Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. The implementation of a harmonised regional roaming policy by the East African Community (EAC) has significantly reduced the cost of cross-border communication, making it much cheaper for Tanzanians to call within the region.

The latest statistics from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) in its Communications Statistics Report for JulySeptember 2025 shows that Tanzania’s international voice traffic recorded a mixed performance during the quarter ending September 2025, with outbound calls falling by eight percent, while inbound traffic rose by nine percent. The report reveals that the cost of calling East African countries has dropped sharply to Sh247.52 per minute, compared with Sh597.40 per minute four years ago.

Meanwhile, calls to the Rest of the World (RoW) rose slightly to Sh2,315.82 per minute, up from Sh2,175.15. TCRA attributes the decline in regional call tariffs to the EAC’s harmonised roaming framework, which seeks to create a “One Network Area” allowing citizens to communicate across borders at lower costs. The policy has made regional communication more affordable for individuals, businesses, and travellers, fostering stronger economic and social integration within East Africa.

Despite the drop in outbound international calls, the TCRA Communications Statistics Report for JulySeptember 2025 notes that Tanzania continues to generate more voice traffic to international destinations than it receives from abroad. This trend highlights the country’s sustained demand for international connectivity, particularly among businesses, travellers, and the diaspora.

The report shows that total voice traffic to and from East Africa (EA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Rest of the World (RoW) remained robust, reflecting steady engagement between Tanzania and its regional and global partners. Overall, international outgoing voice traffic fell from 159.4 million minutes in June to 146.2 million minutes in September, while incoming traffic rose from 39.8 million minutes to 43.4 million minutes over the same period.

Breaking down the figures, traffic to East Africa declined from 51.65 million minutes to 46.47 million, while incoming traffic from the region increased to 39.34 million minutes. Traffic to SADC countries fell from 206,623 minutes to 88,134, and to the Rest of the World, it dropped from 862,176 minutes to 738,282. Industry analysts suggest the decline in outbound traffic may be partly due to the growing use of internet-based communication platforms such as WhatsApp, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, which provide cost-effective alternatives to traditional voice calls.

Conversely, the rise in inbound traffic points to growing global interest in Tanzania’s communication networks, driven by the nation’s expanding economy, trade partnerships, and diaspora links. Commenting on the findings, TCRA director general, Dr Jabir Bakari, said the communications sector continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, playing a key role in advancing Tanzania’s digital transformation and socio-economic development.

“Overall, the quarter’s performance reaffirms the strong momentum toward a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered Tanzania,” said Dr Bakari. “TCRA remains committed to facilitating an enabling environment that supports infrastructure investment, innovation, and the sustainable growth of the communications ecosystem in line with national development priorities and the vision of a digital economy,” he added.

Commenting on the report, Rwandan East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) legislator, Mr Clement Musangabatware, said the reduction in costs reflects a deeper level of regional integration in the communications sector. He said it indicates that EAC member states are progressively harmonising telecom policies and reducing barriers to cross-border communication.

Furthermore, he said, citizens, businesses, and institutions across the region are beginning to experience the tangible benefits of integration, not only in trade and movement but also in daily life and connectivity. “Lower call rates across borders mean stronger people-to-people ties, as families, students, and workers can communicate more easily.

They also translate into cheaper business communication, which enhances regional trade efficiency and collaboration,” he said. He added that reduced call rates encourage more frequent communication among East Africans, from students studying within the region to cross-border traders and migrant workers.

According to him, this increased interaction nurtures a shared sense of identity and belonging, crucial to advancing Pan-Africanism and realising the EAC’s vision of “One People, One Destiny.” He said affordable communication allows businesses to coordinate supply chains, logistics, and customer relations more effectively across borders.

“Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the EAC economy, benefit significantly from lower operational costs and improved competitiveness in the regional market,” he stressed. Lower telecom costs align with the EAC Common Market Protocol, promoting free movement of goods, services, labour, and capital.

They also advance the region’s digital transformation agenda by fostering cross-border e-commerce, fintech growth, and innovation ecosystems. .

