Category: The Citizen

Arusha. The Arusha Region has affirmed its preparedness to host matches and receive thousands of visitors during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), underscoring Tanzania’s growing momentum as East Africa prepares for one of football’s most prestigious tournaments.

Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla made the announcement on February 4, 2026, while addressing district commissioners, council directors and senior government officials, noting that Arusha — selected among Tanzania’s host cities — has entered a decisive phase of readiness driven by infrastructure progress and strengthened institutional planning. Central to the preparations is the Samia Stadium, where construction has surpassed 74 per cent.

The facility is scheduled for completion and commissioning in July, placing the region comfortably ahead of the continental showpiece. Makalla revealed plans to establish seven specialised committees tasked with overseeing key operational areas to ensure a well-coordinated tournament experience for players, officials and supporters alike.

The committees will supervise security, protocol and reception, media and communications, health and sanitation, entertainment and accommodation, infrastructure and transport, as well as tourism and hospitality. He instructed the Regional Administrative Secretary to expedite the formation of the teams with suitably qualified members, adding that each committee will report directly to his office to reinforce alignment with the National Afcon Organising Committee.

Describing Afcon as more than a sporting spectacle, Makalla framed the tournament as a strategic platform to elevate Arusha’s international standing, draw investment, stimulate tourism and increase foreign exchange inflows. He urged local leaders and technical experts to work collaboratively, emphasising that effective execution would leave Tanzania with a lasting and favourable global reputation, particularly across tourism, services and investment.

Longido District Commissioner Salum Kali echoed the call for early and coordinated planning, observing that meticulous preparation is essential for unlocking the full economic and social benefits associated with mega sporting events. Afcon 2027 will be jointly staged by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda — a landmark partnership expected to deepen regional cooperation while accelerating economic activity across East Africa.

However, sports analyst John Kiaze cautioned that the host nations must rise to demanding international standards. Drawing lessons from Morocco’s recent tournaments, he advised the countries to organise test competitions to expose potential gaps and allow time for refinement before formal inspections commence.

Construction of the Arusha International Football Stadium in Olmot Ward is advancing steadily. Designed to accommodate 32,000 spectators, the modern arena is being developed in accordance with Confederation of African Football (Caf) and Fifa requirements.

Meanwhile, Arusha Urban Member of Parliament Paul Makonda described the government-funded project — valued at over Sh300 billion — as a transformative investment poised to generate employment, invigorate service sectors, expand tourism and attract sustained long-term capital into the region. .

Dar es Salaam. Members of Parliament have urged the government to establish a strong and independent Monitoring and Evaluation (MandE) framework, warning that weak oversight could undermine implementation of Tanzania’s Vision 2050 and long-term development plans.

The lawmakers were debating the proposed government plan and budget for the Long-Term Perspective Plan 2026/272050/51, the Fourth National Five-Year Development Plan 2026/272030/31 and the proposed National Development Plan for 2026/27, presented by the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo. Contributing to the debate, Makete MP Mr Festo Sanga said the absence of a dedicated MandE unit had allowed stalled projects to persist while new ones continued to be launched, diluting development impact.

He called for a comprehensive assessment of both ongoing and completed projects, particularly in strategic sectors such as water and roads, many of which remain unfinished and offer limited benefits to citizens. “The government should prioritise clearing stalled projects before committing resources to new ones,” Mr Sanga said, adding that an independent MandE body should be anchored in law to ensure accountability and effective use of public funds.

He stressed that the private sector would play a central role in implementing development projects, making it imperative for the government to strengthen revenue mobilisation. He called for greater reliance on the digital economy, robust and interoperable financial systems, and a shift away from cash-based revenue collection to enhance transparency and efficiency.

Ludewa MP Mr Joseph Kamonga echoed the call for independent oversight, proposing the establishment of a body to scrutinise self-financing projects, similar to the role played by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG). He noted that while large sums of public money are invested in development projects, the absence of a clear MandE policy supported by legislation has weakened oversight and limited corrective action.

MPs also criticised the practice of government institutions largely evaluating their own performance, arguing that this undermines objectivity. In developed economies, they said, oversight is often handled by independent institutions or even dedicated ministries to avoid conflicts of interest.

“To obtain truly independent views, we must establish a body that will help assess government performance,” Mr Kamonga said. “This will help change mindsets and strengthen implementation of Vision 2050.” Meanwhile, Geita MP Mr Joseph Msukuma underscored the need to align implementation with national priorities, particularly in empowering local contractors.

He observed that despite repeated commitments to support domestic firms, major tenders continue to be awarded to foreign companies. Mr Msukuma said delays in paying international contractors often attract interest penalties, while local firms struggle to recover outstanding dues.

“If we want to achieve the 2050 vision, we must allocate dedicated funds to support Tanzanian contractors, retain capital within the country and strengthen the local economy,” he said. He also raised concerns about leadership in public institutions, calling for competitive recruitment of board chairpersons to inject fresh ideas into governance structures.

