Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. The appointment of chairpersons and secretaries for the standing committees of Chadema’s Nyasa region has caused tension among party leaders.

On January 1, 2026, the Nyasa Regional Chairman, Joseph Mbilinyi, announced the appointments, a move opposed by some members of the regional executive committee who claim the proper procedure was not followed. The members (who asked not to be named) said the announcement was the only step taken, but the regional secretariat’s role to receive applications and propose candidates to the executive committee did not take place.

They also alleged that the executive committee did not formally receive and review the secretariat’s recommendations, and that the process for committees to elect their chairpersons and have the regional leadership confirm their positions was not followed. One member told Mwananchi that they have submitted complaints to the party’s Secretary-General, requesting action to resolve the misunderstandings causing the tension.

The appointments According to a statement issued by Mbilinyi on January 1, 2026, the appointed leaders are: Finance Committee: Fanuel Siame (Chairperson), Angumbwike Ntuli (Secretary) Manifesto Committee: Leonard Fumbo (Chairperson), Elijah Simbeye (Secretary) Training Committee: Frank Nkana (Chairperson), Emily Mwakilembe (Secretary) Candidates Committee: Obadia Mwaipalu (Chairperson), Neema Kasinge (Secretary) Construction Committee: Bruce Nyamwangi (Chairperson), Frank Kifunda (Secretary) ICT Committee: Daniel Naftari (Chairperson), Fikiri Zambi (Secretary) Law and Human Rights Committee: Fredrick Kihwelo (Chairperson), Irene Mhando (Secretary) Grassroots Chadema Committee: Pascal Haonga (Chairperson) When contacted by Mwananchi, party spokesperson Sugu did not answer calls or respond to messages. However, Grace Shio, the regional secretary, defended the appointments, saying the process followed party guidelines.

“Even those complaining know their claims are not valid. We followed all steps,” Shio said.

Objections to the process A senior regional official (name withheld) told Mwananchi that the appointments did not follow party procedures. According to party guidelines, committee formation begins at the regional secretary’s office, which announces the positions to party members.

“Eligible members submit applications to the regional secretary. Once received, the senior regional leadership committee reviews and ranks applicants based on suitability for the specific committee.

The leadership committee then finalizes committee appointments, assigning members where they can contribute most, even if not for the position they applied for,” the official said. The official added that the leadership committee can also appoint members outside the applicants to add value and enhance committee performance.

Once appointments are proposed, the regional executive committee reviews and forwards them to the members for the election of chairpersons. Once elected, secretaries are confirmed by the executive committee.

Party leadership responds Meanwhile, Chadema (Bara) Deputy Secretary-General Amani Golugwa said that under the party constitution, regional executive committees have the authority to make proposals after member applications, which are then submitted to the leadership council. “This responsibility cannot be interfered with by any other body.

If there are complaints, the Secretary-General’s office will handle them. We will need a report from the regional executive committee on whether the proper procedures and regulations were followed.

If everything is correct, we clarify as needed. If there are constitutional or procedural violations, we will help ensure compliance,” Golugwa said.

When asked if he had received the complaints, Golugwa said: “I will follow up on those letters and ensure they are addressed, as the holidays delayed the process.” .

Caracas. Explosions were reported across Venezuela’s capital early on Saturday, with aircraft noise, loud blasts and a column of smoke seen rising over parts of the city, witnesses said.

Power outages were reported in southern Caracas, near a major military base, although the exact cause and locations of the disturbances were not immediately clear. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show multiple explosions across the capital, though these could not be independently verified.

The developments come amid heightened tensions between Venezuela and the United States, with U.S.

President Donald Trump repeatedly signalling the possibility of land operations against the South American country. President Trump has publicly urged Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step aside, saying earlier this week it would be “smart” for him to leave power.

Reports have indicated that Washington has privately pressured Mr Maduro to flee the country. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The United States has in recent months carried out a significant military build-up in the region, including deploying an aircraft carrier, warships and advanced fighter jets in the Caribbean. Washington has also announced a blockade on Venezuelan oil exports, expanded sanctions, and conducted more than two dozen strikes on vessels it claims were involved in drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Last week, President Trump said U.S.

forces had “hit” an area inside Venezuela where boats were allegedly being loaded with drugs, marking what is believed to be the first land operation since the pressure campaign began. He did not specify which agency carried out the strikes.

