture as a key area because women play a major role in food production, but continue to face limited access to land, finance, farm inputs, irrigation, and markets.

‘Civil society has an essential role in bringing the realities of women farmers into budget discussions and holding institutions accountable for whether public commitments translate into actual spending and measurable outcomes,’ he said.

A senior programme officer at the Kenya-based Budget Hub, Ms Faith Kinyanjui, said fiscal policy discussions should focus on three questions: who pays, who benefits, and who decides.

‘Budgets are never gender-neutral,’ she said.

While acknowledging that governments face limited fiscal space and rising debt, she said expenditure priorities, including agricultural subsidies, must be examined for hidden inequalities. She warned that allocating resources without addressing implementation challenges does little to improve the lives of intended beneficiaries.

The Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP) head of programme activism and movement building, Ms Florah Ndaba, said women make up about 71 percent of the agricultural workforce but receive only 11.6 percent of sector wages.

She said land insecurity remains a major barrier, noting that 82 percent of land acquired under the government’s Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) project lacked title deeds, limiting women’s ability to use land as collateral.

Citing the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) report, Ms Ndaba said only 282 of the 812 BBT participants in 2023 were young women, while the programme reached 514 youths against a target of 12,000.

She recalled how women in Kiluleni carried bottles of contaminated water to Parliament to protest poor services, an action that later prompted infrastructure improvements.

Policy analyst, Mr James Mlali, questioned the government’s practice of increasing budget projections despite repeated revenue shortfalls.

‘If we failed to reach last year’s target, why plan for an even larger one?’ he asked.

He called for more realistic budgeting to reduce corruption risks and urged greater representation of women in local decision-making bodies.

Farmer, Mr Fred George, suggested that Tanzania adopt Botswana’s approach of allowing women to access credit using national identity cards rather than land titles.

Concluding, Ms Kinyanjui cited a Kenyan example where a community rejected partial delivery of water tanks until all demands were met, saying collective action can strengthen accountability and ensure public resources respond to citizens’ priorities.

SBL expands youth skills programmes to support Tanzania’s future workforce

Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young Tanzanians through skills development programmes, saying investment in education and practical training is essential to building a competitive workforce capable of driving the country’s long-term economic growth.

As Tanzania joins the rest of the world in marking World Youth Skills Day, the brewer highlighted its ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping young people with industry-relevant skills in agriculture, tourism and hospitality.

With Tanzania boasting one of Africa’s youngest populations, millions of young people enter the labour market each year. However, many continue to face challenges in securing employment due to limited access to practical training and workplace experience.

SBL said its youth empowerment strategy focuses on creating opportunities that prepare young people for the demands of the modern labour market while contributing to sustainable national development.

Through the Kilimo Viwanda Scholarship Programme, the company has supported more than 300 young Tanzanians from farming communities to pursue agricultural studies, enabling them to acquire modern farming techniques, technical expertise and agribusiness knowledge before returning to improve productivity in their communities.

The company has also partnered with the National College of Tourism (NCT) to implement the Learning for Life Programme, which equips aspiring hospitality professionals with practical skills required by employers.

The programme’s first intake trained 100 young people, many of whom have since secured employment, while a second cohort of 200 students recently completed their hospitality training.

A beneficiary of the Learning for Life Programme, Mr Hansen Morris, said the initiative had transformed his confidence and career prospects.

“Before joining Learning for Life, I wanted to pursue a career in hospitality but lacked the confidence to compete in the job market. The programme provided practical experience, strengthened my communication skills and helped me understand employers’ expectations. Today, I am building a long-term career in the hospitality industry,” he said.

A Learning for Life Programme Supervisor at the National College of Tourism, Ms Mariam Mambosasa, said partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector were helping students become more employable.

“Learning for Life complements classroom learning by exposing students to real industry expectations. Beyond technical hospitality skills, participants develop confidence, teamwork, communication and problem-solving abilities that employers consistently value. Partnerships with organisations such as Serengeti Breweries Limited are helping bridge the gap between education and employment,” she said.

