Category: The Citizen

Arusha. More than 500 residents of Arusha have benefited from free heart disease screening and treatment provided by the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) at the Arusha Lutheran Medical Center (ALMC), in an initiative aimed at raising public awareness on the importance of early health checks and timely treatment.

Speaking yesterday, during the ongoing cardiac outreach camp, JKCI Director General Dr Peter Kisenge said the response from the public had been encouraging, with many residents turning up for examinations and receiving treatment based on their medical conditions. He said the camp, which began on December 29, 2025 and runs until January 5, 2026, has so far screened more than 500 people.

Of these, 15 patients have been referred to JKCI’s main hospital in Dar es Salaam for specialised treatment. Dr Kisenge added that among 36 children examined during the exercise, three will be referred to JKCI in Dar es Salaam for corrective procedures to close holes in their hearts.

“The turnout has been impressive, and it is gratifying to see that the education we provide through the media has been positively received. People are increasingly recognising the importance of knowing their health status early in order to begin treatment in good time,” he said.

He explained that the screening and treatment services are being offered in collaboration with the Medical Stores Department (MSD), and took the opportunity to inform residents of Arusha and neighbouring regions that JKCI has officially commenced operations at the hospital owned by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), North Central Diocese. Dr Kisenge said JKCI’s objective is to help the facility achieve its founding goals of becoming a major centre for specialised healthcare services, equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities similar to those available at JKCI in Dar es Salaam.

“JKCI has enjoyed strong cooperation with the media, and I believe you will continue to educate the public on how to reduce the burden of heart diseases by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and severe obesity. I also urge citizens to use this hospital to access services they previously sought at JKCI in Dar es Salaam,” he said.

On his part, ALMC consultant surgeon Dr Goodwill Kivuyo thanked the government for implementing a policy of partnering with faith-based institutions to bring healthcare services closer to the people and improve the overall performance of such facilities. “This hospital is envisioned as a One Stop Centre for cardiac screening and treatment, as well as other services including orthopaedics, general surgery, internal medicine and paediatrics.

Laboratory and radiology services will also be upgraded with modern equipment to enhance the quality of care,” Dr Kivuyo said. Meanwhile, Karatu resident Paulina Awee and Arusha city resident Monica Chang’ah, who benefited from the free screening and treatment, expressed gratitude to the hospital management and JKCI for the services provided.

They appealed for such cardiac outreach camps to be organised more frequently. .

Unguja. Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi has formed a commission to review and assess compensation issues affecting residents displaced by development projects, following persistent complaints that affected citizens are being underpaid.

The move comes amid the implementation of various development projects by the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar across Unguja and Pemba, which have triggered grievances from residents who say the compensation offered does not reflect the true value of their properties and land. In a statement issued to the media yesterday, by the Deputy Director of Presidential Communications at State House, Ms Raqey Mohamed, Dr Mwinyi announced the appointment of an eight-member team of experts drawn from both public institutions and the private sector to undertake the task.

However, the statement did not specify the duration within which the commission is expected to complete its work. Those appointed to the commission include Mr Salum Othman Simba, a retired valuation expert.

Other members are Mr Mussa Kombo Mrisho, a lawyer from the Office of the President, State House and Mr Khamis Muhidini Bakari, an engineer from the Zanzibar Airports Authority. Also appointed are Ms Fauzia Sindi Hassan, a registrar at the Contractors Registration Board; Ms Sabrina Yussuf Hassan, an information and communication technology specialist from the Office of the President, State House; Ms Mwanaidi Suleiman Ali, a social affairs expert from the Zanzibar Economic Crimes Authority (Zaeca); and Mr Ramadhani Nassoro Mwinyi, a finance expert from the private sector.

The eighth member is Mr Abdallah Khatib, a public affairs specialist from the private sector. According to the statement, members of the public have been urged to cooperate fully with the commission when it visits the respective project areas to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively.