Iringa. The government has launched a nationwide livestock vaccination and identification campaign for the 20252029 period, with Iringa Region targeting over 400,000 livestock.

They include 400,000 cattle, 20,000 goats and sheep, and 1.5 million chickens under the programme.

The Zonal Veterinary Officer and Head of the Southern Highlands Livestock Disease Investigation Centre (ZVCIringa) under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Jeremiah Choga, said the campaign, which commenced in June this year, aims to control livestock diseases and enhance productivity across the sector. “As you may be aware, the livestock sector faces several diseases.

The government, through the ministry, has allocated funds for vaccinating animals against different infections,” he said. “This five-year campaign, which runs until 2029, began with cattle vaccination against contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), while in other areas goats, sheep, and chickens are being vaccinated,” added Dr Choga.

He said the government has allocated Sh216 billion for campaign implementation, which also includes tagging livestock with identification collars to combat theft and strengthen data management within the sector. “The benefits of this campaign include establishing accurate livestock population data, reducing disease prevalence, improving animal health, and boosting productivity in the livestock industry,” he said.

In Mafinga Township, local authorities have already vaccinated more than 8,000 cattle, representing 88 percent of the target, as part of efforts to eradicate livestock diseases. The Mafinga Town Council Veterinary Officer, Dr Aldonis Ulimboka, said that out of 10,000 targeted cattle, the majority have already been vaccinated and registered under the new livestock identification system.

Livestock keepers in the region have welcomed the government’s efforts, saying the programme will improve livestock health and productivity. “This campaign will help reduce animal deaths and enhance productivity.

We are grateful to the government for offering free vaccinations, which will increase farmers’ income and improve our livelihoods,” said a livestock keeper from Changarawe Ward, Gwamaka Mwakang’ata. Another livestock keeper, Mr Michael Nyalusi from Ngome neighbourhood, said the campaign has already reduced the occurrence of diseases that had long plagued herders in the area.

“The situation has greatly improved. We used to lose many animals to preventable diseases, but this programme has brought real relief to farmers,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. Civil society and legal organisations in Tanzania have intensified calls for immediate, practical measures to restore peace and uphold human rights in the aftermath of the unrest that followed the October 29, 2025, General Election.

The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) and the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) underscored the urgent need for transparent and accountable actions to rebuild public trust and strengthen national cohesion. Although there was no immediate response from the government as of Thursday, November 6, 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, during her inauguration on November 3, expressed deep concern over the recent unrest, describing the incidents as inconsistent with Tanzanians’ peace loving nature.

She said the violence, loss of lives and destruction of both public and private property, particularly in major towns and cities, had deeply saddened all who wish the best for the nation. President Hassan emphasised that the country’s security and defence forces were conducting thorough investigations to determine what had transpired and to restore normalcy as swiftly as possible.

The Head of State has also repeatedly outlined her broader vision for governance under the R4 Philosophy, stressing consultation and dialogue as key priorities. “With a government guided by the R4 Philosophy, we will continue consultations with political stakeholders, civil society institutions, and the private sector by forming committees and initiating reconciliation and mediation discussions, while creating an environment to start the process for a new constitution,” she said during her campaign.

However, THRDC and TLS have now urged families with missing relatives to report to authorities, human rights organisations, or TLS regional offices to aid tracing efforts. The groups also called on the police to immediately halt raids on homes and arrests targeting journalists, politicians, human rights defenders, and ordinary citizens.

They further demanded that all fabricated terrorism-related charges be dropped and that arrests linked to peaceful demonstrations cease without delay. The organisations stressed the importance of offering legal support to affected families.

Member bodies of THRDC and TLS have been encouraged to extend free legal aid to those facing unlawful detention, prosecution, or losses resulting from the unrest. “Freedom and justice are not privileges granted by the powerful–they are rights that every citizen is entitled to.

Protecting these rights is essential for national stability and lasting peace,” the statement read in part. In their joint statement, the organisations also noted that previous appeals for national dialogue to address citizens’ concerns ahead of the elections were largely ignored.

