Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Vodacom Tanzania has unveiled its newest branch at the recently opened East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACLC) in Ubungo, featuring a dedicated service desk designed to cater for customers with disabilities.

Speaking during the launch, Vodacom Tanzania Chief Executive, Officer Philip Besiimire, said the new branch reflects the company’s continued commitment to inclusion as it marks 25 years of operations in the country. “As we commemorate 25 years of connecting and empowering our customers, we are proud to reinforce our inclusion agenda through the expansion of our customer support footprint and the launch of another service desk for people with disabilities,” said Mr Besiimire.

Vodacom’s Consumer Business Unit Director, Ms Brigita Shirima, highlighted that the company’s inclusion efforts are evident through a range of initiatives designed to accommodate customers with diverse needs. “From dedicated sign language interpreters and WhatsApp video call support for deaf customers, priority handling for registered blind customers, to wheelchair-accessible ramps and now accessible service tables designed for customers using wheelchairs these efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring that every customer is served with respect, care, and convenience,” she said.

Head of Customer Experience and Digital Care, Ms Belinda Wera, said the company has lined up several activities to celebrate the week, including recognising customers, partners across the M-Pesa ecosystem, and staff members. “This week we will be recognising and celebrating not just our customers but also our partners and teams that work tirelessly to serve them day and night.

Recognising that we do not exist in isolation, we will also engage in community activities as a way of thanking Tanzanians for their continued support over the years,” said Ms Wera. Through digital platforms such as VodaTube and its digital care channels, the company continues to promote digital literacy and financial education, empowering customers to make informed choices and fully benefit from mobile technology.

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Dar es Salaam. JKT Queens players have dominated the national women’s football team, Twiga Stars, squad that is preparing for two crucial qualification matches for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against Ethiopia later this month.

The heavy representation reflects JKT’s growing influence in women’s football following their impressive performances in domestic competitions. Out of the 25 players named by head coach Bakari Shime, 12 are from JKT Tanzania, the highest contribution from any single club.

They are followed by Simba Queens, who have three players called up to the national side. The balance of the squad showcases a mix of both home-based and foreign-based stars who bring a blend of youth, experience, and international exposure to the team.

The squad will be captained by Opa Clement, who plays for Eibar in Spain’s top women’s league. Her leadership and experience are expected to be key as Twiga Stars aim to secure qualification for the continental showpiece.

The team also features several rising stars from the national U-20 side, Tanzanite Queens, who recently eliminated Angola in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Their inclusion marks a significant step in integrating young talent into the senior setup, ensuring continuity and long-term development for Tanzanian women’s football.

Midfielder Diana Lucas, who has been in outstanding form and currently plays professionally in Turkey for Trabzonspor, retains her spot in the team. She will be joined by Mexico-based duo Enekia Kasonga and Julitha Singano of FC Juarez, both of whom add valuable international experience and creativity to the squad.

Other foreign-based players include Hasnath Ubamba of Al Masry in Egypt and Noela Luhala, who plays for Asa Tel Aviv in Israel. He 25-player squad also features local stars such as Najat Abbas, Asha Mrisho, Donisia Misnja, Lidya Maximilian, Ester Maseke, Fumukazi Ally, Christer Bahera, Janeth Pangamwene, Elizabeth Chenge, Stumai Abdallah, Jamila Rajab, and Winifrida Gerald from JKT Tanzania.

From Simba Queens, the selected players are Asha Ramadhan, Fatuma Issa, and Aisha Mnunka. Others in the team include Maimuna Kaimu from Yanga Princess, Nusrat Jaffar from Alliance Girls, and Suzan Adam from Tausi Queens.

Twiga Stars will host Ethiopia on October 22, 2025, in the first leg of the WAFCON qualifiers before traveling to Addis Ababa for the return leg on October 28, 2025. The aggregate winner over the two matches will earn a spot in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, which will be held in Morocco next year and feature 16 of the continent’s best women’s national teams. .

Dar es Salaam. DB Lioness head coach, Mohammed Mchenga, has described their second consecutive Dar es Salaam Women’s Basketball League (WBDL) title as a hard-fought achievement.

Guiding BD Lioness through 22 league matches, Mchenga recorded 19 wins and three losses, leading the team to retain the championship. Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, he noted that this season’s league was far more competitive compared to the previous one, largely driven by the lucrative prize packages offered by betting firm betPawa and Vodacom Tanzania.

Mchenga explained that betPawa provided Sh88, 750 through the “Locker Room Bonus” to each of the 12 players and four team officials. In total, based on their performance and number of victories, DB Lioness collected approximately Sh27 million from the betting firm alone.