The U.S.

administration has accused Venezuela of fuelling drug flows into the United States, a claim consistently denied by Mr Maduro’s government. Several countries have condemned the attacks, describing them as extrajudicial actions.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his country was not involved in the United States’ strikes on Venezuela and that he wanted to speak with US President Donald Trump and find out the full facts of what had happened. “I want to establish the facts first.

I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to allies.

I can be absolutely clear that we were not involvedand I always say and believe we should all uphold international law,” he said in a statement to British broadcasters. Sir Keir said he was working with the UK embassy in Venezuela to ensure around 500 British citizens in the South American country are safe.

Below is how other countries reacted to the US strikes: 1. Russia: “This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela.

This is deeply concerning and condemnable. We support the statement by Venezuelan authorities and leaders of Latin American countries calling for an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.

” 2. Iran “What matters is that when a person realizes the enemy is arrogantly trying to impose something on the country, on the officials, on the government, and on the nation, one must stand firmly against the enemy and bare one’s chest in resistance.

We will not yield to the enemy.” 3.

Cuba “Cuba denounces and demands an urgent reaction from the international community against the criminal US attack on Venezuela.” 4.

European Union EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas: “The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected.

We call for restraint. The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority.

” 5. Colombia “Colombia reaffirms its unconditional commitment to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, in particular respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, the prohibition of the use or threat of use of force, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

In this regard, the Colombian Government rejects any unilateral military action that could aggravate the situation or put the civilian population at risk.” 6.

Spain “Spain calls for de-escalation and moderation, and for action to always be taken in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter. In this regard, Spain is willing to offer its good offices to achieve a peaceful and negotiated solution to the current crisis.

” 7. Germany “Germany is monitoring the situation in Venezuela very closely and following the latest reports with great concernThe foreign ministry is in close contact with the embassy in Caracas.

” 8. Belgium “The safety of our citizens is a top priority.

Our embassy in Bogota, which is responsible for Venezuela, and our services in Brussels are fully mobilised. The situation is being closely monitored, in coordination with our European partners.

” 9. Trinidad and Tobago “Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations.

Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela.” 10. Mexico “The Mexican government strongly condemns and rejects the military actions carried out unilaterally in recent hours by the armed forces of the United States of America against targets in the territory of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in clear violation of Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations.

” “Mexico emphatically reiterates that dialogue and negotiation are the only legitimate and effective means of resolving existing differences, and therefore reaffirms its willingness to support any efforts to facilitate dialogue, mediation, or accompaniment that contribute to preserving regional peace and avoiding confrontation.” 11. Argentina “FREEDOM MOVES FORWARD.

LONG LIVE FREEDOM DAMMIT”, wrote President Javier Milei, a strong regional ally of Donald Trump. Milei uploaded a video with his statement on X, where he is seen talking at a summit and describing Maduro as a threat for the region and backing the pressure Trump was putting on Caracas.

“The time to have a timid approach on this subject has passed”, Milei had said, according to a video on his X account. .

Dar es Salaam/Dodoma. As criticism mounted over the design and construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) following the suspension of services due to heavy rains, the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has dismissed claims that the disruption was caused by design or construction flaws.

Speaking to the sister publication Mwananchi on January 2, 2026, TRC Director General Machibya Masanja said the suspension was prompted by erosion of riverbanks near a railway bridge, not by any structural failure of the railway itself. “As a precautionary measure, we decided to suspend services to allow for reinforcement of the riverbanks,” he said.

On December 31, 2025, TRC announced the suspension of SGR services on the MorogoroDodoma and DodomaMorogoro routes, citing infrastructure damage caused by heavy rains in Kidete area, Kilosa District in Morogoro Region, and Godegode area in Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region. The announcement triggered criticism from some members of the public and politicians, who questioned how a railway completed barely a year ago could already be experiencing problems.

Online reactions Through his X (formerly Twitter) account, Chadema Mainland Vice Chairman John Heche criticised the project, linking the incident to what he termed sabotage. “A mega project worth trillions of shillings has not even completed a year of operation — in fact, it has not even reached Mwanza.

Why was there no proper feasibility study and detailed design?” he wrote. Similar views were shared by another citizen via WhatsApp, who argued that the country should not bear repair costs while the project is still under the contractor’s liability period.

The individual attributed the problem to the contractor’s limited experience, saying the project was their first of such magnitude. “This was their first major project, so it was a learning curve,” the message read.

