Category: The Citizen

Dar/Arusha. Sports stakeholders have blamed historical construction practices, weak management systems and poor law enforcement for the failure of many major sports grounds in Tanzania to provide infrastructure that meets the needs of people with disabilities.

The views are based on a three-month (October to December 2025) investigation by The Citizen in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. The investigation found that many grounds, particularly those hosting football matches, lack environments capable of accommodating people with physical, visual, or hearing impairments.

Instead, the grounds effectively exclude them from social activities despite laws promoting inclusion and equality. Stakeholders say the problem stems from poor enforcement of laws, non-inclusive planning approaches and the attitudes of some officials.

Basic services They recommend involving people with disabilities from the initial planning and design stages of grounds, alongside establishing a national government programme to renovate old facilities, starting with basic services such as access paths, accessible toilets, directional signage and sound systems for people with visual impairments. What is the cause? Speaking to this newspaper, Zanzibar Commissioner for Sports Ameir Mohammed Makame said many older grounds lack facilities for people with disabilities because those responsible at the time of construction did not consider the needs of special groups.

However, he noted that with growing legal awareness, gradual changes have begun, including consideration of some services such as access paths. The 2010 Persons with Disabilities Act clearly outlines the responsibility of government, public and private institutions to ensure public building infrastructure, including sports grounds, is accessible and usable by all without discrimination.

The law underscores equal access to social, recreational and sports services, as well as the obligation to make reasonable modifications where required. Tanzania is also a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which obliges member states to ensure the full participation of people with disabilities in social life, including sports and recreation.

The convention was adopted in 2006, with Tanzania signing it in March 2007 and ratifying it in November 2009. The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania further guarantees the right to equality and non-discrimination, meaning all citizens should have equal opportunities to participate in social activities, including sports and recreation. Legally, therefore, people with disabilities have the right to access sports grounds, sit safely and participate as fans or athletes without environmental barriers.

“The challenge lies with many grounds built many years ago. Legally, there should be user-friendly infrastructure such as designated seating for people with disabilities, entry and exit routes, accessible social services including toilets, parking, signage and communication systems,” said Mr Makame.

“In many grounds these are missing, while some have provided them in limited ways,” he added. He said the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) and the Confederation of African Football (Caf) require grounds to meet the needs of people with disabilities, explaining why many older facilities fail to secure certification for competitions organised by those bodies.

“Construction at the time focused on stands, seats, toilets and other services, but people with disabilities were not considered. Given the layouts, it is now difficult to make changes and add the required facilities,” he said.

Mr Makame added that increased legal oversight has prompted gradual change, including the involvement of people with disabilities. Referring to Zanzibar, he said legal supervision led to upgrades at the Amaan Complex Stadium that considered the needs of people with disabilities.

“During meetings to improve the stadium, leaders of organisations representing people with disabilities were involved, which is why access paths and special toilets were installed,” he said. However, he noted that allocating special seating areas for people with disabilities was not possible due to the stadium’s structural layout.

A former acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Works, who requested anonymity, said many grounds lack such facilities because some public servants ignored the needs of people with disabilities during construction and overlooked expert advice. “There are grounds built recently that still do not comply with the law; when I asked, I was told the issue would be addressed later,” he said.

The official also cited limited budgets as a constraint, arguing that allocated funds are often insufficient to cover full construction requirements. Mr Emmanuel Loi, manager of Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha, one of Tanzania’s oldest sports venues, said management recognised the need to create access routes for people with disabilities who previously sat in front of the stands.

“We added routes to allow them to move up, but the original layout left little room to add more facilities. We are trying to ensure that upcoming renovations incorporate their remaining needs,” he said.

What should be done? A visually impaired resident of Dar es Salaam, Mr Ally Amri, said many people with disabilities struggle to attend grounds due to conditions that prevent them from enjoying sports like others. “This issue needs serious examination by the government and institutions responsible for building grounds,” he said.