They argued that open communication between the government and the public could have prevented the recent turmoil and mitigated tensions. “The road to lasting peace requires action, not words alone.

We remain committed to defending the rights, lives, and dignity of every Tanzanian and to building a nation rooted in justice, solidarity, and mutual respect,” the THRDC and TLS statement concluded. The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) echoed these recommendations, calling on the government to establish an independent judicial commission to investigate the full extent of the violence and clarify reports on police conduct, particularly regarding pillage and property destruction on polling day.

LHRC said impartial investigations are essential to restore confidence in the justice system, ensure accountability, and promote national reconciliation. “Accountability is vital for justice to prevail and for the nation to heal,” LHRC stated, welcoming the President’s commitment to dialogue and reconciliation.

The centre further urged the government to ensure legal consequences for individuals found responsible for unlawful acts, stressing that transparency and fairness must guide all proceedings. Other civil society organisations, including the Tanzania Media Women’s Association (Tamwa), joined in calling for constructive action.

Tamwa extended condolences to families affected by the unrest and emphasised the importance of rebuilding peace, solidarity, and public trust. Tamwa’s executive director, Dr Rose Reuben, said every effort to restore calm and stability should prioritise human dignity and the protection of fundamental rights.

As Tanzania gradually returns to normalcy, these organisations underscored that sustainable peace and democracy can only be achieved through practical, solution-oriented measures. They urged swift government action to strengthen national unity, uphold human rights, and adhere to the principles enshrined in the Constitution and international conventions ratified by the country.

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Dar es Salaam. After the curfew was lifted, many Tanzanians discovered that life had not returned to normal.

The city streets were open, shops were busy and public transport had resumed, but the people were not the same. From crowded daladalas to bustling markets, the lively conversations that once filled the air had faded.

People spoke in whispers or avoided talking altogether, fearing they could be misunderstood. “People used to talk freely here, but everyone became scared of saying something that could be taken the wrong way.

We lived in silence, not because we wanted to, but because we had to,” said Rehema Mussa, a shopkeeper in Kinondoni. Even in the daladalas, the mood remained tense.

Before the tragedy, passengers often joked, debated politics, or shared stories with strangers. After the curfew, commuters sat quietly, eyes fixed ahead, and conductors who were once talkative, collected fares without a word.

“You could feel the tension, even humour felt dangerous.” said one commuter Residents in areas such as Sinza, Kimara, and Tabata said they still felt uneasy walking home after sunset, even when the streets appeared calm.

According to a cosmetics seller in Sinza, Neema John, said fear had become part of daily life. “Your heart raced when someone walked behind you.

Even if it was just a neighbour, you still felt afraid. We lost our sense of trust,” she said.

Silence was also noticeable in workplaces. Workers who once joked and chatted now kept to themselves.

An employee from Workspace, Haji Haji said that before the tragedy, colleagues freely talked about politics, football, and music. “Now, even when someone tried to start a conversation, people answered with only one or two words.

It was like the whole city had lost its laughter,” he said. Psychologists, Dr Grace Gidion, said that the quiet is a natural response to collective trauma.

She explained that fear and curfew were common after communities experienced painful events together. “What we saw was not just fear, but a form of emotional withdrawal,” she said.

“People stop expressing themselves as a way to cope. But over time, silence becomes harmful.

It isolates individuals and delays healing.” Dr Gidion further added that rebuilding communication is essential for recovery.

“When fear dominates, people lose trust not only in others but also in themselves,” she said. “Restoring trust begins with small steps, talking to neighbours, checking on friends, or sharing daily experiences.

” Although the curfew ended, many people struggled to return to the open, easy conversations that once defined Tanzanian society. As the nation slowly recovered, the quiet that filled buses, homes, and streets reflected both pain and resilience.

Beneath that silence, there is hope that laughter would return to the community. .

Dar es Salaam. Africa holds more than $1 trillion in pension assets, a financial reservoir that could transform the continent’s development.