The citizen warned against using taxpayers’ money to fix defects, calling for the contractor to take full responsibility for any shortcomings. Another social media user, Martin Masese, said any damage at this stage should be borne by the contractor, adding that alleged corruption in the project’s design could have contributed to the problem.

TRC response Mr Masanja dismissed the allegations, saying the incident had nothing to do with design flaws or feasibility studies, and stressing that the railway line had not been washed away as claimed. “The railway has not been cut off.

What happened is erosion of riverbanks near a bridge. For the safety of passengers and equipment, we decided to suspend services temporarily to carry out reinforcement works,” he said.

He explained that the suspension was a safety precaution, noting that while trains could technically pass, the erosion posed a potential risk. “It’s not that trains cannot pass.

But you must take precautions and strengthen the riverbanks. I personally passed through that section earlier today in the locomotive,” he said during an interview at 12:51pm on January 2.

Mr Masanja added that engineers were assessing the situation to prevent future risks, reiterating that the railway itself remained intact. Responding to claims that feasibility studies were not conducted, he said: “We are engineers.

We work based on evidence, not rhetoric. The bridge was designed to last at least 120 years.

” He said the bridge’s foundation extends 30 metres underground — equivalent to a 10-storey building — while its pillars go as deep as 30 to 40 metres, making structural failure highly unlikely within its design lifespan. He contrasted this with some bridges on the old metre gauge railway (MGR), many of which were designed more than 100 years ago and have exceeded their intended lifespan.

Mr Masanja stressed that the erosion was exacerbated by human activities such as deforestation, which had been identified during the feasibility study as a long-term risk. To address this, he said plans were already in place to construct dams that would regulate water flow and stabilise riverbanks.

Prime Minister’s remarks Speaking during a visit to the affected area on January 2, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba said the suspension of SGR services was not unusual and should be seen as a responsible safety measure. “When there are strong winds affecting power lines, electricity flow becomes unstable.

Those wishing ill for Tanzania want trains to continue operating regardless. You wouldn’t even transport potatoes in such conditions, yet you want people to travel on electric trains during storms,” he said.

Dr Nchemba likened the situation to international airlines, which routinely postpone flights during severe weather. “When it comes to safety, we should not quarrel or trade blame.

The work we are rushing to do can only be done if we are alive,” he said. Permanent solution The Prime Minister directed experts to finalise technical assessments to pave the way for dam construction as a long-term solution.

He said construction would begin in Kidete, where funds are already available, followed by efforts to secure financing for seven additional dams. “There are people who celebrate and mock when others face difficulties.

I want to assure them that the government is fully alert. Technical work is underway and contractors are being secured,” he said.

He said Sh23 million had already been released to top up funds for relocating affected residents and providing humanitarian assistance, noting that Sh63 million had been requested in total and efforts were ongoing to secure the balance. Dr Nchemba also warned against the tendency of some citizens to sell plots allocated in safe areas and return to flood-prone zones.

“It has become common for people to sell safe plots once the land dries up and move back to dangerous areas,” he said. He further urged local governments to clearly demarcate high-risk zones instead of allowing construction to proceed only for residents to be later evicted.

Ticket availability Meanwhile, some passengers have complained about difficulties obtaining SGR tickets within 24 hours of travel. TRC has acknowledged the challenge and said it plans to address it by increasing routes starting in the third week of January.

“SGR transport should not be like this. On the MorogoroDodoma route, you should be able to travel whenever you want.

Why should you buy a ticket two days in advance for a journey of less than 300 kilometres?” asked passenger Gervas Mathayo. Another passenger, Neema Uledi, said ticket shortages were more pronounced during holidays and weekends.

“Many of us expected SGR to be the solution, but demand seems to be exceeding supply,” she said. Responding to the complaints, Mr Masanja said demand for SGR services currently outstrips the number of available routes.

“It is true demand is high, but we are addressing the issue. We are in the final technical stages of increasing routes between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma,” he said.

He said the process would be completed by the third week of January, with additional routes introduced in the fourth week. Mr Masanja added that TRC has sufficient trains stationed in Dodoma, and the new operating model will allow trains to pass each other instead of turning back immediately, enabling the transport of more passengers each day.

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Dodoma. Cheers and tears of joy filled Dodoma as Juma Maganga, a Tanzanian truck driver who had been detained in South Sudan, was warmly received after his release.

