Category: The Citizen

Songea. The Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) has stepped up its drive to empower farmers by training more than 120 participants from Songea Urban, Songea Rural, Namtumbo, and Madaba districts in the Ruvuma Region on its financial services and agribusiness solutions.

The training aimed to equip farmers with essential knowledge to enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and strengthen their agribusiness ventures. The programme was officially inaugurated on November 12, 2025 by Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Brigadier General Ahmed Abbas Ahmed, who urged farmers to apply the skills acquired to transform their farming practices and livelihoods.

“Songea is blessed with fertile land, hardworking people, and favourable conditions for agriculture. However, many farmers continue to face challenges such as limited access to capital, financial literacy, and information about financial institutions like TADB,” said Brig.

Gen. Ahmed.

He noted that the initiative is designed to help farmers better understand how to collaborate with TADB to grow their businesses. He further encouraged them to form and strengthen cooperative groups to expand their access to financial services, expert guidance, and collective economic empowerment.

“Let today mark the beginning of change. Let us learn, collaborate, and seize the opportunities provided by the government through institutions such as TADB.

Let us be disciplined and forward-looking as modern farmers,” he emphasised. class=”article-picture” 6.5 class=”article-picture_caption” 8 TADB Senior Customer Service Officer, Ms Faithful Zion Joshua During the session, TADB Senior Customer Service Officer, Ms Faithful Zion Joshua, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting farmers as key drivers of national development.

She explained that TADB offers services specifically tailored to meet farmers’ real needs and has recently opened a new branch in Songea Urban District to bring its services closer to them. “TADB values farmers as the backbone of national development.

The opening of our new branch in Songea is intended to make it easier for farmers, livestock keepers, and fishers to access financial services, expert advice, and loan opportunities,” said Ms Faithful. She added that the bank’s broader goal is to ensure that every farmer in Songea can conveniently access financial services under friendly terms to boost productivity and efficiency within the agricultural sector.

Farmers who took part in the training expressed their appreciation to TADB for organising the programme, noting that it had deepened their understanding of the bank’s services and how they can leverage them to grow their agribusinesses. They commended the bank’s continued efforts to empower smallholder farmers and pledged to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice to improve productivity and raise their incomes.

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Musoma. The Swedish Agricultural Network (Siani) has urged the governments of Tanzania and Kenya to move beyond policy formulation and begin implementing their respective agroforestry frameworks to enhance farmers’ resilience and strengthen climate adaptation across the region.

At the same time, Siani called on Uganda to accelerate efforts to develop and adopt a national agroforestry policy to support farmers, particularly those in arid and semi-arid areas most affected by climate change. Speaking in Musoma on November 12, 2025 during a press briefing ahead of the forthcoming Regional Agroforestry Symposium, Siani members underscored the importance of a coordinated regional approach among the three countries.

They said that a harmonised agroforestry framework would promote sustainable land use, boost food and cash crop production, and improve livelihoods. Vi Agroforestry climate change adviser Dr Monica Nderuti emphasised that East African nations must act collectively to mitigate the worsening effects of climate change and to bolster farmers’ adaptation capacities.

“Drafting a policy is one thing, but implementing it is another,” said Dr Nderuti. “We commend Tanzania for developing its agroforestry policy, and Kenya for following suit in September.

Now both must move swiftly towards implementation, while Uganda should expedite the development of its own. The time to act is now.

” She explained that agroforestry frameworks encourage the integration of trees and crops suited to dry regions–areas particularly vulnerable to climate shocks. Effective implementation, she added, would also strengthen the countries’ eligibility for international climate financing to support resilient farming systems.

Dr Nderuti further noted that declining agricultural yields remain a key consequence of climate change, but robust adoption of agroforestry practices could help reverse that trend while ensuring sustainable production. University of Nairobi researcher Elizabeth Githendu highlighted the need for gender inclusion in policy execution, noting that women are central to agricultural production across East Africa.

“Women make up a significant share of the population and are the backbone of household farming, yet they are frequently excluded from policy processes,” she said. “Governments must ensure that women are fully involved and adequately trained in agroforestry to enhance productivity and promote gender equality.

” Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) senior researcher Dr Deusdedit Mlay observed that promoting agroforestry could substantially increase farmers’ incomes by enabling them to diversify their sources of livelihood. “Through agroforestry, a farmer can cultivate both food and cash crops while also harvesting honey, firewood, or fruits from the same plot of land,” he explained.