He proposed clear age criteria to promote fairness and encourage participation by energetic professionals with modern expertise. Other MPs weighed in on a range of issues, including agriculture and the role of local government authorities in driving development without undue interference.

On agriculture, Buhigwe MP Prof Pius Yanda called for greater involvement of young people in the sector as a strategy to curb rural-to-urban migration. He urged the government to set aside land banks specifically for youth, similar to arrangements currently offered to foreign investors.

Prof Yanda said such an initiative could be implemented at regional or district level to absorb the growing number of graduates entering the labour market each year, noting that agriculture remains a viable source of employment and economic growth if young people are given access to land and opportunities. .

Dar es Salaam. The government has ordered transport regulators and police to strengthen enforcement against public transport operators accused of denying students access to commuter buses, following a viral appeal by a Form One student highlighting widespread mistreatment.

The Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, said the authorities had taken seriously a video circulating on social media in which a student, identified as Mariana Eric Mirindima of Jangwani Secondary School, described the challenges faced by students who rely on daladala buses to get to school. In her letter, the student said conductors often refuse to carry students because they pay a subsidised fare, forcing many to wait for long hours, arrive late at school or miss classes altogether.

She warned that the situation exposes students to safety risks and undermines their right to access education. Addressing journalists in Dodoma on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Prof Mbarawa commended the student and her parent for speaking out, saying the government had listened and would act.

“The voice of students has been heard and will be acted upon,” said the minister, adding that the incident reflects a broader problem that requires firm enforcement of existing transport laws and regulations. Prof Mbarawa said the government, through the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra), would take action against bus owners, drivers, and conductors found violating rules governing student transport, regardless of their status.

He reiterated that while the private sector provides public transport services, the government retains oversight to ensure services are delivered in a safe, fair, and dignified manner. As part of efforts to improve student transport in urban areas, the minister outlined several measures already in place, including the introduction of special rapid buses for students during morning and evening peak hours, as well as the allocation of dedicated carriages for students on Dar es Salaam’s commuter trains.

He also reaffirmed that the official student fare of Sh200 applies to both rapid buses and daladala services, warning operators against charging more or refusing service. In addition, the government is enforcing laws requiring the certification of drivers and the registration of conductors, a move aimed at improving professionalism and accountability in the public transport sector.

To strengthen implementation, Prof Mbarawa directed Latra to fast-track the verification of drivers and registration of conductors in all towns and cities, and to impose strict penalties on those found harassing or discriminating against students. Latra has also been instructed to enhance monitoring of student fares, service standards, and safety, while stepping up public education campaigns so both operators and passengers understand their rights and obligations.

The minister said all daladala, commuter trains, and upcountry buses must display toll-free numbers to allow passengers to report abuse. Students and members of the public can report incidents through Latra’s toll-free lines or via WhatsApp by submitting photo or audio evidence.

He added that Latra will work closely with the police to conduct regular and surprise inspections at bus stops, particularly during morning and evening hours, to ensure students are transported safely. Prof Mbarawa called on the public to play an active role in protecting students from mistreatment, stressing that safeguarding children in public transport is a shared responsibility.

He also urged daladala owners to remind their employees to comply with the law, warning that violations would attract punitive action. “The government remains committed to building a public transport system that protects the rights, safety, and welfare of students and all citizens,” the minister said.

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Arusha. The High Court of Tanzania, Musoma Sub-Registry, has sentenced Saguda Sanga to 14 months in prison after finding him guilty of the involuntary manslaughter of his nine-month-old son, Baraka Saguda.

The offence was said to have occurred on November 23, 2024, in Mwibagi Village, Butiama District, Mara Region, when the accused kicked the child in the head during a domestic dispute with his wife over claims that she had lied about being sick. It was alleged that while assaulting his wife with a stick, he kicked her, causing the baby she was carrying to fall onto a soda crate stored in the room.

It was further stated that when his wife attempted to assist their child, the accused pushed her away. Saguda admitted to causing his son’s death without intent, and following his guilty plea, the court convicted him of involuntary manslaughter under Sections 195 and 198 of the Penal Code.

The sentence was delivered on Monday, February 2, 2026, by Justice Kamazima Kafanabo, who said that although the accused did not intend to kill his son, the circumstances of the case revealed unacceptable acts of domestic violence. The court heard that after the incident, the accused left home between 1:00 p.

m. and 5:00 p.

m. without assisting the child or reporting the matter to authorities, and upon his return, he found the child dead.

It was alleged that after discovering his son’s death, Saguda asked his relatives to conceal the truth and claim that the child died from convulsions, a move the court said demonstrated a lack of remorse. The prosecution urged the court to impose a harsh sentence as a deterrent to society against taking the law into one’s own hands and perpetuating domestic violence, arguing that the accused’s actions amounted to gross negligence and family abuse, resulting in the death of an innocent infant.

