Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has issued a renewed call for heightened public vigilance as it intensifies its campaign against counterfeit currency, reminding citizens that those convicted of producing or circulating fake notes face some of the nation’s most severe penalties — including life imprisonment.

Addressing journalists on November 21, 2025 during a workshop in Dodoma, senior central bank official Mr Atufigwegwe Mwakabalula warned that counterfeiters are rapidly advancing their techniques, making it increasingly important for the public to distinguish genuine banknotes from forged ones. Mr Mwakabalula detailed a range of embedded security features, beginning with the watermark bearing the portrait of the late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.

He noted that Tanzanian banknotes also feature an impeccable see-through register — a design in which partial images printed on both sides align perfectly when held up to the light. “Latent images appear when the note is tilted, and tactile markings at the corners enable visually impaired users to identify denominations,” he explained.

Additional safeguards include Spark colour-shifting ink and an embedded security thread, both of which become more visible when the note is raised against the light. Some elements — such as hidden fibres and denomination indicators — are detectable only under ultraviolet light, further complicating efforts by counterfeiters.

“These are intentional layers of protection,” he emphasised. The gravity of the central bank’s warning is reinforced by the law: under the Penal Code, offences involving the production, possession, or circulation of counterfeit currency fall under forgery and counterfeiting crimes, carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Authorities consider such crimes a direct assault on economic stability, undermining trust in the financial system and distorting commercial transactions. Mr Mwakabalula urged the public to scrutinise banknotes carefully, especially during rapid cash exchanges typical of markets, transport hubs, and late-night business operations — settings where fake notes most commonly circulate.

He further encouraged citizens to report any suspected counterfeit currency to financial institutions or the police, stressing that “an informed citizen is the strongest safeguard”. The Bank of Tanzania maintains that safeguarding the integrity of the national currency is a shared duty — one that relies equally on advanced security features and the vigilance of the public .

Dodoma. The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by Tanga Cement PLC, affirming an earlier decision that barred the company from relying on documents that were never submitted to the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) during the objection stage of a tax dispute.

In a judgment delivered last week, a panel of three justices — Judges R. J.

Kerefu, G. J.

Mdemu and L. A.

Mansoor — upheld the findings of the Tax Revenue Appeals Tribunal (TRAT), which ruled that the Tax Revenue Appeals Board (TRAB) erred in admitting a set of documents marked as Exhibit A-6. The documents had been used by Tanga Cement to challenge TRA’s Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) assessment for 20162018. TRA had in June 2020 issued a PAYE certificate demanding over Sh181 million. Tanga Cement objected to the assessment, arguing that TRA had wrongly treated housing benefits, failed to deduct employees’ pension contributions, and miscalculated late payment interest.

TRA rejected the objection, prompting the company to appeal to TRAB. TRAB partly ruled in favour of Tanga Cement after admitting the disputed documents — mainly email correspondence and payroll reports — as evidence.

TRA challenged the decision before the TRAT, arguing that the documents had never been submitted as required under Section 51(5) and (6) of the Tax Administration Act (TAA). The TRAT agreed, holding that TRAB violated procedural rules by admitting evidence that was not furnished to the Commissioner General during the objection process.

In its final ruling, the Court of Appeal fully backed the TRAT’s position. Documents must be filed at the objection stage The Court emphasised that tax law strictly requires taxpayers to submit all documents they intend to rely on when lodging an objection with the Commissioner General.

Failure to do so bars them from later introducing new evidence at the appellate stages unless they first obtain leave from TRAB — something Tanga Cement did not do. The justices described Section 51(5) and (6) of the TAA as “crystal clear,” stating that a taxpayer must comply at the earliest stage because “a tax dispute begins when the taxpayer objects to a tax decision.

” The Court further rejected Tanga Cement’s argument that the documents were provided during TRA’s audit and therefore should be admissible. The Justices held that documents exchanged during an audit cannot replace the mandatory requirement to attach evidence at the objection stage.

A review of TRA’s final objection determination also showed no reference to the documents, disproving the company’s claim that the Commissioner General had relied on them. With these findings, the Court concluded that TRAB had acted outside the law by admitting the documents, and upheld the TRAT ruling that nullified the earlier relief granted to Tanga Cement.

The appeal was dismissed in its entirety, with costs awarded to TRA. .

Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) striker Clement Mzize has etched his name into African football history after becoming the first Tanzanian to win the CAF African Goal of the Year Award since the category was introduced in 2001. The 21-year-old forward was crowned on Wednesday night in Morocco, triumphing over a competitive list of 12 nominees shortlisted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Mzize earned the recognition for his sensational long-range equalizer against DR Congo giants TP Mazembe during a CAF Champions League clash at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in January 2025. With Yanga trailing, Mzize unleashed a ferocious 30-yard strike that rocketed past the goalkeeper, igniting electric celebrations inside the stadium. The goal shifted the momentum of the match, eventually helping Yanga secure a memorable 31 victory.

The spectacular effort also earned him the CAF Player of the Week award for that round of fixtures. The shortlist featured some of the continent’s brightest talents, including Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco), Anas Roshdy (Egypt), Asharaf Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Barbra Banda (Zambia), Calvin Fely (Madagascar), and Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco).

Others in contention were Ibrahim Adel (Egypt), Jean-Claude Girumugisha, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo (South Africa), Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco), Refiloe Jane (South Africa), and Soufiane Bayazid (Algeria). Despite the strong field, Mzize’s strike stood out for its technique, power, timing, and the magnitude of the moment.

Mzize expressed deep gratitude and pride, dedicating the honour not only to Young Africans but to the entire nation. “I am very happy and proud to win this award.

It is for all Tanzanians,” he said. “I thank my teammates, the Yanga management, our fans, and our members.

Their support pushed me to this level. This award has inspired me to work harder in my career so that one day I can become one of the greatest players on the continent.

” Mzize’s triumph adds to Tanzania’s growing footprint in African football. He becomes the second player from the Tanzania Mainland Premier League to claim the award after Senegalese winger Pape Ousmane Sakho, who won it in 2022 while playing for Simba.

According to historical records, the first Tanzanian to win a CAF award was Mbwana Samatta, who clinched the African Inter-Club Player of the Year (based in Africa) award during his time with TP Mazembe. In 2016, the East Africa region also celebrated Uganda’s goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who won the African Player of the Year (based in Africa) award with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The gala night also witnessed other East African successes. Somalia’s Omar Abdulkadir Artan was named Referee of the Year, while Uganda’s Shamirah Nabadda won the women’s category in the same field.

Their achievements, together with Mzize’s, gave the Cecafa region an impressive three awards on the prestigious night. CAF also used the ceremony to recognise African leaders who contributed significantly to the development of football on the continent.

Among those honoured was Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, celebrated for her outstanding contribution to the sport. Kenyan President William Ruto and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni were also acknowledged for their leadership roles as their nations co-hosted the highly successful African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Mzize’s triumph marks not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Tanzania, reinforcing the country’s growing influence in African football. .

Dar es Salaam. Efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle are increasingly disrupted by conflicting advice circulating on social media, with medical experts warning that the confusing content is influencing decisions that directly affect people’s wellbeing.

From diet trends to exercise routines, users are confronted with sharply contradictory messages. Some influencers claim breakfast is harmful, while others insist it is essential.

Certain accounts warn that running damages the joints, particularly for people who are overweight, while others argue that walking alone does not provide sufficient fitness benefits. For many social media users, the confusion has already had real-life consequences.

Rehema, a mother of two, attempted a 30-day no-carb challenge she found on TikTok but later fainted at work. “I thought it would help me slim down quickly.

I never knew extreme diets could be dangerous,” she said. She told The Citizen that her doctor later informed her the diet was unsuitable for her body type.

Others report that the pressure of comparing themselves to influencers is affecting their mental wellbeing. Joseph Mwaijande, a university student, said constant exposure to perfect bodies and routines can be emotionally draining.

“You see perfect bodies and perfect routines every day. It makes you feel like you’re doing everything wrong, even when you’re trying,” he said.

Health professionals say this wave of mixed information is no longer harmless entertainment. It is shaping how people eat, exercise, and evaluate their bodies.

Nutritionist Jumanne Mushi told The Citizen that more patients are now following routines suggested by online personalities rather than consulting qualified experts. “Most viral videos compress complicated scientific facts into catchy one-liners, creating misleading impressions,” he said.

He added that whether someone should skip breakfast depends on individual needs, lifestyle and medical conditions, yet online trends present it as a universal rule. Mr Mushi also noted that many people misunderstand why some individuals gain weight more easily than others.

“Some people burn calories faster because of genetics, age, muscle mass or hormones. Two people can eat the same meal and respond very differently.

It’s biology, not failure,” he explained. Fitness trainers report a similar trend.