Tanzania Association of the Disabled (Chawata) chairman Hamadi Komboza said challenges facing people with disabilities at sports grounds remain significant. Despite continued advocacy, he said authorities responsible for overseeing construction have shown limited responsiveness in addressing the needs of special groups, including people with disabilities.

As a result, infrastructure at many sports grounds continues to overlook their requirements. “The lack of disability-friendly grounds is a cross-cutting issue.

We keep raising our concerns, but the pace of change remains slow,” he said. “Many grounds have serious challenges.

You find toilets designed only for able-bodied people and wonder how we are expected to access services. Since taking this role, I have seen grounds built without compliance with existing laws,” added Mr Komboza.

Dar es Salaam-based lawyer Aloyce Komba said the government has already put in place policies, laws and regulations governing the construction of public buildings. What is now required, he said, is stronger supervision to compel those responsible to provide infrastructure that accommodates people with disabilities during construction.

Limited inclusion Mr Komba said inclusion by authorities remains limited and stressed the need for strict enforcement. “The problem is not limited to sports grounds but affects other public buildings as well.

You can find multi-storey buildings with only staircases and no alternatives. This happens despite clear laws that engineers and architects are aware of,” he said.

“There is a need to legally hold accountable all those who fail to comply with the law when building grounds and public spaces and to involve people with disabilities from the earliest stages of building designs and construction,” added Mr Komba. .

Italian fashion designer Founder Valentino Garavani has died at the age of 93, his foundation confirmed on Monday, January 19, 2026 marking the end of an era that shaped modern haute couture. In a statement shared on Instagram, the foundation said Founder Valentino Garavani passed away at his residence in Rome, surrounded by his family and close companions.

He had retired from active fashion design in 2008 after a career that spanned more than five decades. Known globally by his first name, Valentino built one of the most influential fashion houses in history.

He transformed couture craftsmanship into a global luxury brand while maintaining strict creative control, setting standards that defined elegance, precision and exclusivity. His legacy includes the introduction of the iconic Valentino Red, a colour that became synonymous with glamour and timeless style.

The fashion house he founded grew into a major international enterprise, dressing royalty, heads of state and leading cultural figures, while preserving the traditions of Italian craftsmanship at the highest level. The foundation said the lying in state will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, with the funeral scheduled for Friday at 11:00 am in Rome.

Founder Valentino Garavani was widely regarded as one of the last great designers of a pre-commercial fashion era, often mentioned alongside peers such as Designer Giorgio Armani and Designer Karl Lagerfeld, whose work defined couture before the industry’s shift towards mass global branding. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania will no longer treat investors as mere stakeholders, Minister of State for Planning and Investment Prof Kitila Mkumbo announced to strategic investors as government takes steps to position the private sector as a partner in achieving its development vision, Vision 2050 (Dira 2050).

During a breakfast meeting on January 16, 2026, hosted by the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), which also marked the launch of the National Domestic Investment Promotion Campaign 2026, Prof. Mkumbo highlighted a shift that could redefine Tanzania’s approach to realizing its ambitious goals.

At the core of this vision is an ambitious target: to transform Tanzania into a Sh1 trillion economy by 2050, with economic growth accelerating to 10.5 percent by 2031. “We are changing our approach,” Prof Mkumbo stated to investors. “It is not enough to engage you merely as stakeholders; we want to involve you as partners.

Instead of just listening to your complaints, we aim to sit down with you and work together on problem-solving.” Traditionally, governmentprivate sector engagement in Tanzania, as in many developing economies, has been regulation-led.

Investors complied, government supervised. Under Dira 2050, that relationship is being recast as a shared mission.

According to Prof Mkumbo, Tanzania’s economy, currently estimated at about $85 billion, is expected to grow to around $118 billion by 2030. Achieving that jump, and sustaining double-digit growth thereafter, he noted, cannot be driven by public spending alone. “To be able to do that, it is not going to come from politicians or government officials who are wearing nice suits,” Prof Mkumbo said pointedly.

“It is going to come from businesses investing and doing their businesses.” Data supports this thinking.