On the defence side, lawyers requested a lenient sentence or release, arguing that Saguda was a first-time offender who pleaded guilty at an early stage, thereby saving the court time and resources. They told the court that he has two wives and nine children who depend on him, that he had already suffered the pain of losing his child, and that he had been in custody for more than 14 months since November 2024, which should be taken into account as part of his punishment.

Court’s decision In its ruling, the court noted that the penalty for involuntary manslaughter can extend to life imprisonment but is not mandatory. That sentencing depends on the circumstances of each case.

Justice Kafanabo said court records showed that the accused assaulted the deceased’s mother twice that day, and when the child fell onto the soda crates, he showed no remorse, making no effort to help either the baby or his wife. He said that based on the facts, it was clear that the accused assaulted the child by kicking him, and that his intention was not to kill his son but to beat his wife.

Nevertheless, the entire incident demonstrated unacceptable cruelty toward close family members. “This court, after considering the aggravating and mitigating factors outlined above, places this case in the category of mid-level involuntary manslaughter, and under the circumstances, a custodial sentence of five years would have been appropriate.

“However, the court notes that the accused pleaded guilty on the first day he was arraigned. This admission saved significant time for both sides and the court; therefore, the sentence is reduced, and Saguda is sentenced to 14 months in prison,” Justice Kafanabo concluded.

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By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. In a move aimed at expanding employment opportunities for young Tanzanians, the government has announced a major shift in public service recruitment, scrapping rigid experience requirements and placing greater emphasis on competence and merit.

The new direction was revealed in Parliament on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, by Deputy Minister in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), Ms Regina Qwaray. She was responding to a question from Special Seats MP, Ms Latifa Juwakali, who asked whether the government plans to prioritise youths who perform well while working in the field, particularly on government-funded projects.

Ms Qwaray said recruitment into the Public Service is guided by the Public Service Management and Employment Policy, 2008, and the Public Service Act, which provides that employment must be conducted competitively and transparently. She stressed that the government is increasingly focusing on applicants’ competencies rather than narrowly defined experience thresholds, as part of broader reforms to make public employment more accessible to young graduates.

“Volunteering and practical engagement within the Public Service enable young people to acquire additional skills, build competence and enhance their ability to compete when job vacancies are announced,” Ms Qwaray told Parliament. She added that the government will continue to create an enabling environment for youths to access hands-on training and practical exposure so that they can meet professional requirements when opportunities arise.

The Deputy Minister noted that young people who participate in government projects gain valuable workplace skills, discipline, and professional ethics, which place them at an advantage during competitive recruitment processes. The policy shift is expected to ease long-standing concerns among young graduates who have struggled to secure employment due to experience demands that are often difficult to meet without first being allowed to work.

Ms Qwaray reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity in public sector recruitment, while strengthening youth participation in national development. .

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. Tanzania is steadily positioning itself as a leading destination for cancer treatment in East and Southern Africa, following international endorsement of a major oncology project at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH).

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Africa Regional Office has urged BMH, a zonal referral facility in Dodoma, to prepare for patients not only from Tanzania but also from neighbouring countries, a strong signal of growing confidence in the country’s medical infrastructure. The call followed an inspection visit on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, by IAEA Africa Regional Director, Mr Gashaw Wolde, who toured the hospital’s new Sh30.2 billion state-of-the-art cancer treatment centre under construction.

Although still in its final stages, Mr Wolde said the centre’s design, infrastructure, and preparedness reflect “big plans for the future.” Once completed, the Centre of Excellence for Cancer Training and Treatment is expected to transform BMH into one of the region’s most advanced oncology facilities.

The project is about 61 percent complete and is scheduled for completion in August 2026, with cancer treatment services set to begin in September this year. “I see good ideas, good innovation, thank you very much, Tanzania,” said Mr Wolde.

“Do not prepare this facility to treat Tanzanians only. Let it be a hub to receive patients from neighbouring countries.

The key is to invest strongly in human resources,” he added. BMH acting executive director, Dr Henry Humba, said the modern complex will offer advanced radiotherapy and comprehensive cancer care.

“The facility has been designed to meet international standards and will provide state-of-the-art radiotherapy and oncology services,” said Dr Humba. “We have constructed a modern building worth Sh30.2 billion, and we expect to start treating cancer patients by September.

The IAEA Africa has supported us from the project’s inception, including training programmes for doctors and capacity-building for healthcare providers,” added Dr Humba. However, Dr Humba noted that the hospital urgently requires Sh12 billion to procure and install specialised medical equipment essential for advanced cancer care.

“With this support, we will be able to provide world-class services. Even now, we are ready to receive patients from outside Tanzania, as advised by the IAEA,” he added.