The formation of the commission fulfils a pledge Dr Mwinyi made during the election campaigns, when he met various groups of citizens and listened to their concerns. Among the key complaints raised was the issue of residents being unfairly compensated to make way for government projects.

The matter featured prominently in campaign meetings held in areas such as Fumba, Nyamanzia and Dimani, where many residents who were given the opportunity to speak cited inadequate compensation as a major grievance. In responding to the concerns at the time, Dr Mwinyi acknowledged that in some areas the valuation process had been unsatisfactory and assured residents that once he returned to office, he would establish a commission to address the problem.

However, the President also cautioned that in certain cases, people had settled or developed land in areas that were not designated for development, resulting in compensation demands that exceeded the cost of the projects themselves. “All these factors are important.

Citizens are important because without them there can be no development, but development projects must also be implemented, because without them we cannot move forward,” Dr Mwinyi said at the time. Another area that generated significant compensation-related complaints was the urban roads construction project, which includes the building of two flyovers at Amani and Kwerekwe.

Residents affected by the project protested, arguing that the compensation offered was too low and even threatened to refuse to vacate their properties. The situation prompted the intervention of two ministers–then Minister for Finance and Planning Dr Saada Mkuya and Minister for Works and Transport Dr Khalid Mohamed Salum–who met with the affected residents to address their concerns.

During a meeting held at the Kwa Wazee Hall, the ministers explained the government’s plan to conduct a fresh valuation of the affected areas in order to establish the actual amounts each individual should be paid. Dr Mkuya explained that in the earlier valuation exercise, land had not been fully factored into the assessment, which partly explained why the compensation appeared low.

Subsequently, Dr Mwinyi provided further clarification, stating that the government had decided to engage a private valuation firm after identifying shortcomings in the valuation conducted by government assessors. Reacting to the establishment of the commission, some residents of Kwerekwe welcomed the move, expressing hope that it would lead to a fair and lasting solution.

“The valuations that have been carried out are confusing. Some people are paid large sums, while others are short-changed.

We believe this commission will provide clear answers. We commend the President for this decision,” said Mr Rajab Hassan, a resident of the area.

The commission is now expected to review existing valuation and compensation practices and make recommendations aimed at ensuring fairness, transparency and public confidence as Zanzibar continues to roll out major development projects. .

Arusha. The Court of Appeal of Tanzania has quashed a 20-year prison sentence and a fine exceeding Sh343.8 million imposed on a Nigerian national, Okwudili Nnaman Agu, who had been convicted of drug trafficking.

Agu had been sentenced after pleading guilty to trafficking 1,273.69 grammes of heroin valued at more than Sh114.6 million. He was arrested on December 29, 2013, at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam.

Although he initially denied the charge during the preliminary hearing, Agu later changed his plea and admitted the offence about two years into the trial, leading to his conviction and sentence. However, in a judgment delivered on December 29, 2025, and later uploaded to the court’s website, a three-judge bench of the Court of Appeal ruled that the guilty plea had not been taken in compliance with legal procedures, rendering the conviction unsafe.

The panel comprised Justices Ferdinand Wambali, Lilian Kairo and Deo Nangela. The appellate court found that the High Court erred in convicting Agu on the basis of a plea of guilty without properly recording and presenting the facts of the case as required by law.

“The Court is satisfied that the appellant’s plea of guilty was neither clear nor unequivocal, as the facts he was alleged to have admitted were not fully presented and properly recorded in the court proceedings,” Justice Wambali said in the ruling. He added that the High Court had made a legal error by entering a conviction without ensuring that all mandatory procedures governing a plea of guilty had been strictly followed.

As a result, the Court of Appeal quashed the conviction delivered on November 26, 2021, set aside the sentence and fine, and nullified Agu’s criminal liability arising from that decision. However, the court declined to order his immediate release.