Yet an astonishing 99 percent of private equity investment capital used in Africa still originates from outside the continent. That contradiction, described as “a crisis of belief, not a crisis of money,” dominated discussions at the All Africa Pension Summit in Kampala, which started on November 5 and runs until November 7, where pension fund managers, government officials and development partners were urged to channel African savings into African development.

Chairperson of the East Africa Venture Capital Association, David Owino, said in the discussion with an unvarnished assessment. “Africans do not believe in developing themselves.

There are people who believe in developing Africa more than Africans do,” he said. Mr Owino, whose organisation represents private equity, venture capital and institutional investors across East Africa, said African pension funds provide less than one percent of the capital used by private equity firms investing on the continent.

“Ninety-nine percent of the funds we invest in Africa come from outside Africa. If we do not trust ourselves, develop our own structures, and innovate our own ways of developing ourselves, nobody will do it for us,” he said.

He stressed that even a small shift in pension allocations could have significant impact. “We are simply asking: can we get about ten percent or even five percent allocated to economic development? If we only got the one percent Patrick spoke about, it would go a long way.

” One percent of Africa’s pension savings, now above $1 trillion, would unlock more annual financing than what private equity is currently investing in the continent. Mr Owino argued that Africans already save, the problem lies in where their money is invested.

“We have dead capital. People buy small pieces of land hoping it grows in value,” he said.

He noted the existence of modern investment platforms, personalised pension products, circles and money market funds, but insisted the real issue is trust. “It is just trust.

Straight from the employee to the employer to the fund manager.” He shocked the room with an example: the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund is the single largest shareholder of Equity Bank.

“Who is banking in the bank? Not Norwegians. Tanzanians.

Ugandans. Kenyans.

Why don’t we own our assets?” He asserted: “We must find the solutions ourselves. Let us not let this opportunity pass us by.

” Earlier, Patrick Ayota, Managing Director of NSSF Uganda, laid out the numbers. Africa, he said, faces an annual financing gap of $1.3 trillion, including a $200 billion infrastructure deficit.

Meanwhile, the continent borrows at an average interest rate of 89 percent, compared with 45 percent in Asia, despite Africa having one of the lowest default rates in the world. “This paradox reveals a fundamental market failure.

Despite proving our creditworthiness, Africa pays the highest premiums,” Ayota said. He described pension funds as ‘patient capital,’ well suited for long-term development, and revealed that pension assets in Africa grew from $420 billion in 2019 to more than $1 trillion in 2024. Just one percent of those funds could unlock $10 billion annually for infrastructure, housing, energy, transport and digital investments.

Mr Ayota compared Uganda with Singapore, two countries that gained independence just one year apart. Today, Singapore’s savings rate is 57.8 percent of GDP while Uganda’s is 23 percent.

“The growth of the Asian Tigers was not built on aid, it was built on disciplined domestic savings that financed their own industrialisation,” he said. United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Leonard Zulu, reinforced the case for local investment.

“The question is not whether pension plans should help finance sustainable development. It is how to do so prudently, at scale, and with measurable impact,” he said.

He noted that pension funds benefit citizens twice: as retirement savings and through infrastructure that improves daily lives. “If we do our work exceptionally well, those savings will return to them as power that lights their homes, roads that link their markets, and clinics that heal their families.

” Mr Zulu pledged UN support in preparing investable projects, building standards and reducing risk. Uganda’s Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, speaking on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, said Africa has no justification for failing to use its own savings to fund development.

“Historically, Africa’s problem has been one of underutilised potential,” Museveni said in her speech. “A paradox of a poor population surrounded by abundant natural resources.

” He emphasised that while Africa has always had land and labour, it lacked capital and entrepreneurship, and pension funds offer a solution. “Africa’s pension funds, estimated at $1.4 trillion, provide a rare opportunity to raise capital for electricity, roads and railways,” he said.