Gym instructor Hamadi Nassorro said debates comparing running and walking often ignore crucial factors such as age, injuries and personal goals. “Both forms of exercise have benefits, but online content rarely includes the details people need to make informed decisions,” he said.

Mr Nassorro added that fitness content often hides the reality behind influencer physiques. “Many influencers train for hours or use supplements they never disclose.

The public sees results, not the process,” he explained. He said this creates unrealistic expectations that leave people discouraged.

“When someone doesn’t get the same results in one month, they think they have failed. It’s unfair pressure,” he said.

On the other hand, Dr Magnus Msango told The Citizen that extreme diet challenges circulating online are a growing concern. “We are treating cases of dizziness, fatigue and nutrient deficiencies caused by diet plans people copy from influencers,” he said.

He added that before attempting a trending diet, individuals should speak to a nutritionist or their doctor to ensure it is safe. Health specialists caution that while social media can offer useful tips, relying on unverified content increases the risk of harmful decisions.

They urge users to seek professional guidance before adopting strict diets or intense workout plans. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s tourism and aviation sectors have received yet another major lift after Brussels Airlines announced it will introduce direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) beginning June 3, 2026–adding to a string of global carriers expanding or resuming services to the country.

The Star Alliance member will operate two weekly flights between Brussels and Kilimanjaro, further opening the northern safari circuit to European travellers. The new service increases Brussels Airlines’ sub-Saharan African destinations to 18 and becomes its fifth route in East Africa, after Entebbe, Kigali, Bujumbura and Nairobi.

According to the airline’s schedule, flights will depart Brussels every Wednesday and Saturday. The return leg will connect Kilimanjaro to Brussels via Nairobi.

Norther tourism circuit boost Kilimanjaro remains one of Africa’s most sought-after destinations, offering access not only to Mount Kilimanjaro — the continent’s highest peak — but also to world-famous attractions such as Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. “Tanzania is a top destination for safaris, and we’re proud to contribute to the local economy by connecting Kilimanjaro to Brussels and beyond,” said Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines, in a statement.

The announcement comes at a time when Tanzania is experiencing a renewed surge in international air connectivity, particularly to Zanzibar and the northern tourism circuit. KLM has confirmed the return of its direct flights to Zanzibar, driven by strong demand from European leisure travellers.

Etihad Airways is also set to resume its Zanzibar operations in 2026, restoring an important link to the Gulf region. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Airlink is preparing to restart its Zanzibar flights in 2026, re-establishing a key connection to the southern African market.

Analysts say the flurry of announcements signals strong confidence in Tanzania’s tourism recovery, supported by improved airport facilities, government reforms to attract investment, and rising global recognition of the country’s tourism offerings. Tanzania targets new tourism records The country is edging closer to new tourism milestones.

In 2024, Tanzania recorded over 1.8 million tourist arrivals, with Zanzibar surpassing 700,000 visitors for the first time.

The Northern Circuit–comprising Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro–continues to draw the highest numbers, particularly from Europe. Industry stakeholders say Brussels Airlines’ entry is expected to boost arrivals from Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia–markets that traditionally favour safari tourism.

Brussels Airlines also announced a series of adjustments to its Summer 2026 network. The airline will boost long-haul capacity to Freetown, increasing flights from five to six per week.

It will also expand its short- and medium-haul operations across key European markets, adding more frequencies to Spain, Portugal, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Hungary as part of its wider strategy to meet growing travel demand. .

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s launch of the high-level Commission of Inquiry into the October 29 unrest has set the stage for one of the most penetrating political investigations in Tanzania’s contemporary history.

The nine-member team, whose expertise spans law, diplomacy, security and regional governance, now steps into a politically charged landscape, tasked with answering a series of tough and uncomfortable questions the President believes are central to understanding what went wrong. In her address during the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, President Hassan did not shy away from framing the stakes.

Describing the chaos as “something none of us ever expected to witness,” she made it clear that the country must not look away from the deeper structural and political pressures that culminated in the violence. She challenged the Commission to move beyond surface-level explanations and interrogate the forces, covert and overt, that shaped one of the most unsettling episodes in Tanzania’s recent democratic journey.

At the heart of her message were sharp and far-reaching questions. The first was the most fundamental: What exactly triggered the crisis? She urged the team to dig into “the real reason, the real spark, purpose,” suggesting a belief that the unrest was neither random nor accidental.

Equally critical was her focus on the thousands of young people who took to the streets. “What right were these young people demanding? What exactly did they feel they had been denied?” she asked.