Instead, it directed that the case be remitted to the High Court for continuation of the trial from where it had reached on June 19, 2019. By that stage, three prosecution witnesses had already testified and five exhibits had been tendered. The court further ordered that Agu remain in remand custody pending the continuation of the trial at the High Court.

Background of the case Agu had been charged at the High Court with illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, contrary to Section 16(b) of the Drugs Control and Enforcement Act, Cap 95. According to the record, he initially pleaded not guilty during the preliminary hearing, and the case proceeded to trial until June 19, 2019, when it was adjourned after three prosecution witnesses testified. The trial resumed more than two years later, on November 26, 2021, when Agu changed his plea and admitted the charge, leading to his conviction and sentencing.

Grounds of appeal In his appeal, Agu challenged the conviction, arguing that his plea of guilty was entered without proper understanding of the charge. He maintained that throughout the proceedings he had consistently denied committing the offence.

Justice Wambali noted that the hearing of the appeal had initially been adjourned after the appellant indicated his intention to seek legal representation. He later abandoned that intention and asked the court to determine the appeal and order his acquittal.

One of the key grounds raised was that the court record showed Agu pleaded guilty twice on the same day, but with different words attributed to him. According to the record, he was first recorded as saying: “It is true.

I plead guilty.” Later, he was recorded as stating: “My Lord, I plead guilty to the charge.

It is time.” The appellant argued that the inconsistency in the recorded statements raised doubts about the clarity and voluntariness of the plea, and that the trial judge had wrongly concluded that the plea met the required legal threshold.

He further contended that although the record indicated that the facts were read to him, those facts did not appear in the record of appeal. He also pointed out that only some of the exhibits were produced on the day he pleaded guilty, while others had been tendered earlier during the trial.

As a result, he argued, it was unclear which facts and exhibits he had admitted, making it impossible to conclude that his plea was informed and unequivocal. To support his arguments, Agu cited several authorities, including Laurent Mpinga v Republic [1983] TLR 166, Kalos Punda v Republic, Criminal Appeal No.

153 of 2005 (unreported), and Safari Deemay v Republic, Criminal Appeal No. 269 of 2011. Position of the respondent In a rare turn, the respondent supported the appeal, submitting that in the absence of properly recorded facts, the court could not conclude that the appellant had unequivocally admitted the charge.

The State counsel agreed with the appellant’s submissions and urged the Court of Appeal to allow the appeal, quash the conviction and set aside the sentence. However, instead of ordering Agu’s release, the respondent asked the court to remit the case to the High Court for continuation of the trial from the point it had reached before the plea of guilty was entered.

Court’s findings After considering submissions from both sides, the Court of Appeal held that it was necessary to examine the proceedings of November 26, 2021, which showed that the appellant was reminded of the charge and then pleaded guilty. Justice Wambali reiterated the settled legal position that before convicting an accused person on a plea of guilty, a court must be satisfied beyond doubt that the facts presented by the prosecution disclose all the essential elements of the offence and that the accused has admitted them voluntarily and unequivocally.

He emphasised that the charge and all its particulars must be read to the accused, as far as possible in a language he understands, and that all essential elements of the offence must be clearly explained. “If the accused admits all the essential elements, what he says must be recorded, followed by a formal plea of guilty,” the judge said.

Upon reviewing the record, the court found it unclear why the appellant was called upon to plead twice, and why the statements attributed to him differed in each instance. In the circumstances, the court concluded that the plea of guilty was not properly taken and could not form a sound basis for conviction.

The judges accordingly quashed the conviction and sentence imposed on November 26, 2021, and ordered that the case be returned to the High Court for continuation of the trial. .

Morogoro. At least 10 people have died and 18 others sustained injuries following a fatal road accident involving a passenger bus and a cargo lorry in Morogoro.

The accident occurred on December 31, 2025, in the evening at Maseyu Village, along the MorogoroDar es Salaam highway, when a Mitsubishi Fuso passenger bus collided head-on with a Howo cargo lorry pulling a trailer. Both vehicles were engulfed in flames shortly after the collision.