Uganda’s Permanent Secretary for Finance added that pension assets in Uganda have grown to UGX 25.4 trillion, equivalent to 12 percent of GDP, and will be channelled into well-prepared national projects. “Our savings are our sovereignty,” he said.

“By leveraging domestic capital wisely, we can build the foundation for the next generation of African prosperity.” The most emotional call to action came from Uganda’s Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongin: “Do we want these funds to just be held in reserve? Or do we want them to build schools, hospitals, infrastructure for our people?” She cautioned that Africa is trapped in dependency by relying on foreign borrowing.

“We are paying to be indebted, rather than investing to be empowered. The greatest risk is not investing in Africa’s potential.

The greatest risk is failing to do so,” she said. She urged pension funds to move from passive investment to active nation-building.

“Let us invest in ourselves, for ourselves. The future is not something we wait for.

It is something we build,” she said. .

Dodoma. Tanzania’s 13th Parliament is set to officially convene — but once again, without an official opposition camp, continuing a trend that has now spanned two consecutive parliaments.

According to the list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a total of 115 Members of Parliament have been appointed under the Special Seats arrangement. Of these, 113 belong to the ruling CCM, while two represent the Chaumma party, signaling the party’s growing presence on the national stage.

The 12th Parliament, which was dissolved on August 2, 2025, also operated without a formal opposition camp. It included only 26 opposition legislators — seven constituency MPs and 19 Special Seats MPs — who were later said to have entered Parliament contrary to their party’s internal rules.

This time, the absence of an official opposition is due to the small number of opposition MPs, currently standing at 12 in total — 10 directly elected and two through Special Seats — out of 396 MPs. Two constituencies are yet to hold elections.

In total, Parliament comprises 270 constituency MPs, 115 Special Seats MPs, and the Attorney General, who serves as an ex-officio member. Threshold not met Under Part Five, Section 21 of the 2023 Standing Orders of Parliament, an official opposition camp may only be formed if the minority side constitutes at least 12.5 percent of all MPs.

“Members of Parliament belonging to parties with minority representation may form an official opposition camp if their number is not less than twelve and a half percent of all members of Parliament,” the Standing Orders state. With the current parliamentary composition, a minimum of 49 opposition MPs would be required to meet this threshold — a target far from the current tally.

Chaumma’s Rise While the numbers fall short of forming an official opposition, Chaumma’s inclusion marks a notable development. The party’s appointees — Devotha Minja and Sigrada Mligo — are among the 115 Special Seats MPs announced by INEC on November 7, 2025. Their selection underscores Chaumma’s gradual emergence as an alternative political force following its strong performance in the October 29 general election, in which its presidential candidate Salum Mwalimu and running mate Devotha Minja finished second overall.

Ms. Minja is no stranger to Parliament, having previously served as a Special Seats MP (20152020) under Chadema before joining Chaumma.

Ms. Mligo, who contested the Njombe Urban seat in the recent polls, is making her parliamentary debut.

A former Publicity Secretary of Chadema’s women’s wing (Bawacha), she shifted allegiance to Chaumma ahead of the elections. CCM Dominance Continues CCM remains the dominant force in the 13th Parliament, both numerically and institutionally.

Among its appointees is Mary Chatanda, the Chairperson of the CCM Women’s Wing (UWT), reinforcing the ruling party’s extensive representation in the legislature. With the current numbers, analysts say the absence of a formal opposition camp may limit structured parliamentary debate — but also places greater responsibility on independent voices and committee systems to ensure accountability and scrutiny.

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Dar es Salaam. Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a warm congratulatory message to Samia Suluhu Hassan following her assumption of the presidency of the United Republic of Tanzania.

In his message, President Xi highlighted the longstanding friendship between China and Tanzania, noting that bilateral relations in recent years have flourished at a high level. “I am delighted to learn of your assumption of office as President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and would like to extend to you our warmest congratulations on behalf of the government and people of China.

I wish you every success in fulfilling this noble mission, and even greater accomplishment in leading the people of Tanzania toward national development and revitalisation,” Xi said. He further underscored that China values its partnership with Tanzania, with the two nations supporting each other on key issues of core interest and achieving tangible results across multiple areas of practical cooperation.