Tanzania’s ambition is already resonating beyond its borders. Two weeks ago, Malawi’s Minister of Health and Environmental Sanitation, Madalitso Baloyi, announced that Malawians can now seek specialised and super-specialised treatment in Tanzania, particularly at BMH, following assessment by Malawian experts who deemed the facility suitable.

Director General of the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC), Prof Najat Mohammed, confirmed that preparations for radiation and cancer treatment services are progressing well and that services will commence this year. “These developments will significantly reduce the burden on Tanzanians who previously had to travel long distances for cancer treatment,” Prof Mohammed said.

Currently, cancer services in Tanzania are offered at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam, Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), with additional services being prepared at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and Mbeya Referral Hospital. The BMH project is part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to enhance specialised healthcare, develop regional medical hubs, and attract patients from across East and Southern Africa.

By establishing a modern oncology centre, the country aims to not only improve outcomes for Tanzanians but also strengthen SouthSouth cooperation in healthcare, positioning itself as a regional leader in cancer treatment. Experts say the centre’s focus on advanced radiotherapy, digital health systems, and trained human resources will make it a model for regional oncology facilities.

Its completion is expected to elevate Tanzania’s healthcare profile, attract medical tourism, and support research and training initiatives for healthcare providers across the continent. Once operational, the facility will contribute to addressing the shortage of advanced cancer treatment centres in the region, reduce cross-border travel for patients, and improve accessibility to timely and high-quality oncology services.

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The internet is moonwalking again. The official trailer for Michael, the long-awaited biopic about the life and legacy of Michael Jackson, has finally dropped, and within hours it sent fans, critics and pop culture timelines into full Michaelmania mode.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Michael’s nephew Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, the trailer offers the most expansive look yet at the film, tracing Jackson’s journey from a prodigiously talented child in the Jackson 5 to a global superstar who redefined music, dance and celebrity itself. From the opening seconds, nostalgia hits hard.

Iconic performances, painstakingly recreated concert sequences and familiar choreography, including glimpses of Thriller, Billie Jean and the moonwalk, anchor the trailer in spectacle. But the tone quickly shifts.

Intercut with the showmanship are darker, more intimate moments showing backstage tension, family conflict and the pressure of fame closing in. Jaafar Jackson’s resemblance and physicality have become one of the trailer’s biggest talking points.

Fans were quick to praise his embodiment of his uncle, particularly in dance-heavy scenes. “It’s scary how much he moves like Michael,” one fan wrote on X, while another posted, “For a second I forgot this wasn’t archival footage.

” Across social media, fan response has been overwhelmingly emotional. Many long-time MJ fans described being moved to tears, calling the trailer “goosebumps from start to finish” and “a love letter to the music.

” There is also a sense of relief. After months of uncertainty, delays and debate around the film’s direction, fans seem reassured that Michael will lean heavily into the artistry that made Jackson a cultural force.

“This looks like it understands the magnitude of who Michael Jackson was,” one comment read. “Not just a star, a moment in history.

” Still, some fans remain cautious, questioning how the film will handle the more controversial chapters of Jackson’s life. “The performances look incredible,” another user noted, “but the real test will be what the film chooses to confront and what it chooses to skip.

” Few biographical films carry expectations this heavy. Michael Jackson remains one of the most influential and contested figures in modern pop culture.

The film is set for a global theatrical release on April 24, 2026, positioning it as one of the most anticipated music biopics of the year. .

Iringa. Nutrition stakeholders have proposed a range of targeted interventions to tackle persistently high levels of child stunting in Iringa, warning that existing laws and policies are failing to translate into effective action at household and community levels.

Despite being a major food-producing region, Iringa records one of the country’s highest rates of stunting among children under five. Data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey show that 56.9 percent of children under the age of five in Iringa are stunted, compared with the national average of about 30 percent.

Tanzania’s legal framework places clear obligations on the state to prevent and address child malnutrition. Local government authorities, through nutrition officers, health officers and social welfare officers, are tasked with implementing these mandates at community level under the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Act (Chapter 109) and the Law of the Child Act of 2009. Also relevant are the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Tanzania has ratified, and the Tanzania National Multisectoral Nutrition Action Plan II (NMNAP II), which outlines coordinated multisectoral actions.

The stakeholders’ call follows findings of a three-month investigation conducted by The Citizen from October to December 2025, aimed at understanding the scale of the problem and proposing interventions to address the challenge. The investigation found that raising children in workplaces and harmful practices, such as exposing children under the age of five to local brews, were among widespread behaviours in the region.

It was also found that practical barriers prevent working women from attending routine clinic-based services, despite their central role in maternal and child healthcare. Furthermore, the investigation found that nutrition sessions commonly last between two and three hours, a time commitment mothers who rely on daily income cannot afford, leading to irregular or delayed clinic attendance for many mothers.

