Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. The High Court yesterday ruled in favour of opposition leader Tundu Lissu in his objection to the admission of video evidence presented by the prosecution in his ongoing treason case.

The video, contained in a flash drive and memory card, allegedly shows Mr Lissu making statements deemed seditious during a meeting with aspirants for various positions ahead of the 2025 General Election. The three-judge panel–comprising presiding judge Dunstan Ndunguru, sitting with judges James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde–agreed with one of the four grounds raised by Mr Lissu, ruling that the prosecution witness who sought to submit the exhibits lacked legal authority to do so.

“The court finds that the witness did not have the legal competence to tender such video evidence,” Judge Ndunguru said when delivering the decision yesterday. Mr Lissu, the national chairperson of the opposition party Chadema, faces a charge of treason under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code.

He is accused of uttering statements threatening the government of the United Republic of Tanzania and posting them on social media. Prosecutors allege that on April 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Mr Lissu said: “If they say this position signals rebellion, it’s true because we are saying we will stop the election, we will mobilise resistance we are going to disrupt this election badly.

” The case No. 19605 of 2025, is currently hearing prosecution witnesses.

The disputed witness, Police Inspector Samweli Eribariki Kaaya, a 39-year-old forensic image analyst with the Criminal Forensic Science Division, testified that he received the flash drive and memory card from the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Investigation Office on April 8, 2025, for verification. He told the court he examined the materials and confirmed that the video was authentic and had not been tampered with.

On October 17, he asked the court to admit the video files as prosecution exhibits. However, Mr Lissu objected, arguing that Inspector Kaaya was not legally qualified to submit the digital materials.

Citing Section 216(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA, Revised 2023), he said the witness had not been appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) or gazetted as an expert on moving images. He further argued that the witness was recognised only as an expert in still photography, not video analysis, and therefore lacked the mandate to present such evidence.

The prosecution, led by Principal State Attorney Nassoro Katuga, countered that the witness was competent and cited previous Court of Appeal rulings, but the judges disagreed. “The Gazette Notice No.

745 of 2022 appoints the witness as an expert in still photographs, not video footage,” said Judge Ndunguru. “This court finds that a moving image expert would have been the proper person to tender such exhibits.

” The court therefore rejected the video materials as evidence for the prosecution. Following the ruling, Inspector Kaaya sought to submit his forensic report on the video analysis, but Mr Lissu again objected, arguing that the same competence issue applied.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court adjourned the case until today for a ruling on whether or not to admit the report, before proceeding with the witness’s testimony. .

Kampala. Ugandan police on Wednesday revised down the death toll from a major bus crash on one of the country’s busiest highways, saying it had killed 46 people whereas before they had given a toll of 63. The crash happened just after midnight on the highway between the capital Kampala and the northern city of Gulu.

Initial investigations suggest it was caused by two buses coming from opposite directions trying to overtake other vehicles, a lorry and a sport utility vehicle (SUV). The two buses collided head-on.

The Uganda Police Force said in a statement that they had mistakenly given a higher death toll earlier in the day because some victims had been found unconscious at the scene, meaning they were erroneously included in the initial toll. President Yoweri Museveni sent condolences to the victims while campaigning for January’s general election not far from the place the accident happened.

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Dar es Salaam. Mining experts said that although the sector remains a key driver of Tanzania’s economy, persistent challenges related to justice, transparency, and community welfare demand urgent attention, calling for an effective resolution framework to ensure sustainability.

They also called for stronger collaboration and shared accountability among the government, investors, and communities to ensure the country’s fast-growing mining industry operates responsibly for the benefit of all stakeholders. The experts made the call in Dar es Salaam during a recent public dialogue dubbed Hoja Yako Mezani, organised by HakiRasilimali under the theme Beneath the Surface: Power, Responsibility, and the Quest for Justice in Extractives.

The discussion brought together policy analysts, human rights advocates, and community representatives from across the country. Speaking during the event, Business and Human Rights Tanzania (BHRT) programme officer, Mr Hussein Mvomvo, said issues surrounding justice, transparency, and community welfare remain rampant in Tanzania’s mining sector.

“The compensation process for citizens whose land has been acquired by mining firms remains complex. At times, the government, which was expected to defend the people, appears to side with investors, making it difficult to safeguard citizens’ rights effectively,” said Mr Mvomvo.

He noted that several similar cases call for stronger cooperation to find sustainable solutions. “Another common challenge arises when landowners are told their land belongs to the government once minerals are discovered.