Xi expressed his readiness to work with President Hassan to implement outcomes from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, aiming to elevate the China-Tanzania comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to new heights and contribute to the creation of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era .

Dar es Salaam. The rivalry for the position of Speaker between the incumbent, Dr Tulia Ackson, and her deputy, Mussa Azzan Zungu, highlights how the Deputy Speakership has effectively evolved into a preparatory stage for the top parliamentary role.

This pattern is evident from previous parliamentary leadership successions, where several former Deputy Speakers later contested for the Speakership, suggesting the position acts as a grooming platform for future leaders. The unfolding contest has been described as a political tussle following Mr Zungu’s decision to collect nomination forms within Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) to challenge his boss, Dr Ackson, for the Speakership.

The path to the Speaker’s chair has historically taken different forms, starting with Speaker Adam Sapi Mkwawa, whose deputy, Pius Msekwa, went on to inherit the position. Two days ago, the CCM Special National Executive Council (NEC), chaired by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dodoma, shortlisted candidates for the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 13th Parliament.

For the Speakership, the shortlisted candidates are Dr Tulia Ackson, Mussa Azzan Zungu and Stephen Masele. For the Deputy Speakership, the names include Najma Giga, Daniel Sillo and Timotheo Mzava.

The shortlisted candidates will first face a vote by the CCM Parliamentary Caucus before proceeding to a full House vote. Although Mr Msekwa initially served as Deputy Speaker, he effectively ran the House for an extended period due to Speaker Mkwawa’s ill health.

Known for his experience in public administration, constitutional matters and parliamentary procedure, he later became Speaker during the early years of multiparty politics. That was the time when Parliament required a steady and experienced hand to manage rising political tensions.

Samuel Sitta led the Ninth Parliament under his “speed and standards” philosophy, which emphasised government accountability. Anne Makinda, who served as his deputy, later succeeded him after CCM’s internal processes did not nominate Sitta for another term.

During Makinda’s tenure, Job Ndugai served as her deputy, managing a large and vocal opposition bench. His five-year experience as Deputy Speaker helped him steer a Parliament marked by high tension and robust debate.

Following the 2015 General Election, Speaker Ndugai’s health challenges often kept him abroad for treatment, leaving Dr Tulia Ackson, then Deputy Speaker, to preside over sessions for extended periods. After Ndugai’s resignation, CCM swiftly endorsed Dr Ackson–then widely seen as a capable and well-prepared successor due to her parliamentary experience and strong legal credentials.

Mussa Hassan Zungu was later elected Deputy Speaker, bringing with him long parliamentary experience and prior leadership roles, including chairing House committees. His decision to contest the Speakership now reflects an established parliamentary culture in which the Deputy Speaker’s post is viewed as a stepping stone to the top job.

Political analyst Dr Onesmo Kyauke said CCM’s decision to field both the Speaker and her deputy for the same race signals the party’s commitment to internal democracy, leaving MPs free to elect the leader they trust most. “Although it’s difficult to predict the winner, I believe Mr Zungu stands a fair chance.

He is charismatic, experienced, and older–qualities that may appeal to younger MPs seeking a mature and steady leader,” Dr Kyauke said. However, he added that age might also prove divisive, as some MPs may prefer a younger leader with fresh perspectives.

Political analyst Hamduny Marcel argued that while Mr Zungu is “politically formidable,” Dr Ackson has a strong advantage given her legal background and international reputation. “Dr Tulia’s strength lies in her legal expertise and her role as President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), where she represents the country effectively,” said Mr Marcel.

He added that gender dynamics might also influence voting patterns. “Women may support a fellow woman, but MPs’ voting behaviour can be unpredictable,” he noted.

Another analyst, Enzi Talib, said Parliament now needs a leader with both deep legal knowledge and international exposure–qualities that Dr Ackson has consistently demonstrated. “At this stage, the Speaker must have both local and international experience.