The lack of active follow-up for children identified as malnourished was another recurring concern. The findings run contrary to laws and regulations that place responsibility on the government, through nutrition and health experts, at different levels of governance.

Carers, nutrition officers, civil society organisations, and health experts in Iringa Municipal, Kilolo District, and Iringa Rural, where the investigation was conducted, revealed a consistent pattern to The Citizen. They said children’s growth problems are often identified late, clinic advice is ambiguous, and efforts to support families outside health facilities are limited or inconsistent.

They therefore outlined a set of interventions that could significantly reduce stunting in the Iringa region if implemented consistently and in line with existing laws and policies. They urged that one of the most frequently cited gaps is the late start of nutrition education, noting that current efforts focus heavily on pregnancy and early childhood, missing opportunities to build knowledge much earlier.

“We wait until a woman is pregnant or until a child is already underweight before we start talking seriously about nutrition,” said a mother of four and ten-cell leader of Mkimbizi Neighbourhood in Iringa Municipal, Ms Ritha Paul. Ms Paul added that by that time, many habits are already formed: “Nutrition should be taught in schools, starting from the primary level, so children grow up understanding food, health, and caregiving.

” She recalled that in the past, subjects such as domestic science and home economics were part of the school syllabus from Standard Five. “We learnt in school about basic life skills such as cooking, food preparation, and how to take care of our bodies and families.

Nutrition education should begin in school, not at the clinic,” she stressed. Her views were echoed by several nutrition officers, who called for the reintroduction of life-skills education in schools, including food preparation, balanced diets, and basic childcare.

They said this would equip future parents with practical knowledge long before they assume caregiving responsibilities. At health facilities, stakeholders highlighted the need for clearer and more practical clinic guidance, saying advice such as “add nutrition” or “increase intake” is often too vague to apply at home.

“A mother needs to know exactly what foods to prepare, how often to feed the child, and how to do it with the money she has,” said a former nutrition officer in Tumaini Neighbourhood, Kihesa Ward, Iringa Municipality, Mr Samwel Paul, adding that if guidance is not practical, it will not be followed. Mr Paul previously worked as a community nutrition officer for people living with HIV/AIDS through the non-governmental organisation CARE International.

Echoing these concerns, Call Africa managing director, Mr Paulo Brasili, said poor follow-up and discouraging clinic experiences often have long-term consequences. “Many parents of malnourished children here in Iringa lose hope early and stop attending clinics, sometimes even missing routine vaccinations,” said Mr Brasili.

“By the time the situation becomes severe, it is often too late to reverse the damage,” he added. Call Africa, an Iringa-based organisation working to combat poverty and social injustice, currently runs three core programmes in the region.

These include the Sambamba Day Care Centre for children with disabilities, the Kipepeo Nutrition Centre for malnourished children, and a school feeding programme supporting seven public primary schools. Mr Brasili said sustained education and follow-up are critical, “Nutrition education must reach families in their homes through local government leaders and healthcare providers.

” “Mothers need to understand the importance of returning to clinics and completing nutrition treatment for their children. At the same time, service providers must actively follow up on malnourished children and carers who stop attending clinics,” he added.

“When a child is enrolled in a nutrition programme, there should be follow-up, even if the family moves. Right now, once they disappear from the clinic, the system often loses them,” said Mr Paul.

Stakeholders also proposed flexible clinic and nutrition session schedules to accommodate working mothers and suggested varying session times or offering shorter, repeated sessions instead of long lectures. “We realised we were mostly talking to ourselves,” said a nutrition officer for Ilala and Mkwawa wards in Iringa Municipal, Ms Sizo Nzogere.

She explained that initial efforts to hold nutrition seminars at ward offices yielded limited results. “When we changed our approach and shifted from fixed meetings to community outreach, we were able to reach far more people,” she said, noting that she adjusted service delivery to reflect the realities of Mkwawa and Ilala wards in Iringa town.

Ms Paul confirmed this pattern, explaining that some women deliberately arrive late to reduce the time spent at health facilities. “Some mothers come at 9:30, 10:00, or even 11:00 a.

m., simply to avoid spending the whole day at the clinic,” she said.

Beyond health facilities, stakeholders stressed the importance of mass and community platforms as effective channels for nutrition education. Radio programmes, religious institutions, sports events, and village gatherings were repeatedly cited as trusted spaces where messages can be reinforced consistently and reach entire households.

“We are now working with religious leaders because they reach people every week. We realised it helps keep nutrition messages alive beyond the clinic,” said Ms Nzogere.

Stakeholders also highlighted the urgent need for community-based childcare options, particularly for mothers working long hours in markets, farms, or informal businesses. They warned that without safe and reliable caregiving alternatives, young children face a high risk of missed or delayed meals.