According to the Morogoro Regional Police, the bus was travelling from the Msamvu upcountry bus terminal in Morogoro to Tanga Region. The lorry was transporting fertiliser from Dar es Salaam to Mbeya Region, the police said in a statement.

Police said all the deceased were passengers aboard the bus, including eight men and two women. Of the 18 injured, nine were men and nine women, among them five children–three boys and two girls.

Police said in the statement that preliminary investigations indicated that the accident was caused by negligence on the lorry driver estimated to be aged between 26 and 28. “It is alleged that the lorry driver attempted to overtake other vehicles without due care while it was heavily raining, making the road slippery,” the police said. The Morogoro Regional Fire and Rescue Brigade urged members of the public to report accidents and other emergencies promptly to enable swift rescue operations and reduce loss of life and property.

Speaking to journalists, the brigade’s regional operations officer, Mr Daniel Myala, called on drivers and other road users to strictly observe road safety regulations. “By the time we arrived at the scene and carried out rescue operations, 10 people had already died.

The 18 injured were rushed to Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital for further treatment,” he said. Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital confirmed receiving both the injured and the bodies of the deceased.

The hospital’s acting Public Relations Officer, Ms Scholastika Solomon, said all the injured were in stable condition and were undergoing specialised treatment, while the identification of the bodies was continuing. “The injured were received in varying conditions, including fractures and bruises on different parts of their bodies.

Doctors are attending to each patient according to the severity of their injuries,” she said. One of the survivors, Mr Samson Mmali, said the impact of the crash was worsened by excessive speed on the part of the bus driver, in addition to the lorry veering into their lane while overtaking.

“The accident occurred when the cargo lorry attempted to overtake vehicles ahead without caution, while our driver was also speeding, making it difficult for him to control the bus,” Mr Mmali said. Authorities have once again urged motorists to exercise caution on highways, especially during the rainy season when road conditions are often hazardous.

Police said investigations into the accident are continuing. .

Dar es Salaam. Weak governance structures, poor succession planning and over-centralised management continue to undermine the survival of many family-owned businesses after the death of their founders, experts have warned, noting that the problem threatens jobs, livelihoods and broader economic stability.

Analysts say a significant number of enterprises are built around a single dominant individual, often the founder, with little effort made to institutionalise management systems or prepare the next generation for leadership. As a result, once that individual dies or becomes incapacitated, the business struggles to survive and, in many cases, collapses entirely.

Unlike in parts of Asia, where businesses are deliberately structured as enduring institutions meant to serve multiple generations, many African enterprises remain personality-driven. Decision-making power, financial control and strategic direction are concentrated in one person, leaving the organisation exposed when that central figure is no longer present.

Speaking to The Citizen, a trainer in Entrepreneurial and Investment Skills at Mzumbe University, Dr Daudi Ndaki, said cultural and structural factors compound the challenge, particularly in family-run enterprises. “In many cases, governance mechanisms are either very weak or do not exist at all.

There are no clear boards, no separation between ownership and management, and no documented systems. When the owner dies, the organisation itself collapses instead of continuing to grow,” he said.

Dr Ndaki noted that Tanzania and other African countries are littered with examples of once-thriving enterprises that disappeared shortly after the death of their founders. In many instances, he said, internal conflicts emerged, leading to the dismissal or marginalisation of capable managers due to gossip, family pressure or power struggles among heirs.

“These businesses often fail not because they are unprofitable, but because of disputes. Family members fight over control, assets or influence, and in the process, professionals who could have kept the business running are pushed out,” he explained.

He contrasted this with Asian family businesses, which are frequently designed with long-term continuity in mind. Founders, he said, tend to prepare their children and successors early, introduce clear management systems and prioritise the survival of the enterprise over short-term personal gain.

“In many Asian contexts, the business is viewed as a legacy for future generations. Children are introduced to operations at a young age, trained gradually and mentored to understand both the risks and responsibilities involved.