Analysts argue that by naming youth frustrations so directly, the President may have opened the door for deeper social reforms depending on what the Commission uncovers. Her toughest questions, however, were directed at political actors.

She instructed the team to scrutinise statements issued by opposition figures before and during the unrest, including rhetoric such as “something must burn” or declarations that the elections would not take place. “Did these statements contribute to the escalation?” she asked, signalling that the inquiry will evaluate political speech and its potential link to incitement.

She also demanded clarity on the relationship between political parties and the National Electoral Commission during the tense election period and raised concerns over the alleged involvement of NGOs, both local and foreign. “If money was involved, where did it come from? What role, if any, did our NGOs play?” she asked.

This line of questioning points to a wider examination of political financing, influence networks and the possibility of coordinated mobilisation. The President’s firm tone stood in contrast to the scepticism voiced by the opposition.

A day before the launch, Chadema’s Vice Chairman (Mainland) John Heche dismissed the Commission outright, insisting that only an international investigation could be trusted. “No local commission can produce impartial findings when the government itself is under scrutiny,” he argued on November 19. ACT-Wazalendo Secretary-General Ado Shaibu echoed that sentiment, saying his party had “zero confidence” in a domestically appointed team and warning that the inquiry risked becoming “a political whitewash.

” President Hassan addressed these concerns directly. “Our colleagues in the opposition say they have no confidence in any local commission,” she said.

“But I have great confidence in this team–your expertise, your experience.” Her remarks appeared crafted not only to defend the legitimacy of the Commission but also to reassure the public that the inquiry will be neither cosmetic nor constrained.

Experts say the President’s questions reflect a turning point in how the state confronts political crises. Political scientist Haji Mshindo notes that the insistence on understanding youth motivations may force the government to re-examine long-standing policy gaps.

“If the Commission tackles this honestly, we may finally confront issues that have been simmering beneath the surface for years,” he said. Constitutional expert Zablon Mhina believes the inquiry could redefine the boundaries of political speech.

“If the Commission draws a clear line between free expression and incitement,” he said, “it will shape how political actors communicate in future elections.” Governance analyst Kelvin Lubele added that the probe into NGOs and external financing could “reset the rules of political engagement” by tightening oversight mechanisms.

Underlying the President’s confidence is the formidable composition of the Commission, whose biographies, read by Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka, reflect decades of high-level experience. Led by former Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman and supported by another former Chief Justice, Prof Ibrahim Juma, the team includes retired top diplomats, a former Inspector General of Police, a retired UN force commander and former SADC Executive Secretary Stagomena Tax.

Political historian Angela Mwinuka said the team’s diversity is strategic. “This is a Commission built to understand law, conflict, politics and security simultaneously,” she said.

The President has already indicated that the long-awaited Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be built upon this inquiry’s recommendations. What the team uncovers–and what it chooses to say–will therefore echo far beyond the next three months.

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Dodoma. The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) is in the process of developing regulations to govern digital financial platforms, aiming to strengthen oversight amid rising public complaints.

BoT Senior Legal Officer, Ramadhani Myonga, told participants at an economic and finance media seminar yesterday that while no formal regulations currently exist, the central bank has engaged with Google to ensure that digital financial platforms operating in Tanzania obtain a letter of no objection from the BoT before launching their services. “We do not regulate Google, which operates under a separate mandate, and most digital financial platforms begin operating through arrangements with Google,” he explained.

He added that the engagement with Google is informal and not legally binding, as the company is independent and has no legal obligation under Tanzanian law. “The first step we took was to send an official letter to Google instructing them not to allow digital financial platforms to operate in Tanzania without authorisation from the BoT,” he said.

Myonga said that all licensed loan providers in Tanzania are listed on the BoT website. Despite widespread public complaints about unregulated digital financial services, Myonga noted that the BoT currently lacks jurisdiction over unregistered entities.

Misconduct by such platforms is handled by national law enforcement agencies. “When complaints arise, we advise the relevant authorities that the entity is unregulated and should be dealt with according to the law,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of robust legal frameworks to protect consumer rights and ensure ethical conduct by financial service providers. These frameworks include the Bank of Tanzania (Financial Consumer Protection) Regulations of 2018 and GN No.

883 of 2019. Myonga also revealed that the BoT launched the Financial Consumer Resolution System (FCRS), known in Swahili as Sema na BOT, on 5 June 2024. The system promotes transparency and fairness in resolving complaints in the financial sector, prioritising ethical marketing, responsible debt collection, staff integrity, data privacy, and efficient dispute resolution. The draft regulations for digital financial platforms are still at the internal stage, but the BoT said they will provide a clear legal framework for operators and strengthen consumer protection in Tanzania’s growing digital finance sector .