This gap, according to officials, is beginning to receive attention, with an Iringa Municipal social welfare officer, Ms Tiniel Mbaga, saying the municipality, in partnership with BRAC, is now identifying buildings suitable to serve as low-cost community childcare centres. However, she acknowledged that implementation remains limited and far from complete, currently leaving many working mothers without adequate support.

This newspaper observed that wards such as Kihesa, Mkwawa and Ruaha in Iringa Municipality have limited access to low-cost early childhood services. Kihesa, in particular, is a ward with streets densely populated with traditional local bars, raising concerns about the safety and supervision of children, especially those under the age of five.

During the investigation, daycare centres emerged as the top recommendation from working mothers and other stakeholders. They also warned against one-size-fits-all interventions, arguing that Iringa’s social and economic context requires tailored solutions.

“Iringa produces food, but access and consumption are the real problems. Solutions must reflect how families earn income, what they eat daily, and who cares for children,” said a former nutrition officer who has worked in several regions but requested anonymity.

Taken together, stakeholders agree that reducing stunting in Iringa does not require new laws but a shift in approach, one that begins earlier, reaches households more effectively, and aligns with how families live and work. “Prevention, clarity, and follow-up are critical.

If we take nutrition education closer to families and support mothers instead of blaming them, we can break the cycle of undernutrition and stunting in Iringa,” said Mr Brasili. .

Dar es Salaam. When Ayeta Anne Wangusa, co-founder and Executive Director of Culture and Development East Africa (CDEA), released her novel Memoirs of a Mother in 1998, she did not imagine it would mark the beginning of a lifelong journey in women’s rights advocacy and youth empowerment.

The novel became an entry point into work that would later focus on strengthening project management and leadership skills among young women, while placing culture at the centre of development discourse in East Africa. CDEA operates as a creative think tank where science intersects with art, and where art engages other disciplines to drive innovation.

The organisation provides cultural and Pan-African thought leadership for sustainable development. It places youth and women at the heart of sustainability conversations and livelihood creation, recognising their role in shaping inclusive and resilient futures.

Its work is anchored in three pillars: the creative economy, social justice and climate action. Her leadership journey gained momentum soon after the novel’s release.

In the same year, the American Centre in Uganda selected her to participate in the prestigious International Writers Programme at the University of Iowa. Five years later, she served as a judge for the Commonwealth Writers Prize for the African Region.

She worked alongside Prof Mary Kolawole of Nigeria and Prof Andries Oliphant of South Africa. “I believe my involvement with the Commonwealth Writers Prize played a significant role in my appointment as East Africa’s representative on the Commonwealth Civil Society Advisory Committee,” she said.

She was also selected to join the high-level Commonwealth Group of Culture and Development. The group advocated for governments to recognise culture as an essential dimension of development, grounded in social context rather than treated merely as a development tool.

According to Ayeta, the group recommended that Commonwealth countries integrate cultural considerations into policy areas such as social welfare, trade, health and education. It also encouraged greater investment in creative industries.

“It was during this period that the idea of establishing Culture and Development East Africa emerged,” she said. “The organisation was incorporated in 2011, and since then I have served as its Executive Director.

” Reflecting on the moment that first solidified her belief that culture and creativity could drive Africa’s development, she cited her selection in 2018 as one of the experts to review the African Union Plan of Action for the Culture and Creative Industries. Through that process, she learned key principles for strengthening Africa’s cultural and creative industries to deliver broader social and economic impact.

These principles include stimulating economic growth, promoting social inclusion and cohesion, advancing peace building and African integration, and respecting the diversity of cultural expressions and African identities. Other guiding principles focus on safeguarding cultural heritage, including the repatriation and restitution of cultural property of African origin.

They also include protecting intellectual property rights, promoting compliance with standard-setting instruments, enhancing international cooperation, and protecting cultural rights and freedom of expression. Asked what problem she set out to address when co-founding CDEA, Ayeta traced it back to her participation in drafting the Commonwealth Statement on Culture and Development in 2009. She said she realised there was a gap in civil society oversight.

East African partner states were making commitments on culture and development at international platforms, but few organisations were holding them accountable. “The statement urged heads of government to recognise the connections between culture and development and to implement its recommendations through stronger partnerships,” she said.

“I noticed the statement was being presented to foreign ministers, yet culture is not their primary focus. It dawned on me that since I was seeing this anomaly, action was required.

” The first programme established under CDEA was the culture and governance programme. It created a platform to translate global recommendations into practical projects at national level.

As CDEA places women and young people at the centre of its work, Ayeta said working closely with young women reshaped her leadership approach. She learned that young women value mentorship and prefer leaders who remain accessible.

They do not respond well to hierarchy or distance. She also began to describe herself as young at heart.

She observed that when young women are entrusted with leadership roles and supported through coaching rather than control, they perform exceptionally well. Delegation, she said, has become one of her most valued leadership tools.