This makes leadership transitions smoother,” Dr Ndaki said. By contrast, he added, many African businesses are established primarily as vehicles for wealth accumulation by the founder, with limited attention paid to sustainability beyond their lifetime.

“This approach makes enterprises extremely fragile. Once the original leader departs, there is no shared vision, no clear leadership structure and no agreed rules of engagement,” he said.

Experts advise that family businesses should assign distinct roles and responsibilities to family members, limit overlaps that can fuel conflict and protect professional managers from arbitrary removal. They also stress the importance of transparency and early, open discussions about succession to prevent disputes over inheritance, ownership and asset distribution.

Economist James Marandu warned that the consequences of poor succession planning extend beyond individual families, affecting employees and the wider economy. “Lack of structured succession does not only threaten the long-term viability of a business, it also affects employment and overall economic stability.

When a family business collapses, workers lose jobs, suppliers lose markets and communities suffer,” he said. Mr Marandu noted that over-centralisation, where one person controls all decisions and information, leaves potential heirs ill-prepared to take over.

In many cases, financial records are poorly kept or deliberately hidden, and key relationships with customers, banks and suppliers exist only in the founder’s personal network. “There is also a culture of secrecy around finances and operations.

Even close family members may not know how the business actually works. When the founder dies, successors are left guessing, and this undermines continuity,” he said.

He added that introducing successors gradually into management allows them to understand operations, build confidence and gain practical experience. “Waiting until children are adults, or until the founder is no longer able to run the business, often results in poor preparedness and unrealistic expectations.

Succession should be a process, not an event,” Mr Marandu said. An economics lecturer at the University of Dodoma, Dr Lutengani Mwinuka, emphasised that small-scale family businesses play a critical role in the socio-economic life of many communities, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.

Traditionally, he said, parents involve their children in business activities during school holidays or peak seasons as a way of passing on skills, work ethics and financial discipline. “These practices help children understand trade processes, basic accounting and the value of family resources.

They also instill a sense of responsibility and ownership,” Dr Mwinuka said. However, he observed that in recent years, many children show limited interest in family enterprises, often lacking curiosity or motivation to engage meaningfully in business activities.

“Sustaining a business requires strategic approaches that foster participation and long-term commitment. When children are actively involved and can see the relevance of these businesses to their own futures, they are more likely to develop a positive orientation towards entrepreneurship,” he said.

Dr Mwinuka added that many parents avoid disclosing sources of income or the true scale of their operations, sometimes out of fear, mistrust or a desire to maintain control. In some cases, business partners also prefer to keep operations private, further limiting transparency.

“This lack of openness reduces children’s understanding of the full business cycle and its economic significance. Without that understanding, it is difficult for them to feel connected to the enterprise or motivated to sustain it,” he said.

By comparison, Dr Mwinuka noted, in some Asian communities, children are encouraged to collaborate, learn collectively and grow together within family businesses, reinforcing a sense of shared destiny and mutual accountability. Experts agree that without deliberate reforms in governance, leadership development and succession planning, many family enterprises across Africa risk disappearing within a generation.

The loss, they warn, will not only be measured in failed businesses, but also in lost jobs, weakened local economies and missed opportunities for sustainable wealth creation. As Tanzania continues to promote entrepreneurship and private sector-led growth, analysts say strengthening the resilience of family-owned businesses should be a priority–starting with a shift from personality-driven enterprises to well-governed institutions built to endure beyond their founders.

.

Dar es Salaam. DP World Dar es Salaam marked a historic occasion yesterday with the arrival of the port’s first gas-powered vessel (LNG-powered vessel), MV Hoegh Australis V, signalling a new era for sustainable shipping in Tanzania.

The vessel, which stretches over 200 metres in length, is powered by gas and is designed to reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. Its arrival demonstrates DP World Dar es Salaam’s commitment to modernising the port and supporting the country’s growing trade and logistics sector.