Due to limited legal awareness, many communities end up frustrated, but we have been working to reach and educate them,” he said. A representative from the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), Mr Damas Monas, said achieving a balance between business and human rights requires wisdom and commitment from all actors.

“Business and human rights frameworks aim to ensure mutual benefits. However, in the extractive industry, human rights often extend beyond legal boundaries,” he said, adding.

“There are moments when common sense should prevail over the law to safeguard communities without discouraging investors.” He further emphasised the need for solidarity among all stakeholders, urging unity and collective responsibility from everyone involved.

A community representative, Mr Mohamed Nguku, shared experiences from mining areas, noting that conflicts often arise with large-scale investors rather than small-scale miners. “Artisanal miners rarely have serious conflicts with residents.

The problems come with big investors on issues such as environmental pollution, land degradation, and human rights violations. We must ensure they are held accountable to protect our communities,” he said.

Data from the Ministry of Minerals show that the mining sector contributes about 10 percent to Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the government targeting an increase to 12 percent by 2025. However, experts stress that economic growth must go hand in hand with transparency, fair compensation, and community participation to ensure equitable sharing of the nation’s mineral wealth. HakiRasilimali reiterated its commitment to continue convening such forums to foster dialogue and promote sustainable and inclusive solutions for the extractive industry.

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Dar es Salaam. With days remaining until Tanzanians head to the polls to elect the President, Members of Parliament, and councillors, political parties are intensifying preparations, training agents and deploying strategies to influence voters ahead of October 29, 2025. Alongside these party-led efforts, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over limited voter education.

Citizens report a lack of clarity on voting procedures, candidate identification, and the importance of participating meaningfully in the electoral process. Parties finalise agent deployment Chama cha Ukombozi wa Umma (Chaumma) says it requires more than 100,000 agents to cover polling stations from ward to constituency level, up to the presidential election.

“Activities are ongoing to ensure we have loyal agents who will monitor and safeguard the votes of our candidates,” said John Mrema, Chaumma’s Director of Public Communications. For ACT-Wazalendo, party leader Dorothy Semu said preparations are progressing swiftly, with candidate teams ensuring every polling station has an assigned agent.

“We aim to win as many constituencies and wards as possible. Every area will have an agent to protect our votes,” she said.

Semu noted delays in issuing oath letters for some agents but stressed the importance of capable and trustworthy personnel to safeguard votes. CUF Public Communications Director Mohamed Ngulangwa confirmed that all agents are being prepared in line with electoral laws.

“We expect all agents to be sworn in by 22 October,” he said. UMD Secretary-General Moshi Kigundula said the party is in the final stages of preparing agent letters for submission to INEC for formal swearing-in.

NLD Secretary-General Doyo Hassan Doyo confirmed that identification letters for agents have been prepared and are being distributed for swearing-in. Voter education gaps Citizens say this year’s elections differ from previous polls, with voter education limited and campaigns focusing more on participation than the value of voting.

“I still don’t know where I will vote or who the candidates are. Many are unfamiliar and have not appeared on political platforms we know,” said Said Mushi, a Temeke resident.

Emmanuel Kasembo, 63, from Kelege, Bagamoyo, said fears of demonstrations and election-day violence are discouraging turnout. “Many plan to stay home to avoid potential unrest,” he said.

INEC steps up education campaigns INEC regional coordinators said preparations are progressing well and voter education continues. Herman Matemu, coordinator for Geita, said information is being disseminated at markets, bus stations, and through media.

Hussein Moshi, coordinator for Kigoma, reported high public attendance at campaign meetings, while Elihuruma Nyela from Tabora said the voter education process is ongoing with positive reception. INEC Director Ramadhan Kailima said electoral materials have been distributed nationwide, and campaigns are proceeding peacefully.

“Complaints have been minimal, and any minor issues, such as in Kigoma between CCM and ACT-Wazalendo, were resolved,” he said. Candidates outline final campaign plans.

Mr Almas Kisabya (NRA) said remaining campaign days would consolidate earlier efforts. “We are proud to have raised awareness and received strong support during rallies, which suggests voters will make informed choices on 29 October,” he said.

UDP candidate Saum Rashid said the party will use the remaining 13 days to secure success in all areas where they have candidates. Coaster Kibonde (Chama cha Demokrasia Makini) said his party is conducting “peaceful campaigns” in previously unreached groups across the Lake Zone, receiving strong public support.