In 2021, the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) registered just 256 projects worth less than $3 billion. By 2025, annual registrations had risen to about 915 projects valued at roughly $11 billion.

Over the same period, Tanzania climbed into the top 10 African investment destinations, ranking ninth according to assessments cited by Business Insider Africa. “These are not small changes,” noted an independent economist based in Dar es Salaam, Dr Godwin Mjema, in a separate interview.

“They show policy consistency and growing confidence. But to reach 10.5 percent growth, reforms must move from paper to practice, especially in how government agencies respond to investors’ real problems.

” Dira 2050 and the private sector’s place Dira 2050 explicitly recognises the private sector as the engine of growth. The vision’s first operational phase, aligned with the current Five-Year Development Plan, places emphasis on industrialisation, export diversification and value addition.

Prof Mkumbo acknowledged that while exports have grown in recent years, Tanzania’s basket remains dominated by low-value products. The goal now is to attract strategic investors who produce for export and process resources locally, including minerals.

“This is where partnership becomes practical,” agreed Dr Mjema. “Value addition requires long-term capital, technology and markets.

Government alone cannot provide these, but it can de-risk investment through predictable policies and infrastructure.” From the private sector, the tone has been cautiously optimistic.

Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) chief executive officer Deogratious Massawe said the vision “clearly recognises the role of the private sector as the key driver of national development”. “We are ready to ensure that the government attains its Vision 2050,” he said.

“What we require is a clear, predictable and transparent path so that our investments are secure.” At the company level, the message resonates.

Victor Byemelwa of Kilombero Sugar Company welcomed the new framing. “When the government looks at us as partners, our challenges become shared challenges, and our opportunities become shared opportunities,” he said.

Similarly, Azania Group’s director for business and corporate affairs, Joel Laizer, said the improving investment climate has opened space for expansion. “There are still some minor challenges, but overall the direction is positive,” he noted.

Prof Mkumbo hinted that further reforms are coming, including the rollout of a comprehensive tax reform review and a new national strategy for improving the business environment. Good governance, he stressed, will be central to sustaining investor trust.

The move from treating investors as stakeholders to partners marks a .

Dar/Arusha. Persons with disabilities in Tanzania continue to face significant barriers in accessing and using sports stadiums due to infrastructure that fails to accommodate their needs, effectively excluding them from social life despite laws that promote inclusion and equality.

A three-month (October to December 2025) investigation by The Citizen, conducted in Dar es Salaam and Arusha regions, has found that many sports stadiums, particularly those hosting football matches, are not designed to serve people with physical, visual or hearing impairments. Long staircases without alternative access routes, a lack of ramps, unfriendly toilets and seating areas with no space for wheelchairs are among the obstacles that force some fans among people with disabilities to remain outside stadiums or abandon sporting events altogether.

Some persons with disabilities say the situation denies them their right to enjoy sports like other Tanzanians, especially football, the country’s most popular sport that draws thousands of supporters. What the law says Tanzania has legal frameworks intended to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities, including the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2010, which clearly outlines the responsibility of the government and both public and private institutions to ensure that public infrastructure, including sports stadiums, is accessible and usable by all without discrimination.

The law underscores equal access to social services, recreation and sports, as well as the duty to make reasonable adjustments where required. Tanzania is also a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which obliges member states to ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities in social life, including sports and recreation.

The Convention was adopted in 2006; Tanzania signed it in March 2007 and ratified it in November 2009. The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania further guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination, meaning all citizens should enjoy equal opportunities to take part in social activities, including sports and entertainment. In essence, the law grants persons with disabilities the full right to enter sports stadiums, sit safely and participate as fans or athletes without environmental barriers.

However, enforcement remains weak, particularly in the sports sector. Stadium construction and renovation projects have often prioritised commercial interests, general security and international standards, while paying limited attention to the needs of persons with disabilities.

The reality on the ground The Citizen’s three-month investigation into stadiums such as KMC Complex, Azam Complex and Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam found that, despite hosting Mainland Premier League matches and other competitions, they do not adequately cater for persons with disabilities. By contrast, Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha offers some relief, with two access routes that persons with disabilities can use to reach the VIP stands.