A representative from the Corporate Affairs Department, DP World Dar es Salaam, Ms Alice Agustin, described the event as a ‘significant milestone’ for the port. “This is more than just welcoming a vessel.

It highlights the port’s dedication to achieving high standards in efficiency, safety, and environmental management, positioning Dar es Salaam as a leading hub in the region,” she said. She also emphasised the importance of collaboration with international partners, noting that working with vessels like the Hoegh Australis V will enhance trade flows, particularly in the automotive and general cargo sectors.

DP World Dar es Salaam is also encouraging businesses and customers to take advantage of the port’s capabilities. “We invite all stakeholders to experience the efficiency, capacity and services we offer here at Dar es Salaam Port,” she shared.

She added that the arrival of the gas-powered vessel aligns with Tanzania’s broader push towards greener and more sustainable shipping solutions, reflecting both national and global trends in maritime transport. .

New york. Drugmakers plan to raise U.

S. prices on at least 350 branded medications including vaccines against COVID, RSV and shingles and blockbuster cancer treatment Ibrance, even as the Trump administration pressures them for cuts, according to data provided exclusively by healthcare research firm 3 Axis Advisors.

The number of price increases for 2026 is up from the same point last year, when drugmakers unveiled plans for raises on more than 250 drugs. The median of this year’s price hikes is around 4% – in line with 2025. The increases do not reflect any rebates to pharmacy benefit managers and other discounts.

Drugmakers also cut some prices Drugmakers also plan to cut the list prices on around nine drugs. That includes a more than 40% cut for Boehringer Ingelheim’s diabetes drug Jardiance and three related treatments.

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly (LLY.N), opens new tab, which sell Jardiance together, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the reason for the price cuts.

Jardiance is among the 10 drugs for which the U.S.

government negotiated a lower price for the Medicare program for people aged 65 and older in 2026. Under those negotiations, Boehringer and Lilly slashed the Jardiance price by two-thirds. US patients currently pay by far the most for prescription medicines, often nearly three times more than in other developed nations, and Trump has been pressuring drugmakers to lower their prices to what patients pay in similarly wealthy nations.

The increases on 350 medicines come even as Trump has struck deals with 14 drugmakers on prices of some of their medicines for the government’s Medicaid program for low-income Americans and for cash payers. Pfizer (PFE.

N), opens new tab, Sanofi (SASY.PA), opens new tab, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis (NOVN.

S), opens new tab and GSK (GSK.L), opens new tab are among those companies and also plan to raise prices on some drugs on January 1.

“These deals are being announced as transformative when, in fact, they really just nibble around the margins in terms of what is really driving high prices for prescription drugs in the U.S.

,” said Dr. Benjamin Rome, a health policy researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Rome said the companies seem to be maximizing prices while negotiating discounts behind the scenes with health and drug insurers and then setting yet another price for direct-to-consumer cash-pay sales. Keeping up with inflation Pfizer announced the most list price hikes, on around 80 different drugs including cancer drug Ibrance, migraine pill Nurtec, and COVID treatment Paxlovid, as well as some administered in hospitals such as morphine and hydromorphone.

Most of Pfizer’s increases are below 10%, except for a 15% hike of COVID vaccine Comirnaty, while some of its relatively inexpensive hospital drugs saw more than four-fold increases. Pfizer said in a statement it had adjusted the average list price of its innovative medicines and vaccines for 2026 below the overall rate of inflation.

“The modest increase is necessary to support investments that allow us to continue to discover and deliver new medicines as well as address increased costs throughout our business,” the company said. Larger US drug price increases were once far more common.

Drugmakers have scaled them back due to criticism from lawmakers and new government policies, such as penalizing companies that charge Medicare program prices that rise faster than inflation. European drugmaker GSK plans to increase prices on around 20 drugs and vaccines from 2% to 8.

9%. The drugmaker said it is committed to reasonable prices and the hikes are needed to support scientific innovation.