The forthcoming regional symposium is expected to convene policymakers, researchers, and farmers to explore practical strategies for accelerating the adoption of agroforestry as a key pillar for climate adaptation and sustainable development in East Africa. .

Dar es Salaam. While fitness routines, balanced diets and wellness products gain popularity, one crucial aspect of healthy living remains widely overlooked in Tanzania: sleep.

Health experts warn that poor sleeping habits are quietly affecting adults, particularly those over 30, whose bodies no longer repair and renew as efficiently as in youth. “Sleep is not optional; it’s a biological necessity,” said Dr Mariam Charles, a lifestyle and wellness specialist.

“Without enough rest, your brain performance drops, your immune system weakens, and you become more prone to diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and depression. Many still assume five hours is enough but it isn’t.

” Urban lifestyles, long working hours, and social media distractions have shortened the average person’s sleep. Many stay up late for work or entertainment, often without realising the long-term impact on their bodies.

Dr Mariam explained that sleep allows the body to detoxify and renew cells. “Between midnight and 3 a.

m., the body works to cleanse itself.

Every day new cells form, and the best way to support healthy cell production is by getting adequate sleep. Naps or stimulants cannot replace deep, restorative night sleep.

” She added that age influences the body’s renewal process. “Young people recover quickly, but after 30, the body regenerates less efficiently.

Years of late nights can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other complications. Maintaining a healthy sleep routine is vital for long-term wellness.

” Medical professionals also point to stress, poor diet, and smoking as major contributors to respiratory and circulatory problems. Dr Fabian Maricha highlighted the link between lifestyle habits and the proper functioning of these systems.

“Balanced meals, regular exercise, and avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking all support good sleep,” he said. Psychologist Shabani Riziki noted that sleeplessness often signals emotional strain.

“Insomnia reflects the body’s response to mental overload. Work pressures, financial concerns, and family responsibilities keep minds active at night.

” Riziki recommends consistency and calm: “Regular bedtimes and waking times help the body maintain its natural rhythm. Limiting screen time and avoiding caffeine or alcohol before bed improves sleep quality.

Sleep is an investment in health. Without it, neither the body nor the mind can recover fully.

” Experts agree that while diet and exercise are essential, proper sleep is equally critical for both mental and physical well-being. .

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. In a move that took many by surprise, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has nominated Dr Mwigulu Nchemba as the new Prime Minister, bringing to an end week-long speculation on social media over potential candidates for the position.

President Hassan’s nomination was presented to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, through her Aide-de-Camp, Nyamburi Mashauri, who delivered the appointment letter to Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu. Born on January 7, 1975, the 50-year-old economist becomes Tanzania’s 12th Prime Minister since independence, replacing Kassim Majaliwa.

Dr Nchemba has held several political positions within the ruling party CCM and in government. Within CCM, he rose to the position of Deputy Secretary General (Mainland), while in government he has served in various ministerial portfolios under former Presidents Jakaya Kikwete and the late Dr John Magufuli, as well as under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

A Member of Parliament for Iramba West Constituency, Dr Nchemba holds a PhD in Economics. He served as Deputy Minister for Finance under President Kikwete, and later as Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs during President Magufuli’s administration.

Under President Hassan, Dr Nchemba was appointed Minister for Finance, a role he held until his nomination as Prime Minister. In the letter read before Parliament, President Hassan stated that the nomination was made in accordance with Article 51(2) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The provision requires the President, within 14 days of assuming office, to appoint a Member of Parliament from the political party with a majority in the National Assembly, or one who commands majority support, to serve as Prime Minister. Dr Nchemba’s nomination is expected to be endorsed by legislators through a majority vote, as stipulated in the Constitution.

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Arusha. The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) is set to deliver its verdict in Reference No.

30 of 2020, a case filed by the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) and three others against the Attorney General of Tanzania. The petitioners are challenging the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations, 2020, which were published in the Government Gazette on July 17, 2020. They argue that the regulations infringe upon fundamental democratic principles, including freedom of expression, transparency, accountability, and good governance.

They have asked the regional court to order the Attorney General to repeal the regulations, citing their inconsistency with the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community (EAC), which safeguards citizens’ rights and freedoms. The applicants further allege that the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) was granted excessive powers under the regulations, which they claim contravene Articles 6(d), 7(2), and 8(1)(c) of the EAC Treaty.