Maganga had been in custody since February 14, 2025, after the vehicle he was driving was involved in an accident that killed a soldier. Under South Sudanese customs and traditions, he was required to pay compensation of 51 cows–equivalent to Sh36 million–for an accident resulting in death.

It was explained that the deceased soldier had three wives, all of whom, together with the soldier’s parents, were entitled to a share of the compensation. Upon arriving in Dodoma on January 3, 2026, Maganga broke down in tears as he embraced relatives and friends who had gathered to welcome him at the bus terminal.

“I feel relieved, and I am crying out of pain and happiness because I never expected to see my family or fellow Tanzanians again. I was living halfway in hell,” he said in a video shared on social media.

He said his release followed the payment of Sh36 million in compensation raised through contributions from members of the public, government leaders and associations of heavy truck drivers. “I lived a very difficult life.

In the detention facility, prisoners are not provided with food. There is no assistance unless you have money.

When I ran out of food, I had to ask for financial help from home. I am grateful they did not abandon me,” he said.

Maganga said detainees were allowed to keep their mobile phones, which they used to seek help, noting that the harsh conditions affected all inmates. “There were detainees from different countries–Ugandans, Somalis and Kenyans.

Many Somalis were arrested for lacking travel documents,” he said. “I kept thinking about my family.

I spent eight months in chains. It was in September 2025 that the chains were removed.

” He said the experience pushed him to seek help from various people, including the Minister for Minerals, Antony Mavunde. “There were times when I was taken to court under heavy military presence, as if they were going to war, because I was accused of killing a soldier.

After the first appeal, the family withdrew and left the matter to the army,” he said. How the accident happened Maganga said on the day of the accident he was attempting to overtake a broken-down vehicle on his right side.

As he moved to the left, a motorcycle ridden by a soldier entered his path. “I slowed down to avoid him so I could return to the right lane, which was my correct side,” he said.

“As I moved, he also moved. Eventually, I knocked him and he fell by the roadside.

When I stopped to check if he was injured, residents started attacking me.” He said he could not immediately tell whether the soldier had died, adding that he repeatedly encountered the deceased’s relatives in court.

How he was helped Maganga said that at first he could not understand the court proceedings due to the language barrier. Later, the company he worked for hired a South Sudanese lawyer, but the lawyer disappeared under unclear circumstances.

He said Nickson Massawe, a Tanzanian living in South Sudan, mobilised support after learning that a fellow Tanzanian was being detained. “They tried to find another lawyer, but those approached were threatened with death.

At some point, we lost hope. Eventually, the United Nations helped secure a lawyer who was paid 100 US dollars (over Sh200,000) per day during court sessions,” he said.

By the time of his release, a total of 14,500 US dollars (Sh35.887 million) had been paid, covering compensation and burial expenses. For his part, Minister Mavunde said he learned about Maganga’s case in September 2025 while on a campaign visit in Sogeambele Street, Chihanga Ward in Dodoma.

He said a woman requested to ask a question during the meeting but instead broke down in tears, pleading for help to secure the release of her son, Juma Maganga, who was imprisoned in Juba, South Sudan. Mr Mavunde said efforts were made to raise funds through Tanzanians in Juba and at home, but the amount initially fell short, leaving Maganga in detention for 10 months, during which he remained in chains.

“I did not know she was Juma’s biological mother, but I informed her that I was aware of the case and that we were assisting. Throughout his detention, I helped cover his food expenses in Sudan and supported his family in Dodoma with basic needs,” he said.

The minister said he reassured the mother that her son would eventually be freed through government cooperation, including support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Last week, a Tanzanian named Nickson called to inform me that an additional 1,500 US dollars, on top of the earlier 2,000 dollars, was needed for Juma’s release.

We made the payment at the Juba court on December 29, 2025, and he was released on December 31, 2025,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. Experts have welcomed the government’s adoption of performance-linked investment agreements, saying the approach could significantly strengthen youth employment by ensuring that both local and foreign investments deliver measurable benefits for young Tanzanians.

The backing was expressed on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, in Bagamoyo, Pwani Region, during the signing of investment contracts and the release of the 2025 Tanzania Investment Report. Speaking at the event, Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, said the government’s priority is not the source of investment but the outcomes it produces, particularly in terms of jobs for young people.

“With the current investment agreements, we focus on what we call performance milestones. We set clear targets and then measure results,” Prof Mkumbo said.