“Our priorities and promises resonate with citizens. We are confident voters will choose us on 29 October,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s top lady golfers are all set to begin their quest to defend the East and Central Africa All Africa Challenge Trophy (EACAACT) title as the prestigious tournament tees off today at the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort in Naivasha, Kenya.

The Tanzanian contingent comprises Vicky Elias, Neema Olomi, Shufaa Twalib, and Khadija Suleiman — four of the country’s finest talents who have been in top form throughout the season. The team is led by Yasmin Chali, who doubles as the Secretary General of the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU).

Although she will not feature in the main competition, Yasmin will take part in the supporters’ category. Besides Tanzania, the championship has attracted elite lady golfers from Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Madagascar, and Reunion, each fielding their top-ranked players for three days of competitive action on one of East Africa’s most picturesque yet challenging golf courses.

Speaking from Naivasha yesterday, Yasmin said the Tanzanian team has fully acclimatized and completed several practice rounds on the course, which is renowned for its scenic views, rolling fairways, and tricky greens. “Our golfers are in great shape and mentally ready for the challenge ahead.

They’ve had enough time to study the course and adapt to the conditions,” Yasmin told The Citizen. “We know the competition will be stiff, but our team is determined to defend the title and keep the trophy in Tanzania.

The players are focused, confident, and motivated to deliver another outstanding performance,” she added. Tanzania heads into the event as defending champions after clinching the overall team title at the 2023 edition in Kigali, Rwanda.

That memorable victory reinforced Tanzania’s growing dominance in regional women’s golf, as they had previously won the EACAACT crowns in 2009, 2011, and 2019. At last year’s event, Kenya’s Awuor claimed the individual title, while the Tanzanian team collectively displayed remarkable consistency and teamwork to secure the top overall position. The triumph not only showcased the country’s golfing strength but also underscored the impact of consistent development efforts by the TLGU in nurturing women’s talent across the nation.

Since its inception in 2009 in Uganda, the EACAACT has evolved into one of the most prestigious women’s golf tournaments in the region. It serves not only as a platform for competition but also as a celebration of unity, sportsmanship, and the growing participation of women in golf.

Yasmin emphasized that beyond the pursuit of victory, the tournament plays a vital role in building regional ties and advancing women’s golf. “This championship is not just about winning trophies, it’s about empowering women in sport, promoting excellence, and fostering friendships among nations,” she said.

“Every year, we see more young women taking up golf because they are inspired by events like this. That’s the true legacy we aim to build.

” The Great Rift Valley course, overlooking Lake Naivasha, offers a breathtaking yet demanding test for players. With varying elevations, strategically placed bunkers, and sweeping fairways, it promises to challenge every aspect of their game — from precision putting to long-distance drives.

As the tournament begins, all eyes will be on the Tanzanian quartet as they seek to extend their dominance and reinforce their reputation as the queens of regional women’s golf. Their performance in Naivasha could once again set the tone for another successful year in Tanzania’s growing golf story.

“We are proud to represent our country,” Yasmin concluded. “Our goal is to play with passion, discipline, and teamwork and bring the trophy back home.

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Dar es Salaam. Mobile money subscriptions in Tanzania have nearly doubled over the past four years, signalling a major shift in how citizens interact with financial services, agriculture, education and even politics.

In 2020, the country recorded just over 32 million active mobile money subscriptions. By 2024, that figure had almost doubled to 63 million.

The momentum has continued into this year, with active subscriptions rising by 5.3 percent between June and September alone–from 68.1 million to 71.7 million.

According to the FinScope Tanzania 2023 survey, mobile money adoption increased from 60 percent in 2017 to 72 percent in 2023, making it the primary means of financial transactions for many Tanzanians, particularly those in rural areas. Financial and economic analysts say the digital economy is rapidly becoming a reality as more people gain access to fast and convenient financial services.

However, they stressed the need for continued investment in public education, as incidents of fraud remain a concern. Statistics released by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) for July to September 2024 show that the mobile money market is dominated by three major players–M-Pesa, Airtel Money and Mixx by Yas–which together control about 89 percent of all subscriptions.

M-Pesa leads with a 40.9 percent market share, reflecting its strong presence in both urban and rural areas. While the number of accounts has grown significantly, the number of transactions has increased more modestly–from 3.

4 trillion over the past four years to 3.7 trillion in the most recent reporting period.

Commenting on the findings, a senior economics lecturer at the University of Dodoma (Udom), Dr Lutengano Mwinuka, attributed the surge to the integration of government systems, which now allow people to send and receive money between banks and mobile wallets, as well as withdraw cash at mobile agents. “In previous years, this was difficult due to the nature of the systems in place.