The case was heard on Thursday, November 13, 2025, before a five-judge bench led by the Principal Judge of the Court’s First Instance Division, Justice Yohane Masara, who sat alongside Justices Richard Wejuli, Richard Muhumuza, Dr Gacuko Leonard and Kayembe Kasanda. The petitioners were represented by senior advocates Jeremia Mtobesya and Peter Majanjara, while the government was represented by Senior State Attorneys Stanley Kalokola and Daniel Nyakiha.

In their submission, LHRC and its co-applicants contended that several provisions of the online content regulations undermine media freedom and the right to free expression. They urged the court to compel the Attorney General to repeal them in compliance with Tanzania’s obligations as an EAC member state.

However, the government’s legal team dismissed the claims, maintaining that the regulations were enacted to provide guidance that balances freedom of expression with public interest. “Your Lordships, Regulations 10 and 13 have already been repealed and are no longer in dispute.

The remaining provisions pose no issue. We urge the applicants’ counsel to interpret the law in its entirety rather than focusing on isolated clauses,” said Mr Kalokola.

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Arusha. The High Court of Tanzania in Sumbawanga has sentenced two men, Sharifu Rajabu and Muumin Tembo, to death by hanging after finding them guilty of murdering Edes Chami and stealing a wallet containing Sh240,000 and an Infinix Hot 9 phone.

The third accused, Charles Antipass, was acquitted after the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence against him.The judgement was delivered on Monday by Judge Thadeo Mwenempazi.

In his ruling, the judge said the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the two convicts attacked the deceased with a blunt object on the head before stealing his wallet, phone, and bank cards. The attack occurred on July 5, 2023, in Kashato, Mpanda District.

Edes later died on July 23, 2023, at Bugando Hospital. Charles Antipass was cleared as the court found no direct or circumstantial evidence linking him to the offence.

Evidence presented Emmanuel Chami, the fourth witness and father of the deceased, said his son reported being attacked and robbed. He took him to Mpanda Municipal Hospital, after which Edes’ condition worsened, necessitating transfer to Katavi Regional Referral Hospital and then Bugando, where he passed away.

Dr Alex Mremi, the sixth witness, conducted the post-mortem, confirming death resulted from severe head injuries consistent with being struck by a blunt object. Inspector Godfrey Leka led the investigation, tracing the stolen phone to Matilda Festo, who had purchased it from Japhet Abel for Sh140,000. Japhet confessed to involvement and named accomplices before he was fatally beaten by an angry mob.

Police later arrested Sharifu and Muumin on November 15, 2023, in Fisi area, Mpanda. Sergeant Abdallah and Corporal Kennedy testified that Japhet had intended to identify his co-offenders before his death and that the second accused admitted to the assault, naming others involved.

These statements were admitted as evidence without objection from the defence. Defence and ruling Sharifu claimed he was arrested for a television theft and denied knowing the deceased or co-accused.

Muumin said he was arrested for burglary and denied involvement in the murder. Charles also denied any knowledge of the incident or the accused.

Justice Mwenempazi noted that in murder cases, the prosecution must prove both the act and intent beyond reasonable doubt. He ruled that the first and second accused had voluntarily confessed to assaulting Edes and were directly involved in the attack that caused his death.

The court convicted Sharifu and Muumin of murder, sentencing them to death by hanging, while Charles was acquitted due to lack of evidence. .

Dodoma/Dar/Upcountry. Tanzanians will on Thursday and Friday be watching President Samia Suluhu Hassan closely as she announces the nominee for Prime Minister and addresses Parliament, respectively.

Citizens are eager to know who will be recommended for the Prime Minister’s post. On Friday, they will also want to hear how the government plans to restore national unity and cohesion following the unrest that accompanied the October 29 General Election.

As Parliament sits for this crucial session to endorse the incoming Prime Minister, anticipation is mounting over the highly awaited announcement. Thursday’s session comes at a pivotal time for the nation, with expectations running high among Members of Parliament regarding the qualities and direction they hope the new leader will embody.

Under Tanzania’s Constitution, President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to present her nomination in the National Assembly, replacing Mr Kassim Majaliwa, whose tenure is coming to an end. MPs will then endorse the nominee through a vote.