He added that the government is committed to ensuring young people are prioritised in all new investment projects and has introduced incentives to support domestic investors, including free land allocation and favourable terms, to spur entrepreneurship and job creation. Under the framework, performance milestones serve as contractual checkpoints, outlining measurable targets such as construction timelines, employment quotas, operational benchmarks and local content requirements.

The aim is to ensure that investment commitments translate into tangible benefits, especially for youth. Legal experts say the provisions are crucial for protecting public interest and enforcing accountability.

Dar es Salaam-based corporate lawyer Mr Henry Sylivester said the milestones compel investors to employ Tanzanian youth, complete projects on schedule and integrate local supply chains. “This ensures that young people genuinely benefit from investment projects rather than promises remaining on paper.

By linking incentives directly to job creation and local participation, investors are motivated to deliver on their commitments,” he said. Another legal consultant, Mr Paschal Livinus, said enforceable milestones strengthen investor responsibility and promote professional standards centred on planning, performance and accountability.

“If investors fail to meet their obligations, legal remedies are available. Young Tanzanians gain experience in environments that value efficiency, compliance and productivity, which improves their employability and raises industry standards,” he said.

Economists say the impact of the approach is likely to become more pronounced in 2026, following Tanzania’s strong investment performance in recent years. According to Prof Mkumbo, Tanzania ranked ninth among African countries with the most favourable investment climate for 2025/2026, citing a Business Insider Africa report.

In 2025, a total of 915 projects were registered through TISEZA, up from 901 in 2024 and 252 in 2021. The projects span sectors including manufacturing, energy, tourism, agriculture and technology, and are expected to create more than 161,678 jobs, a significant share of them for young people. Prof Mkumbo attributed the growth to improved business conditions, upgraded infrastructure, predictable policies and political stability.

“Our reforms have created an environment in which serious investors can operate with confidence, while young Tanzanians gain access to meaningful employment opportunities,” he said. Economists argue that linking incentives to performance could reshape the youth employment landscape by promoting skills development, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.

An economist at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania, Dr Isac Safari, said performance-linked agreements go beyond regulation. “They are tools for social and economic transformation.

They not only create jobs but also expose young people to training, technology transfer and career progression,” she said. Another economist, Mr Samson Rutashobya of the University of Iringa, said the framework offers stability for both investors and young workers.

“Clear performance milestones give investors certainty, while young people can see defined career pathways. This alignment encourages youth to consider entrepreneurship as they gain experience in growing sectors,” he said.

Meanwhile, University of Dar es Salaam economist and investment consultant Ms Monica Sanga said embedding accountability in investment agreements ensures projects stimulate local businesses and support small and medium-sized enterprises. “Young people are not only employees.

With strong value chains, they can also become entrepreneurs, contributing to a more resilient and inclusive economy,” she said. .

Dar es Salaam. CRDB Bank is seeking to strengthen financial and investment linkages between East Africa and the Middle East as it prepares to officially launch its Dubai Representative Office later this month.

CRDB Group chief executive officer and managing director Mr Abdulmajid Nsekela has paid a strategic visit to the Dubai office, underscoring the lender’s ambition to use the UAE’s commercial capital as a gateway for trade, investment and capital flows between the two regions. During the visit, Mr Nsekela held high-level engagements with the Dubai Representative Office team led by the country representative, Mr Jackson Kehengu, and was briefed on operations since the office began activities in October 2025. According to the briefing, the office has already recorded strong early momentum, with growing interest from investors, multinational companies, trade financiers and financial institutions across the UAE and the wider Middle East.

CRDB said the early response reflects confidence in the bank’s expanding regional footprint and its track record in facilitating trade, investment and development finance in Tanzania and the broader East African region, including Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the lender has operations. Mr Nsekela said the Dubai expansion is central to CRDB’s long-term strategy of building a financial bridge between East Africa and the Middle East, leveraging Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade, logistics, investment and financial services.

“In recent years, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical shifts, Dubai has emerged as a critical gateway for global trade,” he said. “We see a clear opportunity to link traders and investors between the UAE and East Africa, and to connect East African businesses to markets and capital in the Middle East.

” He said the Dubai Representative Office will focus on facilitating trade finance, investment advisory services and structured financial solutions, while working closely with governments and development partners to unlock capital for productive investments in the region. The CRDB chief said the move would support national and regional efforts to attract foreign direct investment, boost exports and integrate East African economies more deeply into global value chains.