Commenting on initiatives such as Structured Workplace Learning and the Creative Economy Incubator, Ayeta said she takes pride in the fact that university interns come to CDEA not only to learn but also to contribute to the organisation’s growth. CDEA has benefited by transitioning some interns into full-time employment.

On the Binti Longa Forum, she said she is proud that the programme is designed and implemented entirely by female staff, while she plays only an advisory role. Watching the leadership growth of young women at CDEA gives her immense satisfaction.

As a woman operating at the intersection of policy, research and the creative economy, Ayeta acknowledged that building partnerships with African research institutions was one of her early challenges. She said her proposals often met silence, even when she believed her concept notes were strong.

The waiting was long. The breakthrough came when she was recognised as a member of the UNESCO Expert Facility.

Through engagements with global institutions such as UNESCO, the African Union Commission and the International Labour Organization, her role has involved translating conventions, resolutions and declarations into programmes that strengthen the creative economy in East Africa. “One key flagship is the Mashariki Creative Expo, scheduled for August 18 to 21, 2026,” she said.

“At the Expo, we aim to launch East Africa’s Creative Intellectual Property Marketplace. It will connect creators, buyers, investors and institutions, turning creativity into tradable and investable intellectual property.

“Balancing activism, policy influence and academic research has been demanding. Her PhD journey has focused on the relationship between practice and theory.

She said she embarked on the academic path out of concern that one day she might look back on her civil society career and find only donor reports as evidence of her work. As a researcher, she views herself as an activist participant within the ecosystem of East African creative hubs.

Her activism, policy engagement, creative entrepreneurship and academic research, she said, are deeply interconnected. Looking ahead, Ayeta hopes her work leaves a legacy in which African women in creative and cultural industries are recognised as leaders, policy shapers and owners of creative value, not merely contributors.

Drawing on her journey across writing, policy advocacy, research and institution building, she seeks to demonstrate that women can successfully bridge practice, policy and scholarship. Her goal is to translate global cultural frameworks into locally grounded and sustainable opportunities.

“Through CDEA and its women- and youth-led initiatives, I hope to have created clear pathways for young women to lead, own intellectual property and build viable careers,” she said. “At the same time, I want to reinforce the idea that culture is central to development.

Ultimately, my legacy is about leaving behind resilient systems and institutions that enable African women creatives to thrive on their own terms.” .

Dar es Salaam. When Tanzania’s embassy in the US confirmed in February 2025 that 24 Tanzanians were being held in immigration detention facilities, the cases were seen by many as isolated incidents.

One year later, those hopes have faded, as immigration enforcement across the US has intensified, reshaping daily life for immigrant communities. Across several states, immigration officers have stepped up visible, daytime operations, detaining people suspected of living in the country illegally.

What were once sporadic raids have become routine, with arrests reported in streets, workplaces and transport hubs. For many Tanzanians, the heightened enforcement has translated into a constant state of caution.

Some Tanzanians living there have stopped posting pictures online, their social media pages have gone silent. “I just feel like they could track me online.

I live in New York and we have seen our share of raids,” said a Tanzanian who has lived in New York for more than a decade. The big Apple’s famed canal street has been a showdown between protestors and Immigration and Customs agents.

The chaos has been prevalent in many states across the country. As mid-term elections are around the corner, immigration crackdown could determine what Americans currently feel about the raids in the ballot box.

Of all states, none has been making headlines like Minnesota. In 2026, two individuals who identified themselves as Tanzanians were detained in the state of Minnesota and transferred to a large undocumented immigrants’ detention camp in Texas.

A final stop before detainees are deported from the US. A Tanzanian living in Minnesota, Mr Ndaga Mwakabuta, paints a pragmatic picture.

Though the State doesn’t have a huge Tanzanian community, it has been the ground of some of the most brutal ICE crackdowns on illegal immigrants in all of the country. The killing of Renee Good during the confrontation with ICE agents a week after the New Year’s celebration highlighted the severity of ICE operations.

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit (ICU) nurse, was similarly gunned down by federal agents as he was protesting the immigration enforcement. Minnesota is a state in the North Central region bordering Canada.

This is where Mr Mwakabuta has resided for decades, part of the Tanzanian immigrants who moved to the US legally, raising a family. He is not immune to an ICE crackdown; at least he has been stopped a few times and asked to show his documentation.

“I have no problem with the immigration guys; they stop me, I show my paperwork, they verify, and they leave me alone,” he said. Mr Mwakabuta touched on the state law and its jurisdiction, saying that local police have the power to ask for a resident’s identification.

Federal immigration officials, like ICE, can approach you in public and request your ID, but it is within your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. ICE is also restricted from entering private homes without a judicial warrant.

In Atlanta, a Tanzanian lady married to an American has for a long time chosen to keep her identity hidden. She had two American-born children and has chosen seclusion from all Tanzania-related gatherings, events, even whatsapp groups.