But technologies have since advanced and as a result, the digital economy is becoming a reality. Many sectors are now using digital systems for payments,” said Dr Mwinuka.

However, he cautioned that telecom companies and authorities still have a duty to educate users, as many continue to fall victim to scams. “Some people still send money to unknown individuals.

System security must also be improved,” he added. A senior lecturer in Finance and Banking at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Dr Tobias Swai, said several sectors–including schools, hospitals and colleges–have increasingly embraced mobile money for transactions.

He welcomed the positive trend but raised concerns about high transaction fees, which he said could discourage users from fully embracing digital financial services. “There’s a need to review these charges,” said Dr Swai.

“We have seen systems being integrated, such as TIPPS, which links mobile money with banks. This growth reflects people’s increasing adoption of such systems.

Authorities and telecoms have also made great strides in educating the public on the importance of mobile money.” In general, TCRA Director General Jabiri Bakari said the communications sector continued to record notable growth during the quarter ending September 2025, underscoring its vital role in advancing Tanzania’s digital transformation and socio-economic development.

“The sector remained resilient and adaptive, reflecting increased investment, innovation and consumer uptake across telecommunications, broadcasting and postal and courier services,” the report noted. .

Dar es Salaam. When Lucy John (not her real name) urgently needed financial assistance, she turned to a microfinance institution (name withheld) for help.

The institution swiftly approved her request for Sh20 million, a relief she accepted without thoroughly reviewing the loan terms. The only detail she recalled was that the interest rate stood at 20 percent.

Three months later, she learnt the hard way what failing to read the fine print meant. After delaying repayment for three months, Lucy deposited Sh15 million, only to be told she still owed Sh5 million in principal, Sh12 million in penalties and another Sh12 million in interest.

“I was shocked. Even though the interest was S million, I didn’t expect the penalties to be so high.

I tried to negotiate with the loan officer to reduce them, since I planned to settle the debt in December, but she insisted on the same amount,” she said. Her experience highlights a crucial lesson: borrowers must read and fully understand their loan agreements before signing.

Many Tanzanians find themselves trapped in costly contracts because they overlook key details such as interest rates, repayment schedules, and penalties. The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has repeatedly warned the public against borrowing from unlicensed microfinance institutions, citing exploitation through excessive interest rates, hidden charges, and punitive penalties.

Some lenders, BoT says, have charged borrowers up to 20 percent interest per month. To protect consumers, BoT introduced the Guidelines on Fees and Charges for Microfinance Service Providers, 2024, which require licensed lenders to clearly display their rates, fees, and penalties in both Kiswahili and English.

They must also seek BoT’s approval before introducing or increasing charges. The guidelines prohibit operational fees such as administrative or inquiry costs to prevent unfair burdens on borrowers.

Non-compliant institutions risk penalties of up to Sh20 million and possible licence suspension or revocation. BoT has also urged borrowers to verify whether a lender is licensed, noting that operating a microfinance business without a licence is a criminal offence under the Microfinance Act, 2018. BoT Governor Emmanuel Tutuba stressed the importance of understanding loan contracts before borrowing.

“Borrowers must assess their financial capacity and ensure they can meet repayment obligations. A loan agreement is a legally binding document–ignorance of its terms is not a defence,” he said.

Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions (TAMFI) Executive Secretary, Winnie Terry, said members under the association’s umbrella are not allowed to charge more than 3.5 percent interest monthly.

“We only regulate institutions affiliated with us. Those operating outside remain unmonitored, which is why BoT required all microfinance providers to register,” she said, adding that penalties vary by institution, making it vital for borrowers to read every clause carefully.

Independent analyst Christopher Makombe said some microfinance institutions continue to impose illegal interest rates of up to 20 percent monthly–equivalent to an annual rate exceeding 790 percent–leaving borrowers trapped in debt. “Such rates are exploitative,” he said.

“They prevent households and small businesses from growing and destabilise families financially.” Mr Makombe urged BoT and the Fair Competition Commission to strengthen oversight, enforce interest caps, and ensure transparency in loan contracts.

He also called for stronger financial literacy efforts. “Many borrowers sign contracts without understanding compound interest, penalties, or the impact of delayed payments,” he said.

“Always read the fine print, ask questions, and ensure the loan matches your repayment capacity. What you don’t know can cost you your peace of mind, your business, and your future.