He noted that trade between Tanzania and the UAE has now exceeded $2.2 billion, presenting significant opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics and tourism. “The Dubai office will play a catalytic role in attracting capital and investment into Tanzania and East Africa.

We invite traders, investors and corporates to use it as a trusted entry point for finance, investment advisory and partnership facilitation,” Mr Nsekela said. He thanked the Government of Tanzania for creating a conducive policy and regulatory environment that has enabled Tanzanian institutions to expand internationally, and commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for strengthening economic diplomacy through her open-door investment policy.

Mr Nsekela also acknowledged the support of key institutions, including the Tanzania Embassy to the UAE, the Bank of Tanzania, the Dubai Financial Services Authority and the Dubai International Financial Centre, saying their collaboration had been instrumental in establishing the representative office. He added that even as CRDB expands beyond the African continent, the bank will continue to broaden its footprint across East and Central Africa as part of its long-term growth strategy.

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Last night, I read a post on Instagram that has refused to leave my chest. A new bride had died in a bodaboda accident.

Married in November. Buried in December.

One month after her big day. One month after the dress, the vows, the photos, and the promises of “forever”.

And yet, as heartbreaking as it is, her story is not rare. It is not unique.

It is not even shocking anymore, and that, perhaps, is the most terrifying part. A friend of mine lost her classmate just days before their graduation, also to a bodaboda accident.

I lost a close friend in 2021 the same way. Two of my colleagues survived severe injuries from bodaboda crashes.

Broken bones. Lingering pain.

Altered lives. These are not statistics to me.

These are names. Voices.

Futures that were still unfolding. So with all that weight sitting in my spirit, I did what many of us do when grief meets frustration I went looking for answers.

Are bodabodas legal public transport in Tanzania? Yes, they are. How many people die or get injured every year from bodaboda accidents? Hundreds.

From 2023 alone, more than 300 deaths were recorded, and the numbers have been rising year after year. Rising.

Not stabilising. Not reducing.

Rising. Let that sink in.

We are not talking about freak accidents or isolated cases. We are talking about a pattern.

A system that keeps failing people in predictable, preventable ways. And so my question to the authorities is painfully simple How many people must die in a year before action feels urgent enough? How many weddings must turn into funerals? How many graduations must be replaced with memorials? How many parents must bury children? How many children must grow up without parents? Because right now, what we are doing feels like collective acceptance.

As if bodaboda deaths are the cost of convenience. As if broken bodies are collateral damage in our daily commute.

Yes, bodabodas fill a transport gap. Yes, they provide livelihoods.

Yes, they are fast, accessible, and everywhere. But convenience without safety is negligence.

Livelihoods without regulation become death traps. If motorcycles are recognised as public transport, then where is the seriousness that comes with that recognition? Where is the consistent licensing? Where is the mandatory training? Where is the enforcement of helmet use for both rider and passenger? Where is the data-driven response to accident hotspots? Where is the urgency? We cannot keep reacting with press statements and temporary crackdowns after tragedy trends on social media.

We cannot keep acting shocked by numbers we have allowed to grow. And to us, the passengers, this conversation is also uncomfortable.

Because sometimes we know the ride is unsafe, and we still climb on. Sometimes we accept overloading.

Sometimes we prioritise speed over sense. Sometimes we normalise risk because “ni boda tu”.

But normalising danger does not make it harmless. This is not a call to ban bodaboda.

It is a call to respect life more than convenience. Regulate them properly.

Train riders seriously. Protect passengers deliberately.

Treat every death as one too many, not as an annual statistic. Because the bride who died last month was not planning to be a cautionary tale.

My friend did not wake up in 2021 knowing that would be his last ride. That classmate was supposed to graduate, not be mourned.

So again, I ask, how many people should die in a year before we decide that this is no longer acceptable? Because if the answer is “more”, then we need to be honest about what we have chosen to tolerate and who pays the price for that choice. .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) collected Sh9.8 trillion in the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year (OctoberDecember), achieving 101.45 percent of the quarterly target of Sh9.66 trillion.

This represents a growth of 12.26 percent compared to the Sh8.73 trillion collected in the same quarter of the 2024/25 financial year. Briefing journalists in Dar es Salaam, TRA Commissioner General Yusuf Mwenda said that monthly performance during the quarter was led by December 2025, when revenue collections reached S.