But the question on many minds is: who will be the next leader of government business in Parliament? Discussions among lawmakers reveal a clear consensus on the attributes they seek in the incoming Prime Minister. The majority of MPs who spoke to The Citizen at Parliament on Wednesday suggested they want a person of integrity, capable of strong and principled leadership, hard-working and committed to democratic governance.

“We pray that we get a Prime Minister who can provide the public leadership needed to take us to the next level and deliver on citizens’ expectations,” said Ms Ritha Kabati (Kilolo-CCM). MPs emphasised the need for a Prime Minister able to navigate Tanzania’s complex political landscape while providing a clear vision for the country’s future.

“We need someone who can unify the country and bring different factions together,” said Mr Ado Shaibu (Tunduru North -ACT-Wazalendo, reflecting the views of several colleagues. He added: “I wish the country gets a Prime Minister who is responsible, creative, and committed to finding tangible solutions to the problems affecting Tanzanians.

” Similarly, Ms Anne Kilango-Malecela (Same East-CCM) said the country needs a hard-orking Prime Minister who will support the President in meeting Tanzanians’ aspirations, particularly in implementing the 2050 Development Vision. Mr Mwita Waitara (Tarime Rural-CCM) emphasised the importance of continuity.

“We need a leader who will coordinate Parliament with its people because the Prime Minister is the leader of government business,” he said. Speculation over potential candidates has intensified, with political analysts and social media observers scrutinising nominees’ backgrounds, political affiliations, and alignment with the President’s priorities.

Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu told MPs in Parliament on Wednesday that President Hassan would present her nomination in the morning on Thursday, after which MPs would endorse the name via a vote. He also indicated that the House would elect the next deputy speaker prior to the official inauguration of the 13th Parliament on Friday.

As such, Tanzanians also expect that when President Hassan addresses Parliament on Friday, she will outline the government’s stance on the protests that led to violence and fatalities on and after October 29, the measures being taken to restore normalcy, reduce divisions, advance the new constitution process, and implement her election promises. These expectations were shared by citizens interviewed by The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, two days before the President formally opens the 13th Parliament, marking the second term of her leadership.

Speaking shortly after her inauguration at Chamwino, Dodoma, on November 3, President Hassan indicated that her address to Parliament and the nation would outline her government’s direction. Citizens and scholars alike expect clarity on solutions to the events of October 29 and on how the government intends to prevent recurrence.

Addressing the nation’s challenges A political science scholar at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Prof George Kahangwa, said a president’s first speech to Parliament usually maps out the implementation of plans for a five-year term. It allows the Head of State to explain the government’s intentions and expectations to MPs, who represent the people.

“Given current realities, it is expected that the speech will address the October 29 protests, which resulted in deaths, destruction of public and private property, and multiple legal cases. Tanzanians are eager to hear about reconciliation under the 4R philosophy, election promises within 100 days, and commitments mentioned by Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi during a recent Southern African Development Community (Sadc) virtual meeting,” Prof Kahangwa said.

He noted that citizens are looking forward to comforting words from the President and clear steps on how the government intends to handle these issues. “The public also wants the President to address corruption, disappearances and missing persons.

When the late John Magufuli addressed Parliament, he promised to tackle corruption and mismanagement. Tanzanians now want similar clarity, as poverty and youth unemployment remain linked to corruption.

” Prof Kahangwa emphasised the importance of discussing the new constitution process, as promised during the campaign, economic strategies, and the implementation of the National Vision 2050, particularly in terms of development and economic growth. National cohesion A political science lecturer at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dr Conrad Masabo, said the best way to address the October 29 events is for the President to publicly acknowledge that existing disagreements prior to the unrest were a contributing factor.

He expects the speech to acknowledge citizens’ concerns and outline how the government will address outstanding issues. “This allows citizens to provide input, which the government can then use to move forward or develop alternative measures,” Dr Masabo said.

Reconciliation Political analyst and diplomacy expert Thomas Kibwana said reconciliation is expected to feature prominently in the President’s speech, alongside the government’s five-year vision and commitments to future generations, including the establishment of a reconciliation commission and the new constitution process. Condolences and reassurance Civil society organisations are also watching closely.

The Executive Director of Safer World Organisation in Mwanza, Manga Msalaba, said he expects the President to offer condolences to victims of the protests and reassure citizens. “Not all who were killed were protesters.