Dr Tulia fits this profile, unlike Mr Zungu, whose expertise remains largely domestic,” he said. Although current Standing Orders provide that the Deputy Speaker assumes the Speaker’s role in their absence, analysts say the office still needs to be strengthened with independent functions.

At present, the Deputy Speaker’s duties are limited to acting in the Speaker’s stead, creating an impression that the role lacks autonomy. Experts suggest amending Standing Orders–or even the Constitution–to grant the office a distinct mandate, such as chairing key committees like Ethics or Parliamentary Resources.

They also propose giving the Deputy Speaker administrative oversight of departments such as Research, MPs’ Training, or Parliamentary Communications. Such reforms, they argue, would make the office more substantive, allowing the Speaker and Deputy Speaker to function complementarily, rather than one merely standing in for the other.

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Dodoma. Former Speaker of the National Assembly of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Tulia Ackson, has withdrawn from the race to retain her position in the 13th parliament.

Earlier, Dr Tulia had collected nomination forms and was endorsed by the selection committees of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), to defend her position. However, she has now announced her decision to withdraw from the contest.

CCM had initially endorsed three candidates — Dr Tulia Ackson, former Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mussa Zungu, and former Shinyanga Urban MP Stephen Masele. Dr Tulia’s withdrawal, who is also the elected MP for Uyole, means that Zungu and Masele remain the only contenders for the position to lead the legislative arm of government.

Tulia became Speaker of the National Assembly in February 2022, after the resignation of Job Ndugai after his fallout with the government. Tulia was the second woman in Tanzania to hold the Speaker role after Anna Makinda.

In October 2023, she was elected President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) for a 3-year term. .

When the curfew was announced, I didn’t think about politics or protests I thought about dinner. About my children’s next meal, water, and the little things that keep a home running.

But nothing prepares you for being forced to stay inside, not by choice, but by circumstance and without internet to even distract your thoughts. As a journalist, I’m used to moving.

My days are filled with people, deadlines, noise, and screens. But for six long days, all that went silent.

No emails, no social media, no calls. Just the sound of my two toddlers in the house, their laughter, their fights, their endless questions.

It’s strange how quiet can feel so loud. My toddlers love Miss Rachel, but with the internet shutdown, that small comfort disappeared overnight.

Suddenly, I had to be Miss Rachel singing, dancing, explaining the alphabet, and pretending to be cheerful even when I wasn’t. Food was another challenge.

Bread, milk, and maize flour, the basics, vanished from shelves. Groceries we took for granted became rare.

We ate what we had, not what we wanted. Every meal required thought, creativity, and compromise.

You know that feeling when you do something because you have no other option? That was it. Even a short walk to the Mangi shop a few houses away felt like a mission.

The streets were empty, the air heavy with uncertainty. Now and then, we’d hear mirindimo ya something maybe gunfire, maybe explosions.

I’d freeze, hold my children close, and wait for the sound to fade. Being indoors for that long changed the rhythm of everything.

As a mother, I had no off switch, no pause, no quiet coffee break. My children needed me every minute.

As a wife, I tried to stay calm, to keep home steady even when I didn’t feel steady myself. And as a journalist, I struggled with the silence, not being able to know what was happening out there, to report, to connect.

Messages from family and friends abroad couldn’t come through. The simple text “uko salama?” suddenly felt like the most important sentence in the world, but we couldn’t send or receive it.

By day four, I started counting how many scoops of rice were left and how many litres of water. Every drop mattered.

Every plan became a backup plan. Six days indoors taught me that survival isn’t just about food or safety but about endurance.

It’s about holding yourself together when you can’t step outside, when you can’t even scroll to escape your own thoughts. When the restrictions finally lifted, I didn’t feel relief right away.

I just sat quietly and took a deep breath, realising that I had spent six days surviving not just the curfew but the stillness itself. Because staying indoors against your will, cut off from the world, changes something inside you.

You don’t come out the same, but you come out stronger, more aware of the small things that keep life moving even when everything else stands still. .