Dar es Salaam. Domestic workers are among the most essential yet least visible members of Tanzanian households; cleaning, cooking, caring for children and supporting the elderly.

However, reports show that behind these tasks lies a quiet struggle marked by low self-esteem, limited legal awareness, abuse and a deeply rooted societal perception that places them at the bottom of the labour chain. Experts say these challenges are both emotional and structural, driven by inadequate regulation, weak enforcement and decades of neglect.

Recent efforts by the government, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Conservation, Hotels, Domestic and Allied Workers’ Union (Chodawu) are, however, helping to spotlight the hidden suffering in the sector. Speaking in Arusha on November 18, Chodawu secretary general Saidi Wamba said self-doubt remains one of the biggest barriers to empowerment.

“Even with official government acknowledgement of their work, a lack of awareness about their rights persists among many domestic workers,” he said. “Some are unaware of the minimum wage, the terms of employment, and what constitutes fair treatment.

” In June, the government announced a revised minimum wage that included domestic workers for the first time in years, but many still do not know what they are legally entitled to. “You must understand that no one will hand you your rights.

You must claim them,” Mr Wamba stressed. “Knowledge is the starting point.

” To bridge these gaps, the ILO, in partnership with the government and Chodawu, selected 25 peer educators from six regions for a week-long training focused on labour laws, contracts, gender-based violence, entrepreneurship and occupational safety. The aim was to build confidence and awareness among workers, enabling them to defend themselves from exploitation and share knowledge with others.

Project Coordinator for the ILO’s domestic workers’ initiative, Chiku Semfuko, said empowering workers from within their communities ensures that information reaches even those who cannot attend formal sessions. “Peer educators become ambassadors who help others understand their rights,” she explained.

While legal awareness is vital, psychologists say emotional wounds often go unnoticed. Clinical psychologist Dr Esther Mlay told The Citizen that many domestic workers come from disadvantaged backgrounds marked by poverty, limited education and earlier experiences of exploitation.

“When a person grows up being told they are ‘less than’, their sense of worth becomes fragile,” she said. “This makes them more likely to accept mistreatment, underpayment and even abuse.

” She added that humiliation, insults and overwork can be as damaging as physical violence. For her, psychological empowerment must be at the centre of any long-term reform.

A sector still undervalued With an estimated two million domestic workers, this is one of the country’s largest informal labour groups, yet it remains among the most undervalued. Many workers still lack written contracts, predictable working hours or clear job descriptions.

Principal of the Tanzania Labour College, Mr Hezron Kaaya, said many remain timid because they do not understand the labour system or how to negotiate their rights. Strengthening workers’ movements, he added, is essential for long-term protection.

Government efforts are also underway. Labour Education Officer at the Prime Minister’s Office and Coordinator of the Domestic Workers’ Desk, Ms Halima Suleiman, said her office is working to formalise the sector and change public attitudes.

“Many households still do not see domestic work as real employment,” she said. “This fuels mistreatment and underpayment.

” Through ILO-supported programmes, the ministry is educating both employers and workers about labour rights and responsibilities. She emphasised that domestic workers must be treated with dignity like any other employees.

Despite these reforms, vulnerabilities persist. Cases of sexual harassment, discrimination and unpaid wages continue to emerge.

Chodawu has called for tighter enforcement of labour laws, mandatory contracts and increased awareness campaigns. Mr Wamba believes the ultimate solution lies in education and confidence.

“Workers must understand abuse, recognise their value and know how to report cases,” he said. Transforming the sector will require sustained public education, enforcement of minimum wage laws and stronger psychosocial support for those facing abuse.

The struggle has been silent for decades, but the voice of domestic workers is beginning to rise. .

Dar es Salaam. Higher education institutions across Tanzania are counting the cost of the disrupted academic calendar, after weeks of political uncertainty linked to the October 29 General Election threw university schedules into disarray.

Administrators say the sudden shifts have unsettled strategic plans, interfered with operational budgets and derailed activities that typically define the close of the academic year. Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, Stella Maris Mtwara University College (STeMMUCo) public relations officer Gosso Mkubwa said the lingering uncertainty forced the institution into hurried reorganisation.

“We have been compelled to postpone or bring forward important events such as graduations, and we have had to reconvene internally to realign our strategies,” he said. He added that even routine academic arrangements required emergency restructuring.