The President should also outline how the nation will move forward united and strengthen the rule of law,” he said, adding that the speech should clarify when reconciliation efforts will begin, as the absence of such measures contributed to the unrest. The nation’s eyes will remain fixed on Dodoma as Tanzanians await the President’s nominations and address, hopeful that her leadership will provide direction, reassurance, and a pathway to unity and national progress.

Additional reporting by Katare Mbashiru in Dodoma .

Dar es Salaam. Barrick Gold Corporation’s African operations have emerged as the company’s strongest growth driver, posting an exceptional eight percent production increase in the third quarter of 2025, largely powered by higher output from Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The performance cements Africa’s position as Barrick’s best-performing region, contributing the highest year-to-date gold output and the lowest realised costs among all company divisions. According to the firm’s quarterly results released this week, Africa’s attributable earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) jumped by 65 percent quarter-on-quarter, boosted by strong results from the Kibali Mine in the DRC and North Mara in Tanzania.

Kibali, Barrick’s flagship operation in the DRC, recorded a 15 percent production increase in the third quarter, driven by higher mining volumes and improved ore grades. The mine’s processing upgrades cut total cash costs by 7 percent compared to the previous quarter, underscoring operational efficiency gains.

In Tanzania, North Mara exceeded expectations with a 3 percent increase in production. The mine’s combined underground and open-pit operations enhanced extraction efficiency, supported by cost optimisation and improved equipment utilisation across processing plants.

“The Tanzania operations benefited from operational optimisation initiatives that improved equipment utilisation rates and minimised downtime across processing facilities,” reads a statement in the financial results. Barrick said these developments allowed the African region to expand profit margins significantly, benefiting from both increased production and reduced per-ounce costs.

Meanwhile, the company’s Lumwana copper mine in Zambia achieved a milestone by self-funding its major expansion project, even after a 7 percent dip in production during scheduled maintenance. However, the otherwise stellar African performance was tempered by challenges in Mali, where four Barrick employees have been detained since November 2024 amid political and regulatory tensions following the government’s seizure of the Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex.

Despite the disruption, Barrick reaffirmed its full-year guidance, citing strong output in Tanzania and the DRC as key stabilisers of its regional portfolio. The company’s Q3 results show Africa’s operations contributing disproportionately to Barrick’s global revenue of $4.1 billion, reinforcing the continent’s growing strategic importance in the firm’s global mining portfolio.

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Dar es Salaam. For the first time since its creation three years ago under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process at COP27 in Egypt (2022), developing countries hit by climate change can now formally apply for financial support from the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD).

The announcement made on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the ongoing COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, marks a breakthrough for nations already suffering from droughts, floods, sea-level rise, and other irreversible effects of global warming. At the centre of this new phase is the Barbados Implementation Plan (BIM), a detailed framework outlining how the FRLD will operate, receive, and distribute funds.

Under the BIM, developing countries can submit project proposals between mid-December 2025 and mid-June 2026, with the first approvals expected in July 2026. An initial $250 million (Sh625 billion) has been allocated to support projects addressing climate-induced loss and damage, including destroyed infrastructure, displaced communities, damaged ecosystems, and cultural heritage. “This first call for proposals will help test, learn, and shape the fund’s long-term operating model,” said FRLD Co-Chair Jean-Christophe Donnellier, adding: “It is an important signal to developing countries that support is now available.

” Tanzania and other African voices During the official launch of the BIM, Tanzania’s Special Envoy and Advisor to the President on Environment and Climate Change, Dr Richard Muyungi, said the move marks both real progress and a test of global solidarity. “We welcome the launch of the BIM because it represents significant progress,” said Dr Muyungi, adding, however, that current estimates for economic losses in 2025 alone range from $128 billion to $937 billion (Sh500 billion to over Sh2.3 trillion).

He emphasised that COP30 must go beyond symbolic pledges and secure firm political commitment for “significant capitalisation” when the FRLD begins its first replenishment cycle in 2027. The Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group, representing 44 nations across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Caribbean, echoed this call in a joint statement urging “rapid, direct, and effective disbursement” of resources to countries already facing climate-induced devastation. The group also welcomed the decision to start the replenishment process by 2027, noting that predictable funding cycles are vital to meeting the escalating needs of vulnerable nations on the climate frontline.

Civil society pushes for greater ambition Youth and gender activists say that while the FRLD’s operational launch is historic, the scale of available funding remains far from sufficient. Director of Hudefo and Lead Coordinator for Youth and Gender within the AGN, Ms Sarah Pima, said the fund’s current resources “represent only a fraction of what is required.