Sanofi and Novartis did not respond to requests for comment. More price hikes and cuts can be expected in early January, which is historically the biggest month for drugmakers to raise prices.

3 Axis is a consulting firm that works with pharmacist groups, health plans and some pharmaceutical industry-related groups on drug pricing and supply chain issues. It is a related entity to, and shares staff with, drug pricing non-profit 46brooklyn.

.

As Afropop continues its steady rise as a global sound, Tanzanian artistes are increasingly stepping into spaces once dominated by Western and Southern Africa. Rolling Stone’s 2025 Afropop list reflects this shift, highlighting Tanzanian musicians not as side notes, but as contributors to the genre’s evolving emotional and sonic language.

Two entries in particular stand out, not only for their musical quality but also for what they signal about Tanzania’s growing influence within contemporary Afropop. Ranked at number 28, “Me Too” brings together singer-songwriter Abigail Chams and Bongo Flava star Harmonize in a collaboration defined by intimacy and balance.

While the pair have worked together before, this track captures a rare ease, two artistes meeting in the middle, emotionally and musically. Chams approaches the song with bold self-assurance, framing love through honesty rather than hesitation.

Harmonize responds with measured maturity, allowing the song’s vulnerability to breathe. The result is a romantic exchange that feels modern, sincere and unforced.

The timing is significant. At just 22, Chams is already making history, having earned a BET Award nomination for Best New International Act as the first East African woman to do so.

“Me Too” arrives not as a tentative step, but as confirmation of her expanding global footprint. Further down the list, Tanzanian newcomer Hevi earns her spot with “My Rider”, a soft, emotionally driven track that embraces tenderness over theatrics.

Drawing from East African RandB and lightly infused with amapiano rhythms, the song reflects a sound that feels both regional and contemporary. What elevates “My Rider” is Hevi’s vocal delivery, warm, soulful and unguarded.

It is a love song that invites listeners into its mood rather than demanding attention, making it a natural fit for romantic playlists. As a first major entry into the Afropop conversation, the track signals promise and patience, suggesting an artist more interested in longevity than instant noise.

Together, Abigail Chams, Harmonize and Hevi represent different generations and approaches, yet they share a common thread: clarity of voice. Their presence on Rolling Stone’s Afropop list underscores a wider reality that Tanzania’s artistes are no longer waiting to be noticed.

They are shaping the genre’s next chapter in real time. .

A growing wave of online fraud is leaving thousands of Tanzanians financially and emotionally distressed, prompting the launch of a new public awareness campaign aimed at encouraging victims to speak out and protect others from falling into similar traps. The campaign, dubbed ‘Sema Upone’, comes amid findings from a recent survey conducted by Go7eight, a Tanzanian social commerce platform, which revealed that seven out of every 10 people engaging in online buying and selling have fallen victim to fraud at least once.

The survey further shows that eight in every 10 of these incidents occur on social media platforms, where regulation remains weak and consumer protection mechanisms are limited. Speaking with The Citizen, yesterday, Go7eight manager Ms Jackline Malavanu said the initiative was designed to give a voice to victims who often suffer in silence after being defrauded online.

“Many people experience online fraud but choose not to speak out because they fear being judged, blamed or ridiculed. Others are emotionally affected and simply choose to move on quietly,” she said.

Ms Malavanu said the Sema Upone campaign aims to collect real-life experiences from victims of online scams and use them to raise awareness, promote caution and prevent others from falling into similar traps. Under the campaign, members of the public are encouraged to share their experiences through short written messages, voice notes or short videos, detailing how they were defrauded and on which social media platforms the incidents occurred.

The initiative comes at a time when online shopping is on the rise, particularly during the festive season, as more Tanzanians turn to social media platforms to buy goods and services. According to the survey, fraud typically begins with attractive online offers, often priced far below market value.