Even so, similar facilities are absent in the main VVIP stand and other side stands. Many stadiums built before 2000 offer no access at all for persons with disabilities, while those constructed later provide some facilities, but not comprehensively.

Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, whose construction started in 2005 and ended in 2007, is Tanzania’s largest, with a capacity of 60,000 spectators. Unlike most stadiums, it has several facilities for persons with disabilities, including access routes and lifts to the VVIP stand.

Nevertheless, it still lacks internal access routes enabling persons with disabilities to reach seating areas within the stands. Because most stadiums lack designated access routes, persons with disabilities are often forced to mix with crowds, exposing them to safety risks when entering or leaving venues.

“When you arrive at the stadium, you realise you were never considered. Even if you get inside, there is nowhere you can sit safely and still enjoy the match,” says a football fan with a physical disability in Dar es Salaam who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The investigation also established that, due to these challenges, some fans exploit persons with disabilities to gain free entry to stadiums by volunteering to push their wheelchairs through vehicle gates to avoid paying entrance fees. As those gates are not intended for spectators, some end up being turned away, facing further difficulties once inside.

In some cases, fans volunteer to carry persons with disabilities up staircases to help them reach seating areas. A resident of Arusha with a physical disability, Mr Amiri Said, recounts being injured at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium after crowd disturbances erupted during the Azam Federation Cup final between Yanga and Coastal Union that took place on July 2, 2022. He says his hands were injured and his phone damaged in the chaos, prompting him to stop attending matches for fear of getting hurt, as he cannot access seating areas that guarantee his safety.

“When you look at those side stands,” he says, pointing, “if you try to enter from the back, police stop you, so it was difficult to reach where we were meant to sit,” he says. “My colleagues helped me sit in a stand we were not assigned to.

When the disturbances started, I was injured and my phone broke. Now I stay at home and watch matches on television,” he adds.

The investigation further found that stadium toilets fail to meet the needs of persons with disabilities, forcing some to step into or touch dirty surroundings, exposing them to health risks. A football fan with a physical disability in Dar es Salaam, Mr Albert Kiwela, says stadiums have failed to provide appropriate sanitation facilities, often forcing him to step into dirty water.

“We have the right to proper services. Even entering stadiums requires help and once inside we are still at risk of falling sick,” he says.

Stadium managers speak out KMC Stadium manager Hussein Kitundura acknowledges the challenges in providing services for persons with disabilities, saying improvements are ongoing. “The stadium is not yet complete as planned by Kinondoni Municipal Council, but due to demand it started being used.

Construction is still continuing in phases,” he says. “The council’s goal is to ensure the stadium meets the needs of all user groups,” he adds, noting that stakeholders have been engaged to advise on further modernisation.

At Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium, built in 1975, manager Emmanuel Loi admits there are gaps in implementing laws meant to protect persons with disabilities. He says that as preparations continue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals, to be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, the needs of persons with disabilities will be addressed.

“This stadium was built long ago and even renovations then did not consider these needs. The two special access routes were added after we saw persons with disabilities sitting inside the fence, which was unsafe,” he says.

He adds that front seats are reserved for persons with disabilities, but acknowledges there is no access route to the VVIP area, which is only reachable by stairs. “We will soon renovate the stadium.

The government has allocated enough funds for major upgrades ahead of Afcon and through those works we will consider the needs of persons with disabilities,” he says. As Tanzania continues to invest in sports, debate over inclusive infrastructure is gaining momentum to ensure no one is left outside the stadium because of disability.

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Dar es Salaam. After a 44-day break from competitive action, Tanzania Mainland Premier League defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) return to the pitch today to face Mashujaa FC in a highly anticipated encounter at the KMC Complex, kicking off at 4pm.

Yanga last featured in league action on December 7, 2025, when they edged Coastal Union 1-0 at the same venue. Since then, the champions have been inactive domestically, largely due to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Morocco, where several of their key players were on international duty.