13 trillion the highest monthly collection ever recorded by TRA surpassing the previous record of Sh3.58 trillion collected in December 2024. “As a result, the average monthly collection for the period July-December 2025/26 rose to Sh3.13 trillion, up from Sh2.75 trillion recorded during the same period in the previous financial year.” He said for the first half of the 2025/26 financial year (JulyDecember), TRA collected a total of Sh18.77 trillion, equivalent to an efficiency rate of 103.7 percent against a target of Sh18.10 trillion.

“This reflects a growth of 13.6 percent compared to the Sh16.52 trillion collected in the corresponding period of the 2024/25 financial year. The growth in revenue collections is attributed to improved efficiency in tax administration, strengthened compliance measures, and ongoing government initiatives aimed at stimulating economic activity and broadening the tax base.

“The government has built a resilient economy. In October, November, and December, taxpayer confidence had declined, but we continued to perform well and did not fall below the required collection targets.

” He noted that the record revenue collection has grown due to good economic policies and an economy that can withstand shocks. “We thank TRA staff for their high level of commitment and hard work, which is reflected in this growth.

” According to him it is a sign that the country can rely on domestic revenue and that, by working together, the country can stand on its own without increasing the tax burden on taxpayers. “We will continue to listen to and engage taxpayers, and by 2026 we are prepared to expand the tax base, enforce tax laws to combat tax evasion, and strengthen our staff through professionalism.

” He noted that in 2026, they will launch an Integrated Domestic Revenue System. New systems will be introduced, removing inconvenience and enabling many services to be done online, reducing the need for taxpayers to visit offices and eliminating unnecessary assessments.

“We will improve services for taxpayers by interfacing with other systems that support decision-making through tax collection databases. On the HIV Levy he said it is charged based on the size of the vehicle imported into the country, starting from Sh50,000, with larger vehicles paying Sh200,000 to as much as Sh250,000. .

Musoma. Forty-six days after the Special Police Unit of Tarime/Rorya in Mara Region announced the arrest of a US soldier holding dual Kenyan and US citizenship with explosives described as dangerous, the suspect’s fate remains unclear.

According to a police statement issued on November 16, 2025, the suspect, Mr Charles Onkuri Ongeta (30), was arrested at 12noon in the Sirari area on the TanzaniaKenya border, coming from Kenya into Tanzania with CS M68-type explosives. The statement indicated that immediately after his arrest, the police began a thorough investigation and promised further action once it was completed.

However, to date, no official statement has been issued regarding actions taken against the suspect. For several days, The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi sought to reach Commander Njera for information on the investigation’s progress, but calls made on December 20, 2025 and twice on January 2, 2026 were unanswered.

Even text messages and WhatsApp messages received no response. Nevertheless, further efforts to contact Police Spokesperson, Mr David Misime to discuss the matter also failed, as his phone went unanswered.

When the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mr Ramadhan Kingai, was asked about the investigation into the soldier’s case, he said the Tarime/Rorya RPC should be contacted for comment. When informed that the RPC’s phone was unreachable, he said efforts should continue.

Initial police reports indicated that Mr Ongeta, a US Army Sergeant, was travelling in a Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number KDP 502Y, accompanied by his family. In early interviews, he claimed his family was heading to Shirati, Rorya District, to visit his aunt.

Social and security analyst Fazel Janja said it is important for authorities to carry out a thorough investigation before drawing any conclusions. “We should not rush to judgment.

We need to understand this individual’s intentions, why he came armed, and whether he had accomplices inside or outside the country,” he said. Mr Janja stressed that, according to diplomatic protocols, soldiers are not allowed to enter another country armed without authorisation, and Mr Ongeta’s actions could be interpreted as an invasion.

He also emphasised that before handing him over to the US, Tanzania must ensure the investigation is fully concluded. Another security analyst, Mr Chrisant Nyakitita, praised the police for arresting the suspect and called on citizens to cooperate in safeguarding national peace.

“Every Tanzanian has a duty to protect the nation’s peace and security. We must not allow anything that could push the country into turmoil,” he said.

Musoma Municipal resident Samuel Bwana said the incident highlights the need to strengthen border security and monitoring. “We should not assume everyone has good intentions.

Incidents like this should serve as a lesson to remain vigilant and prevent enemies from exploiting existing gaps,” he said. .