Meanwhile, a beneficiary of the Kilimo Viwanda Scholarship Programme, Mr Octavian Burchard, said the scholarship had changed his perception of agriculture and opened new opportunities.

“The scholarship enabled me to study agriculture without financial constraints. It also helped me realise that agriculture is one of Tanzania’s greatest economic opportunities. I now have the knowledge to improve farming productivity while creating opportunities for myself and my community. I encourage young people to view agriculture as a profession with enormous potential,” he said.

According to SBL, the scholarship programme continues to nurture a new generation of agricultural professionals equipped with expertise in modern farming, sustainable production and agribusiness, with many graduates returning to rural communities to promote innovation and inspire other young people.

The brewer said the success of both initiatives demonstrates that meaningful investment in youth requires more than financial support. It also depends on sustained partnerships, practical learning opportunities and a shared commitment to helping young people transition successfully from education into employment.

SBL noted that this year’s World Youth Skills Day coincides with the implementation of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, which places strong emphasis on building an educated, highly skilled and globally competitive workforce capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth.

The company said achieving the vision would require stronger collaboration between government, academic institutions and the private sector to ensure young Tanzanians are equipped not only to secure jobs but also to create businesses, solve national challenges and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.

Four teams battle for two final berths in Arumeru academy tournament

The race for the Academy Tournament crown has entered its final phase, with four teams battling for two places in the championship match of the youth football competition being held at Akeri Grounds in Arumeru District.

Organised by Pareto Youth Center, the tournament kicked off on June 26, 2026, bringing together eight community-based teams in a competition aimed at nurturing young football talent while promoting environmental conservation and youth engagement.

The participating teams are Akeri Football Club, Tengeru Soccer Club, Pareto Soccer Club, Poli Football Club, Kuza Football Club, Sura Football Club, Leganga Sports Club and Lesser Flamingos Football Club.

After the group stage, Kuza FC, Tengeru Training Center, Pareto FC and Lesser Flamingos FC advanced to the semi-finals, setting up a thrilling battle for a place in the final.

Kuza FC strengthened their hopes of reaching the final after securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Tengeru Training Center in the first leg of their semi-final clash.

Meanwhile, Pareto FC and Lesser Flamingos FC played out a 1-1 draw in an entertaining encounter, leaving their tie evenly poised ahead of the return leg.

The four teams will return to Akeri Grounds on Thursday for the decisive semi-final matches, with Kuza FC facing Tengeru Training Center and Pareto FC taking on Lesser Flamingos FC in a winner-takes-all battle for a place in the final.

Beyond competition, organisers say the tournament is designed to provide young players with a platform to showcase their talent while using football to promote community development, environmental awareness and youth empowerment.

Tournament coordinator and Pareto FC head coach Jordan Mosses said the competition was born out of a desire to revive grassroots football in Arumeru after the district went for more than a decade without a structured local league.

‘The Pareto League is named after pyrethrum, a local crop that symbolises authenticity and our indigenous roots,’ Mosses said.

He explained that the initiative started with Pareto Sports Club (PSC), which relocated from Mlandizi in Tanzania’s Coast Region to Arumeru with the aim of revitalising football activities in the district.

‘We are now fully established in Arumeru to strengthen sporting activities across the district, and the league has already brought new energy to the community,’ he said.

Mosses added that the tournament extends beyond football by giving young people opportunities to interact, develop leadership skills and participate in initiatives that promote environmental conservation.

For Lesser Flamingos FC captain Peter Lucas, the team’s identity reflects its commitment to protecting wildlife and biodiversity.

‘We chose the Pink Flamingo identity to highlight the importance of environmental conservation and wildlife protection, particularly birds,’ Lucas said.

He added that the club is using football as a platform to create awareness among young people and communities on the need to protect nature.

Lesser Flamingos FC is supported by Nature Tanzania, a conservation organisation involved in bird protection efforts, as part of broader initiatives to safeguard bird species across East Africa.