” “Climate disasters are escalating, yet we are talking about millions when losses already run into hundreds of billions,” she said, citing Hurricane Melissa, which recently caused an estimated $7 billion in damages across Jamaica and the Philippines. FRLD Executive Director, Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, acknowledged the funding gap but assured that efforts to mobilise additional financing are underway.

“We are aware that $250 million is not enough. But this first phase will help us learn, adjust, and attract more partners to scale up resources,” he said.

A long-awaited step towards climate justice The move has been welcomed across Africa and other developing regions as a long-awaited sign of progress in the global push for climate justice. The Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group Chair, Mr Evans Njewa, called it “a practical step toward justice, long awaited by communities on the frontlines of the crisis.

” He added that the fund must deliver “fast, simple, and accessible support with fair and flexible conditions for countries facing the harsh realities of climate change.” However, despite the celebration, experts warn that the available resources are drastically below what is required.

A report by the Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance estimates that developing countries could need between $200 billion and $400 billion annually by 2030 to address loss and damage. Yet so far, donor nations have pledged just $788 million, less than 0.

2 percent of the annual requirement. Of that amount, only $583 million has been converted into contribution agreements, and less than $400 million has been disbursed.

The numbers behind the fund Under the BIM, the FRLD will accept proposals for projects worth between $5 million and $20 million. However, given the limited $250 million pool, only a handful of proposals can be financed.

Experts urge developing nations to submit as many proposals as possible, arguing that oversubscription would send a strong political signal to scale up the fund. If not replenished swiftly, the fund could run dry by 2027, as its remaining reserves of about $157 million would be insufficient to sustain new commitments.

Analysts warn that developing countries collectively need at least $400 billion annually to address loss and damage, while scientific estimates suggest global economic losses from climate impacts could reach $395 billion in 2025 alone. For now, the FRLD’s opening call represents a small but symbolic step forward.

The real challenge, observers say, lies in ensuring that “the fund’s promises turn into tangible support for the world’s most vulnerable.” .

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. Speaker of the National Assembly, Mussa Azzan Zungu, has outlined his top legislative priorities for the 13th Parliament, including the long-standing quest for a new constitution.

Zungu, 73, the eighth top leader of the august House since independence, shared his plans for the new session, which opened here yesterday following his election by Members of Parliament (MPs) to succeed Dr Tulia Ackson. Out of 383 MPs who cast their votes, 378 backed Zungu, who also serves as the MP for Ilala.

He contested the post against five opposition candidates: Veronica Charles (NRA), Anitha Mgaya (NLD), Chrisant Ndege (DP), Ndonge Said Ndonge (AAFP), and Amin Yongo (ADC). In his acceptance speech after being sworn in by House Clerk Baraka Leonard, Zungu pledged impartiality in running parliamentary sessions, vowing to adhere strictly to the constitution, laws, and standing orders.

“My office will be open at all times, and I shall welcome any queries on how best we can run parliamentary business,” he said, emphasising the need to strengthen the link between Parliament and Tanzanians. Responding to a question from Tunduru North MP Ado Shaibu (ACT-Wazalendo) on pushing for the new constitution, Zungu said the agenda aligned with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s priorities for her second term.

“The President has made the constitution agenda a priority. As Speaker, I will ensure this quest is realised,” he said.

Calls for a new constitution have intensified among Tanzanians seeking improvements in governance, human rights, justice, and the rule of law. Observers say its enactment will be a litmus test for both government and Parliament.

Commenting on Zungu’s new role, Shaibu said: “I am glad he pledged to lead a House that does justice to all and is ready to supervise the process for a new constitution.” Hai MP Saasisha Mafuwe added that he was confident in Zungu’s leadership, noting the Speaker’s commitment to equality and inclusivity in Parliament.

About Zungu Mussa Azzan Zungu is a CCM politician who has served in Parliament since 2005. He was Chairperson of Parliament from 2012 to 2021 and Deputy Speaker from 2022 until his election as Speaker of the 13th Parliament. He also served as Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security for more than 16 years and has worked under four different Speakers, gaining extensive parliamentary and administrative experience.

Internationally, Zungu has represented the Tanzanian Parliament in the ACPEU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, led the Tanzania Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), and participated in study visits to over 23 countries. In government, he served as Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), gaining experience in government administration and Union cooperation matters.

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