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Zanzibar. The ACT-Wazalendo party says its campaign to win the Zanzibar presidency relies on two key strategies of mobilising enough votes and safeguarding the outcome through well-trained polling agents.

According to the party, which has fielded Othman Masoud Othman as its presidential candidate, the task of securing votes has been entrusted to special campaign teams known as OMO Teams. ACT-Wazalendo’s Zanzibar Vice Chairperson, Ismail Jussa, said the teams began operations before the official campaign period and have been working continuously as campaigns enter their final phase.

Speaking in an interview, Jussa–who also chairs the party’s Zanzibar Victory Committee–said the OMO Teams were driving the effort to ensure Mr Othman, popularly known as “OMO”, secures the presidency. He explained that the party had restructured its regional, constituency and branch leadership committees into victory teams, empowering them to mobilise support within their localities.

“We transformed our leadership committees into victory teams and strengthened them by bringing in new members who can help at the grassroots. Their role is to lead and supervise campaign efforts,” he said.

He added that the OMO Teams comprise groups of youths, women and elders tasked with seeking votes for Othman in both Pemba and Unguja. “These are what we call ‘barefoot soldiers’ — the ones moving house to house, each targeting their own demographic.

Youths engage with young people, women with women, and elders with their peers,” Jussa said. He noted that 32 of the teams are in Unguja and 18 in Pemba, covering all 50 constituencies.

Jussa expressed confidence that Othman would emerge victorious in the October 29 polls, saying ACT-Wazalendo had followed the campaign schedule set by the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) without interruption. “We have held nearly all our rallies except one that was cancelled following the death of CCM’s Fuoni parliamentary candidate, Abbas Mwinyi.

We have reached almost every constituency to promote OMO’s candidacy,” he said. At a rally held at Ole Kianga Laurent grounds in South Pemba, ACT-Wazalendo Deputy Secretary General for Zanzibar, Omar Ali Shehe, said the party had covered 33 out of its 36 planned constituency rallies.

“Our campaign is nearing completion, and we are very encouraged by the support we’ve received. My message to the other side is simple–prepare to work with Othman because this wave is unstoppable,” he said.

Jussa said beyond the rallies, Othman has been meeting with different social and economic groups daily, including farmers, fishers, traders, entrepreneurs, and religious leaders. “He also visits markets and interacts with communities affected by challenges such as land disputes.

This has brought him closer to the people and strengthened our connection with voters,” Jussa said. On safeguarding votes, Jussa said the party has deployed agents to all polling stations to monitor the voting and counting process.

“We know that’s where the biggest challenges arise, but ACT-Wazalendo is well prepared to protect our victory and ensure all our candidates, from councillors to the presidency, are declared winners,” he said. “We have no doubt about our victory because the numbers don’t lie.

Our campaign has been scientific, data-driven, and we are already ahead. The task now is to ensure high voter turnout,” he added.

At a rally in Ole, Othman urged voters to turn out in large numbers on election day. “Zanzibaris and ACT supporters, go out and vote peacefully with confidence.

We are the winners, and we must protect that victory. No one should stay at home,” he told the crowd.

Jussa said their confidence stemmed from the calibre of their candidate. “Othman commands broad respect due to his history and principles.

He understands Zanzibar’s quest for full autonomy better than anyone,” he said. He recalled that Othman’s decision to walk out of the 2014 Constituent Assembly, where he served as Attorney General, after disagreeing with CCM on parts of the proposed constitution, demonstrated his integrity and commitment to Zanzibar’s interests.

Although that move cost him his position under then-President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, it earned him lasting respect among Zanzibaris. “Othman knows Zanzibar’s political and historical landscape inside out.

He has maintained strong networks and goodwill across the political spectrum,” Jussa said. He added that the party’s decision to field candidates who won internal primaries and its firm stance against corruption had boosted its credibility.

“ACT-Wazalendo has demonstrated unity and discipline. Ninety-five percent of our candidates were approved by the Central Committee.

And our open opposition to corruption gives us moral strength heading into this election,” Jussa said. .

Dar es Salaam. With only seven days left before the General Election, CCM presidential candidate and Head of State, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has assured Tanzanians that the nation remains peaceful and secure, urging citizens to turn out in large numbers to cast their votes.

Speaking during a campaign rally at Kuche grounds in Kinyerezi, Ilala District, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, President Hassan said security and defence forces across the country were well-prepared and fully equipped to ensure safety throughout the election period. “On the safety of our citizens, I said it yesterday, but let me repeat it again today.