Victims are then asked to make full or partial payments before delivery, only for the seller to disappear once the money has been sent. Ms Malavanu, who also shared her personal experience, said she lost Sh660,000 while attempting to buy a laptop online during her university years.

“The price was very attractive, and the seller claimed to be based in Dubai. I was asked to pay before the item could be shipped, then later told to pay additional fees for customs and storage.

Eventually, I realised the tracking number was fake,” she said. She noted that many young people fall victim due to trust, limited awareness and the pressure of seemingly good deals.

Beyond financial losses, victims often suffer emotional and psychological distress. Many report feelings of shame, self-blame and fear of being judged, which discourages them from reporting the incidents.

“I lost S50,000 while trying to buy a smartphone through Instagram. After sending the money, the seller blocked me.

I felt embarrassed and kept it to myself,” said Ms Rehema Mussa, a 26-year-old entrepreneur in Dar es Salaam. A boda boda rider from Sinza, Mr Daniel Migomba, said he lost money intended for his business after attempting to buy spare parts online.

“The seller sent photos and sounded convincing. Once I paid, the phone was switched off,” he said.

For Ms Neema Joseph, a university student at University of Dar es Salaam, the experience affected her mental well-being. “I trusted someone online who claimed to sell laptops at a student-friendly price.

After losing the money, I struggled to concentrate on my studies,” she said. However, according to Go7eight, many such cases go unreported due to fear, shame and lack of awareness about where to seek help.

The organisation warns that if left unaddressed, online fraud could undermine trust in Tanzania’s growing digital economy. Through the Sema Upone campaign, the organisers are urging members of the public to speak out, share their experiences and help create a safer digital trading environment.

“By speaking out, victims not only begin to heal but also help protect others. If we want a safe and trusted digital marketplace, silence is not an option,” Ms Malavanu said.

.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Mainland Premier League defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) have pulled out of plans to sign Vipers SC and Uganda national team striker Allan Okello after running into contractual obstacles with his current club.

The Jangwani Street giants had identified Okello as a key target during the ongoing mini transfer window as they seek to bolster their attacking options ahead of the second half of the season. However, sources close to the club have confirmed that the deal could not proceed because the player is still tied to a long-term contract with the Ugandan champions.

Yanga head coach Pedro Goncalves had earlier asked the club’s management to reinforce the squad by signing two attacking players, specifically a striker and an attacking midfielder, to improve the team’s firepower and depth as they continue to compete on multiple fronts, including the league and continental assignments. Following the coach’s request, Yanga’s recruitment team initiated a search for suitable candidates, with Okello emerging as one of the top prospects due to his experience, technical ability, and proven pedigree at both club and international level.

The former KCCA FC forward has been a regular feature for Vipers SC and a key figure for Uganda’s national team, the Cranes. Reports indicate that preliminary discussions between Yanga and Okello’s camp had already taken place, raising optimism among the club’s supporters.

However, further assessment revealed that the striker’s existing contract with Vipers had not expired, making it difficult to complete the transfer during the current registration window. “We cannot recruit Okello in this mini-window due to his long-running contract with his club,” a reliable source within Yanga told this publication.

“Maybe in the JuneJuly registration window. For now, we are looking at alternatives after the Okello deal hit a snag.

” As a result, Yanga have shifted focus to other options as they look to comply with the coach’s demands and maintain their competitive edge in the title race. The club is keen to ensure that any new addition fits seamlessly into Goncalves’ tactical setup and delivers immediate impact.

In the meantime, Yanga have already strengthened their squad by securing the services of striker Emmanuel Mwanengo from TRA United on a two-year contract. Mwanengo, who previously played for Tabora United before the club rebranded to TRA United, brings valuable international experience to the side.

Before returning to Tanzanian football, Mwanengo featured in the Tajikistani Premier League, where he played for Vysshaya FC, Ravshan Kulob, and Vakhsh. His exposure to different playing styles is expected to add depth and competition within Yanga’s attacking department.

.