The long pause makes today’s fixture a crucial test of match sharpness and squad depth as the title race begins to intensify. The clash is expected to be one of the toughest fixtures of the round, given the current league standings and the ambitions of both sides.

Yanga sit second on the table with 16 points from six matches and remain firmly in the hunt for top spot. A victory today would see the champions move to 19 points, leapfrogging current leaders JKT Tanzania, who have collected 17 points from 10 matches.

Even a draw could be enough to send Yanga to the summit, thanks to their superior goal difference. The champions boast an impressive +11 goal difference, having scored 12 goals and conceded just once, compared to JKT Tanzania’s +4 (12 scored, eight conceded).

This underlines Yanga’s defensive solidity and attacking efficiency so far this season. Mashujaa FC, however, are unlikely to make things easy.

The side currently occupies fourth place with 13 points from nine matches and remains within touching distance of the top positions. A win for Mashujaa would significantly boost their title credentials and could see them draw level on points with Yanga and third-placed Pamba, depending on the score margin.

With momentum on their side, Mashujaa will view this fixture as an opportunity to announce themselves as genuine contenders. Much of the spotlight will be on Yanga’s new signings, who could make their competitive debuts if registration procedures are completed in time.

These include Ugandan attacking midfielder Allan Okello, Angolan striker Laurindo Dilson Maria Aureria, popularly known as Depu, and Tanzanian duo Emmanuel Mwanengo (striker) and midfielder Mohamed Damaro. Their inclusion will ultimately depend on head coach Pedro Goncalves and his technical bench, as well as the players’ readiness following the long break.

Historically, Yanga have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture. Records show that Mashujaa are yet to beat the champions in their last four meetings.

The two sides last met at the KMC Complex on December 19, 2024, when Yanga secured a thrilling 3-2 victory. That result was followed by a dominant 5-0 away win for Yanga on February 23, 2025. Earlier encounters also favoured the champions, with Yanga winning 2-1 at home on February 8, 2024, before completing a league double with a 1-0 away victory on May 5, 2024. Those results add an extra psychological edge for Yanga, while providing Mashujaa with added motivation to rewrite history.

As the league resumes after the AFCON interruption, today’s match promises intensity, quality and significant implications for the title race, with both teams eager to make a strong statement. .

Songea. Mr Victor Mhagama, son of the late Jenista Mhagama who died last year, has stepped forward to contest the Peramiho parliamentary seat, which his mother held for more than 20 years under the ruling CCM.

His move places him among a growing number of children of senior politicians within the party seeking to inherit constituencies previously held by their parents after their deaths. Among them is Mr Omar Kigoda, who picked nomination forms for the Handeni parliamentary seat following the death of his father, Mr Abdallah Kigoda, the constituency’s former MP.

Another is Goodluck Mtinga, the firstborn child of the late Celina Kombani, who contested the Ulanga East parliamentary seat after his mother passed away while serving as MP. Similarly, Mr Geoffrey Mgimwa, son of Dr William Mgimwa, contested the Kalenga parliamentary seat following his father’s death while in office.

In addition, Mr Salum Turky stepped forward to contest the Mpendae seat after the death of his father, Turkey Taufiq, who had served as MP for the constituency. However, Mr Mhagama will face stiff competition from five other CCM cadres, including party leaders from Songea Rural, who have also declared their interest in being nominated to contest the seat.

Signs of Mr Mhagama’s intention were visible as early as the funeral service held in Ruvuma Region. The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Mussa Zungu, hinted at it subtly, saying: “The Regional Commissioner is here, the CCM Chairman is here, and the star, our child (Victor), is here.

I think if I say it that way, you understand me. Do you understand me?” The process of collecting and returning nomination forms follows the vacancy of the Peramiho parliamentary seat after Jenista Mhagama’s death on December 11 last year.