Our security and defence organs are well-prepared, and we have strengthened their capacity. The nation is safe at all times,” she said.

“Whether during the election or not, we are safe. These minor threats people are spreading around, if you hear them, just ask those behind them.

I want to assure all Tanzanians: go out and vote; we are secure,” she added. On Tuesday, during a campaign rally at Leaders Club in Kinondoni, President Samia told supporters that the only processions expected on election day, October 29, would be Tanzanians walking to polling stations to vote.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, she reiterated that there was no cause for alarm and that the country remained stable. “I took an oath to serve Tanzania, and that is exactly what I am doing.

I swore to protect the nation, to uphold the dignity of Tanzanians. When I ensure people have clean water, children access education, and citizens enjoy health services and security, that is honouring human dignity,” she said.

President Hassan also downplayed personal attacks directed at her during the campaign period, saying she was ready to bear them for the sake of unity and national service. “My brothers and sisters, leave the insults to me.

I will carry them on your behalf. Even our prophets suffered for the sake of others: Jesus was crucified to redeem humanity, and Prophet Muhammad endured pain in fulfilling God’s command to save his people,” she said.

The CCM presidential candidate further called on residents of Ubungo and Kinondoni to vote massively for the ruling party. “I have no pain in carrying these insults because I am doing this job wholeheartedly.

I have no regrets. Therefore, I ask all of you in Ubungo and Kinondoni to vote for us.

Not even a soda bottle cap will be lost,” she said. .

Dar es Salaam. The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has stepped up efforts to bridge the long-standing gap between academia and the labour market through a modern teaching methodology framework and enhanced collaboration with the private sector under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project.

The initiative, launched in 2021, aims to equip graduates with practical skills, provide lecturers with industrial exposure and strengthen ties with employers to improve job prospects for young professionals. As part of this effort, UDSM has established Industry Advisory Committees (IACs) to advise the university on curriculum development, research, innovation and community engagement.

Speaking yesterday during a meeting between the university’s Vice Chancellor and editors from various media outlets, HEETUDSM Deputy Project Coordinator Prof Liberato Haule said the initiative is helping address graduate unemployment by ensuring university programmes are aligned with labour market needs. “We developed guidelines for modern teaching methodologies that guided curriculum developers in designing relevant programmes.

The goal was to ensure young people are equipped with practical and up-to-date skills matching industry demands,” he said. Prof Haule added that the project has also strengthened partnerships with the private sector and employers through the development of collaboration guidelines that help integrate employment-oriented components into university curricula.

He noted that the framework allows lecturers to gain practical experience in workplaces to enhance their teaching effectiveness. “It was discovered that some lecturers were teaching business-related subjects without having any actual business experience.

The project now enables them to undertake industrial attachments to bridge that gap,” he explained. So far, through HEET, UDSM has facilitated internships for more than 100 graduates and 1,800 field practical, provided hands-on work experience, while 38 lecturers have benefited from industrial placements to enhance their professional competence.

To deepen the link between academia and industry, the university has also introduced Adjunct Staff, professionals with practical field expertise who teach and mentor students. Prof Haule revealed that about 250 curricula have been approved by the University Senate, including 94 in HEET’s priority disciplines, exceeding the original target of 60. “A total of 32 programmes have been accredited by the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), 19 of which are in priority disciplines, while two programmes will be offered fully online,” he said.

UDSM Vice Chancellor Prof William Anangisye said the $49.5 million (about Sh121 billion) project has created a unique opportunity to enhance infrastructure, build academic capacity, modernise curricula and expand the university’s contribution to national development. “This includes constructing modern classrooms, laboratories, workshops and digital learning centres.

Through HEET, UDSM is also developing new campuses in Lindi and Kagera regions and the expansion of its Institute of Marine Sciences in Zanzibar. Prof Anangisye noted that UDSM has achieved about 80 percent implementation progress since the project began, noting that the new Ngongo and Ruangwa campuses in Lindi, comprises of nine buildings and three buildings in Kagera at advanced stages of completion.

Additionally, the university is finalising 11 new teaching and office buildings, which have reached 75 percent completion, alongside student hostels accommodating 51 postgraduate and 386 undergraduate students. “The project has also improved UDSM’s ICT infrastructure, increasing internet capacity from 1.

5 Mbps to 10 Mbps, ensuring faster and more reliable connectivity,” he said. Modern teaching equipment has been installed in lecture halls with a combined capacity of 8,000 students, enhancing both digital and in-person learning experiences.

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