She is one of many, who have chosen to let go of their past identities and fully embrace their American one. This is a survival instinct that cushions one from the impact of raids that have targeted immigrant markets, vendors and events.

Some immigrants now walk around with their American passports for fear of being wrongfully arrested. This comes after some legal immigrants including Africans were mistaken for illegal aliens.

California, Minnesota, and Chicago Illinois have seen the worst of ICE raids and protests that have followed. Some detainees have come publicly to the press, accusing federal agents of using racially derogatory terms when arresting them.

It is now chaotic with no ease in sight. The public has turned to social media for help and tips.

One Tanzanian living in Washington State, said he watches ICE agent sightings on social media, mostly reddit. They posted the streets where agents have been seen roaming, their vans’ plate numbers and any details that might help evade them.

“This is the year I was planning to bring my daughter from Dar es Salaam to the US, but all that is not possible now” He said. The scrutiny on immigrants’ status in the country has evidently affected immigrant communities around United States.

“Some Tanzanians without proper documentation have had to move from one state to another, some Tanzanians I know have left Minnesota for fear of detainment,” said Mr Mwakabuta. The Immigration enforcement has been knocking on doors, he said.

Because they have all the information, including the addresses of those they allege to be in the country illegally. They have now intensified from street arrests to focusing on known addresses.

Several Tanzanians on student visas have been paid a visit by ICE agents to confirm their status, and even check on the universities they have enrolled in, just to verify that they are still attending lectures. “One of our fellow Tanzanians who was working on his green card was also approached by immigration agents.

They went to his office and cross-checked on the information they had to see if all was in order,” he mentioned. “It seems like these ICE agents were given a target to reach, the number of arrests they have to make, so to do that, they tend to arrest anyone without proper verification just to hit the target,” he added.

Some of those arrested have since been released. The majority of Tanzanians living in the US have their legal documents, and they have been living there for a long time.

Even those without green cards or citizenship have largely been able to live without any problem, especially those who were able to find employment before the Sept 11th attacks. Mr Mwakabuta said that the terrorist attack changed America and how it verifies information or lets immigrants work.

The scrutiny became more intense, the road to citizenship became longer. Before the current administration, among all states in the US, Minnesota had eased regulations for immigrants.

Regardless of their legal status, they could easily be issued a driving license and open a bank account; the situation has now changed. In the past, staying out of trouble and having no criminal record ensured one’s safety from being questioned about immigration status, but now people are facing uncertainty.

Some Tanzanians have chosen to quit jobs that require office presence, find jobs that allow them to work from home, or stay home, lock doors, and hope that all chaos will die down soon, but with Trump’s administration poised to end on January 20th, 2029. The end of the crackdown is not in sight. Mr Mwakabuta reiterated that if one is legally in the US as an immigrant, one has nothing to fear.

Despite his sentiment, the news coming from ICE raids across the country paints a different picture: Americans from minority communities are being profiled and arrested, creating a violent scene. He said that most of the chaos is a result of pushback from members of communities being targeted.

Houston Texas, one of the cities with the highest Tanzanian diaspora population has witnessed widespread immigration crackdown since 2024. In late 2025 more than 1,500 were arrested, communities response were similar to other states, but in Houston an ICE map was created by RICE university students to track the enforcement actives. A sheer demonstration of how communities are fighting back.

The Tanzanian Community in Georgia, has urged Tanzanians who are at risk to make sure they have constant communication and have had their financial affairs in order in case of abrupt arrest. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Swahili Christian Congregation (Swahili Lutheran) has organized help for its members in need, who are largely East Africans.

The church, which has been instrumental in times of bereavement, has stepped in during this immigration crisis, offering counseling sessions and providing a phone number for anyone wishing to call. A hotline that has been vital to communities in times of panic, uncertainty, and fear.

“People have been advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary movement to avoid interacting with ICE,” he said. Immigrants have been advised to avoid Portland Avenue at East 34th Street in south Minneapolis, where Renee Good was murdered.

Not far from where George Floyd was killed, and Downtown Minneapolis, where they have seen increased ICE activities. For Tanzanians who had dreams to immigrate, study, or reunite with family members in the US, that possibility seems bleak at the moment.

“That dream is non-existent at the moment,” he said. Mr Mwakabuta, advises Tanzanians to look for other alternatives like Canada, which still has its doors open for immigrants.

The number of Tanzanians who have been deported back to the country is not known. It is more difficult for Tanzanian embassy officials to present accurate figures because some Tanzanians who decided to overstay their visas chose to take up another nationality to stay in the country.

“Some chose nationalities of countries that have political instabilities so that they can seek asylum,” he said. This makes it hard to verify the number of Tanzanian deportees.

For now, Tanzanian communities around the United States have urged their members to remain vigilant and keep in constant communication so that they can know their whereabouts and inform families in case they fall victim to detention or deportation. .