Speaking on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the CCM Secretary for Songea Rural District, Mr Juma Nambaila, said the collection of forms began on the same day and will close tomorrow, Monday, January 19. He named those who have collected forms alongside Mr Mhagama as Emilly Ngaponda, Scholar Ngonyani, Clemence Makaburi, Allen Mhagama, and Rosemery Mashauri. He urged eligible and interested party members to follow party guidelines and ensure the forms are returned within the stipulated time.

After collecting his form, the CCM Chairman for Songea Rural District, Scholar Daniel, expressed confidence in leadership experience, saying: “I know the constituency well after working closely with Jenista Mhagama to address the challenges faced by Peramiho residents.” .

In Dar es Salaam, the mushrooming of fast food restaurants offering crispy chicken and chips has been a trend with the biggest malls even carrying the American fast food franchise that local dwellers are willing to pay a hefty price to have a bite of their crunchy chicken. But Michael Mwakilasa who lived in the US for more than 40 years, said that very food has been detrimental to African American neighbourhoods for facades.

Unhealthy food is the leading cause of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases among black people. “The fast food people in Tanzania are so proud to buy, which is actually cheap here and meant for low-income communities.

You can get all the chips and chicken for $3.99,” he said. When Tanzanians land in the US, most of them are eager to try the world famous American fast food brands that they have watched in movies, not knowing the so called junk food is the leading cause of obesity and many other body ailments among Americans, In a few months the effects of those greasy burgers and uncountable amount of chips you consume will show, from increased waistline and gained weight, you become another statistics of poor health choices and endangering your health just for a fast food.

A story too familiar and some Tanzanian diaspora have fallen into that trap, visiting the nearest fast food places rewards one with chronic diseases, from type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, which has caused the United States millions of dollars, crippling its health sectors from hospitals, insurers and burdening its taxpayers. As a businessman and an investor, Mwakilasa has always been on the move; he has lived in almost all 50 states in the country.

He always travels back to Tanzania, at least twice a year. With numerous investments that he has established in the country over the years.

As an investor, the annual Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair has been a vital avenue to seek his next investment opportunity, hence he makes sure he is in town during that time. Going from one stall to another, inquisitive about the products and how he can inject his dollars.

On a fateful day, he was a gentleman that he would later know as Sulaiman, mixing some ingredients grinded into powder into a package and selling it as food supplements. Mwakilasa has some experience selling supplements in America, so that spiked his interest.

So he approached him and had a long chat. He would later buy 20 bags, which he aimed to take back to the States, but they were all taken by friends and families.

He had to call Suleiman for more bags to fly back to the States with. That’s when he knew this product was in high demand and was potentially a good investment.

What most people don’t realise is that Tanzania is blessed with abundant herbs, plants, seeds and fruits that support the body’s immune system, digestive health and blood sugar regulation with its traditional health benefits that will surely restore communities in the US devastated by poor food choices, some of these communities have substantial Tanzanian and diaspora population. From soursop, moringa, Turmeric, hibiscus and many more, these herbs really available in Tanzania are sought for in the West and are profitable.

People in the West are waking up and realising how African plants have potential health benefits and are vital in boosting human health. This has been backed by numerous scientific studies.

Mwakilasa seized this newly discovered opportunity to invest in dietary supplements with his target being the Tanzanian, African diaspora and the African American communities. He attended a Tanzanian diaspora convention in Texas, where he introduced his product and it quickly sold out.

What he offers now is what he calls AfyaLishe, a powerful blend of 28 herbs, seeds and spices sourced from Tanzania, selling to the American market. He wrote to the US Food and Drug Administration-FDA and cleared his product and plant-based food, seeds and species.

With many health benefits that his clients have attested to. “That is not enough, to maintain good health, parents should take a leading role in guiding their children to choose healthier foods, for one, I have done that with my children”, he said.

“You are what you eat,” he added. Mwakilasa has always exported Tanzanian products to the US, from dried sardines, Tanzanian honey and coffee.

Now with his plant-based supplements, he has chosen to do all the production process, from start to packaging in Tanzania, using local labour, employing young Tanzanians. He is one of the few in the diaspora who have taken it upon themselves to sell Tanzanian products in the biggest economy in the world.