“We have squeezed the April vacation and brought forward the memorandum examinations,” he noted, describing the decisions as both urgent and unavoidable. The Muslim University of Morogoro (MUM) has navigated a similar dilemma.

Student advisor Hassan Mohamed Issa said the disruption has broken an academic rhythm the institution has relied on for years. “We did not expect to receive students of all levels; Diploma, Undergraduate and Postgraduate, at the same time, unlike in previous years,” he said.

Major events such as the MUM Marathon, academic conferences and graduation ceremonies have either been postponed or significantly scaled down. Student leaders have also been forced into crisis management.

MUM student government president Hassan Yuda said several planned activities had to be cancelled altogether. “There were seminars we organised, but we could not conduct them because some of the invited facilitators had allocated their time based on the earlier schedule.

” Beyond institutional restructuring, students themselves continue to struggle with academic uncertainty. A second-year Veterinary Medicine student at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Warda Salmini, said the long stay at home has put many learners at a disadvantage.

“We have been at home for a long time, and the study days will now be fewer, so it’s a challenge to cover everything,” she said. On the economic impact, she added: “Some people stopped their activities expecting to return to campus on November 3.

” The Ministry of Education’s revised calendar, released on November 8, now requires first-year students to report on November 17 for orientation, while continuing students will return on November 24. Officials said the changes were necessitated by the delays and confusion caused by election-day unrest. Education experts warn that the disruptions may have a longer-lasting impact if institutions do not adopt recovery strategies.

A higher education analyst and former lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Joyce Mwingira, said universities must move swiftly to manage the learning deficit created by the upheaval. “Such disruptions shrink contact hours, affect course progression and cause cognitive gaps among students who rely heavily on structured learning environments,” she noted.

“Universities should introduce academic cushioning mechanisms such as remedial sessions, extended library hours and flexible assessment timelines.” She added that the emotional toll on students–many of whom were preparing for exams–cannot be overlooked.

“These uncertainties heighten anxiety, and without proper support systems, learners may struggle to adapt when classes resume.” Institutions also face financial implications.

Cancellations and delays often mean losses in operational revenue, especially for private universities. An expert in education planning, Dr Kelvin Mhando, said the disruptions could strain institutional budgets already weakened by fluctuating enrolment numbers.

“When calendars shift abruptly, universities incur unforeseen costs–rescheduling logistics, renewing service contracts, and reorganising staff rotas,” he explained. “For private institutions, even a short disruption can destabilise financial projections for an entire year.

” Prof Mhando urged the government and universities to adopt long-term contingency frameworks to avoid similar crises in the future. .

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. The ruling party, CCM, has pledged to take firm action against underperformance, negligence, laziness and corruption among ministers and senior government officials.

The party’s Ideology, Publicity and Training Secretary, Kenani Kihongosi, delivered the message in Dodoma during a press briefing, where he criticised the performance of some government leaders. According to Mr Kihongosi, the renewed emphasis signals CCM’s determination to restore discipline and responsibility across leadership ranks.

The press conference came shortly after the swearing-in of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s new cabinet at Chamwino State House, where she underscored the need for responsible and results-oriented leadership. Mr Kihongosi echoed her sentiments, revealing that the party will introduce an assessment mechanism to evaluate how effectively leaders are discharging their duties.

“We will not tolerate leaders who embrace laziness or prioritise personal gains over public service,” he declared. Beyond addressing performance concerns, CCM also expressed strong support for President Hassan’s decision to establish an independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence that occurred on October 29, which resulted in several deaths and injuries.

Mr Kihongosi urged the commission to uphold integrity and patriotism throughout its work, emphasising the importance of justice and accountability following the tragic events. President Hassan established the commission under Section 3 of the Commission of Inquiry Act, Chapter 32, following unrest during and after the October 29 General Election.

A statement released on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, by Chief Secretary Ambassador Dr Moses Kusiluka confirmed that retired Chief Justice Mohammed Chande Othman has been appointed as Chairperson of the commission. The commission will comprise individuals with extensive experience in governance, security, and legal affairs.

They include retired Chief Justice Prof Ibrahimu Khamis Juma, former Chief Secretary Ambassador Ombeni Sefue, and Ambassador Radhia Msuya. Other members appointed are Ambassador Gen Paul Meela, retired Inspector General of Police Said Mwema, Ambassador David Kapya and the former Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Dr Stergomena Tax.

The commission is expected to submit recommendations aimed at strengthening national peace, stability, and public trust in state institutions. .