They are now trying to get their Tanzanian product into American health stores. He officially launched his product to the American audience at the biggest business Festival in the US.

The Invest Fest, the annual entrepreneurship festival held in Atlanta, Georgia, brings together under one roof investors, business educators, merging culture, entertainment and networking into a single event. With an audience of more than 10,000 people.

He presented his Tanzanian product to this humongous African American audience with significant purchasing power. Unfortunately, even with unhealthy eating habits, some people choose not to exercise.

Having physical activity even for 15 minutes a day can really be beneficial to one’s health,” he stated. But poor health is a blend of many factors, not only food.

Even stress and depression can contribute to an ailment. Depression is increasingly being witnessed in communities and families with financial strains, overworking parents with multiple jobs just to make a decent living.

All that combination affects the body. Realising this, Michael sought to use his plant-based product, not only to sell to diaspora and black communities but to advocate for a lifestyle change.

“You have to start sleeping right, eating right and thinking right,” he added. This online platform has helped guide, engage and support those seeking to know more about healthy food, an active lifestyle and how one can make a change.

A much-needed call for action in a time when Ultra-processed food becomes cheaper and often remains the only viable option for low-income households. He has received encouraging feedback from Tanzanians in the diaspora and others, who have decided to improve their diets, cutting on junk food, being active and even those who have used his supplement.

“A lady called me saying she puts the supplement in her kids’ pancake and over time she has seen the improvement”, he said. Mwakilasa is keen to keep investing in Tanzania as he has been doing for decades.

He hopes better collaboration and engagement with the Tanzanian government will ease ways for the diaspora to diversify their investment in the country. .

Rabat. What was expected to be a thrilling finale to a highly competitive Africa Cup of Nations ended in controversy after Senegal briefly walked off the pitch during their final against hosts Morocco before going on to win the title.

Senegal secured a 10 victory after extra time, but the match was overshadowed by chaotic scenes late in regulation time when a penalty was awarded against them following a VAR review deep into stoppage time. Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw ordered his players to leave the field in protest, with some heading towards the dressing rooms.

It was only after captain Sadio Mane intervened and persuaded his teammates to return that the match resumed. “What we said to each other stays between us.

We left together and came back together — that’s what matters,” said goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who was involved in heated exchanges between players from both sides. There was a 14-minute delay before Morocco’s Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty.

His Panenka-style attempt was easily saved by Mendy, sending the match into extra time. “He tried the Panenka, but I stayed on my feet and managed to keep the team in the game,” Mendy added.

The penalty had been awarded after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala consulted VAR and ruled that Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Diaz while defending a corner. Morocco coach Walid Regragui said the delay may have affected his player’s composure but accepted the miss.

“That does not excuse the way the penalty was taken. We were close to becoming African champions, but football can be cruel,” he said.

Decisive moment Senegal sealed the title four minutes into extra time when Pape Gueye scored a superb winner, handing the West Africans their second Afcon trophy in the last three editions. Morocco, who were seeking their first continental title in 50 years, were left disappointed after reaching the final for the first time in more than two decades.

However, the walk-off incident drew criticism and raised concerns about the image of African football. “The image we presented was not good for Africa,” Regragui said.

“A coach asking his players to leave the pitch does not honour the game.” Thiaw could face disciplinary action over the incident.

His scheduled post-match press conference was cancelled after tensions rose between journalists in the media room. .

Dar es Salaam. Cases of people dying while living alone, with their bodies discovered days later, are raising concerns about safety and social cohesion in Tanzanian cities.

On Thursday, January 15, 2026, Zainabu Mwalyepelo, a teacher and student at Mbeya Catholic University (CUoM) from Igodima, Mbeya, was found dead at her home. According to family members, Mwalyepelo had health challenges and preferred living alone, avoiding noisy areas.

This is not an isolated incident. On February 25, 2025, Seth Niyikiza, the Vice Chairperson of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) in Kagera, was found dead in his home in Bukoba.

His death was discovered after a client noticed a swarm of flies and neighbours detected a foul smell. Similarly, on November 24, 2024, John Lema (57) of Sokoni Street, Arusha, was found dead inside his home.

Authorities believe he had died about four days earlier, with his body already starting to decompose. These are just some of the cases reported by authorities; others remain part of local narratives.

Ephrahim Elias, a resident of Goba, Dar es Salaam, recalled a similar case involving his father’s cousin in January 16, 2026. “He died, and it took nearly two weeks before anyone realised. Phone calls went unanswered, and family members started asking about his whereabouts, but no one had information,” he said.

Challenges of living alone Incidents like these highlight the risks faced by people who live alone, where illness or sudden death can occur without immediate support from family or community. Some residents say they live alone due to work, studies, or health reasons, even when aware of the potential dangers.

“Nights are risky when you are sick because no one is there to take you to hospital. The only option is to call a relative or friend who may respond quickly.

I live alone because of circumstances; living with others requires compromise,” said Jumanne Said, a resident of Ubungo. Christina Alex, a resident of Tabata, Ilala, added that some live alone due to rental conditions.

“Some landlords do not want many tenants in a house, so you have to live alone. It’s not that we like it, but availability and rules leave no choice,” she said.

Even when living alone, residents develop routines to stay connected with family. Alex says she speaks to relatives daily to ensure someone knows her condition in case of an emergency.

Clara Makoko of Kiluvya, Ubungo, said she had no family to live with. “My siblings’ children are still studying, and my son works out of town.

Living with him would also be challenging because there’s no work to pay him, and costs would rise,” she said. She communicates daily with a trusted neighbour to monitor each other’s safety.

Government perspective Juma Mwingamno, Chairperson of Local Government Committees in Dar es Salaam, said such deaths raise both safety and social concerns. “Some people choose to live alone and avoid the community.

They may die unnoticed until foul smells or a long absence are noticed,” he said. Mwingamno explained that some live alone by choice, while others are compelled by housing rules.

He warned that living alone increases vulnerability to crime. “Local leaders often intervene to prevent such cases.

We advise landlords to hire security or ensure someone monitors tenants. If a resident is unresponsive for a long period, authorities step in early,” he said.

He cited a 2015 case in Kigamboni where a university student living alone was found dead only after a friend could not reach them by phone. Mwingamno urged citizens, especially young people, to live at least in pairs to support each other in emergencies.

“For over 10 years now, we have not seen similar incidents. Social cohesion is a key pillar of safety and wellbeing,” he said.

Psychological view Psychologist Clara Mwambungu said living alone without social support increases stress and delays medical help. “Extended isolation encourages excessive self-reliance, reducing communication with family, friends, and neighbours, which can have serious consequences, including unnoticed death,” she said.

She added that living alone often masks illness until it becomes critical, creating emergency situations. Mwambungu recommended strengthening social connections, advising: “People living alone should maintain regular contact with someone they trust.

Communities should revive the culture of looking out for neighbours. These measures can prevent unnoticed illness or death, potentially saving lives.

” Joseph Ndunguru, Social Welfare Officer in Katavi, said modern lifestyles have eroded neighbourly care, increasing incidents where residents fall ill or die without support. “Today, everyone is busy, and silence is not noticed as a problem until a major incident occurs.

This was not our tradition,” he said. .

Paris. FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the behaviour of Senegal players and members of the coaching staff after a chaotic end to the Africa Cup of Nations final, saying violence and walk-offs had no place in football.

After congratulating Senegal on their title, which they clinched with a 1-0 victory against hosts Morocco thanks to a Pape Gueye strike in extra time, Infantino said: “We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands – we strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.

” The final was marred by controversy after a disputed late penalty decision, which prompted Senegal players to leave the field in protest as tensions escalated around the officials. The match was temporarily halted amid angry scenes.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it was reviewing footage and that disciplinary proceedings will follow, adding that it “condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials”. “CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty,” CAF said in a statement on Monday.

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