Vodacom Tanzania further incentivized competition by setting aside Sh10 million for the title winner. “All this prize money encouraged all teams to fight harder, making the league extremely competitive.

I commend my players for their fighting spirit, they fully deserved to win the title,” said Mchenga. DB Lioness sealed their championship in emphatic fashion by recording a 3-0 sweep over JKT Stars in the final series.

The team’s dominance throughout the season was marked by consistent performances, strategic gameplay, and exceptional teamwork. Mchenga emphasized that the combination of rigorous training, strong team cohesion, and the motivation provided by the financial rewards contributed significantly to their success.

He also highlighted the growing professionalism in the league, noting that more clubs are now investing in better training facilities and player development programs. With back-to-back titles, DB Lioness have solidified their status as a powerhouse in Dar es Salaam women’s basketball.

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Dar es Salaam. A team of Tanzanian legal drafters from the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Draftsman (OCPD) has embarked on a mission to modernise the country’s legislative drafting process, drawing inspiration from one of the world’s oldest parliamentary systems.

This comes after the delegation visited the Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel (CALC) European Regional Conference in the United Kingdom to explore how each chamber functions, observed parliamentary procedures in session, and learned about the long-standing traditions that continue to shape democratic lawmaking in Britain. Acting Director of the Division of Law Revision, Research and Training at OCPD, Ms Rehema Katuga, said the visit had been an eye opener, offering invaluable lessons that could help transform Tanzania’s legislative processes.

“We had the opportunity to visit the UK Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC), where we learned in depth how they operate as an independent but closely linked institution to the Attorney General’s Office,” she said in a statement. “This has given us valuable insight into how we can improve our systems back home.

” reads part of the statement. According to her, the experience marks a new chapter in OCPD’s ongoing reform agenda one focused on modernising internal systems and integrating technology in law drafting, law revision, legal interpretation, and records management.

“The tour was highly beneficial. It allowed us to see how our UK counterparts perform their duties using modern systems and well-structured training programmes,” she said, adding that her team also learned about advanced record management systems that make legal information more accessible to citizens.

“We are returning home with new perspectives and lessons on how to improve our office from enhancing the use of technology and establishing continuous training for drafters to making our lawmaking processes more transparent and participatory,” she added. OCPD’s Acting Head of ICT, Mr Alfred Nyaronga, was particularly impressed by the UK’s Lawmaker System a digital platform that connects all stakeholders in the legislative process, from ministries and Parliament to the Government Printer.

“Through this system, a Bill can be drafted, reviewed, amended, and approved step by step until it becomes law,” he explained. “It also enables citizens to instantly access the most updated version of legislation, promoting transparency and efficiency — something we hope to replicate in Tanzania.

” He revealed that UK officials had expressed willingness to support OCPD through capacity-building initiatives should Tanzania decide to adopt a similar digital framework. “It’s an impressive system that has transformed law drafting in the UK.

We are eager to collaborate with them so that we, too, can move away from traditional paper-based methods and digitise our processes,” Mr Nyaronga added. For Mr Bavoo Junus, OCPD’s Acting Head of Quality Assurance, one of the strongest takeaways from the UK experience was how British legislative drafters invest in people — not just systems.

“We learned that the UK’s Office of Parliamentary Counsel runs an in-house mentorship programme where senior drafters guide new recruits for a year or more,” he said. “This hands-on approach ensures high professional standards and continuity something we have begun adopting at OCPD.

” He added that teamwork and accountability were central to the UK’s success. “Their office operates through four teams, each responsible for specific policy areas.

It means work doesn’t stop when one person is unavailable everyone is informed and involved. It’s a model that promotes collaboration and shared responsibility,” he said.

The Tanzanian delegation’s visit forms part of OCPD’s broader strategic plan to strengthen institutional capacity through global partnerships, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning. With renewed inspiration and practical lessons from Westminster, the team hopes to usher in a new era of efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly legislative drafting in Tanzania.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s national football team, Taifa Stars, will tonight take on Zambia in their final Group E fixture of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, with kickoff scheduled for 10pm.

Tanzanian time. The encounter carries high stakes for Taifa Stars, who not only aim to finish their qualifying campaign on a positive note but also keep alive their slim hopes of advancing to the CAF World Cup play-offs.

Morocco have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the first time in history that three nations will jointly stage the global showpiece. However, Tanzania remain mathematically in contention for a play-off berth, depending on results from other groups.

Currently, Taifa Stars sit second in Group E with 10 points from seven matches, while Zambia occupy fourth place with six points from six games. Niger are third with three points from two matches, and Congo Brazzaville are bottom without a point after one fixture.

Congo Brazzaville will also host Morocco later today in another group encounter. Head coach Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness, noting that preparations have gone according to plan.

“Everything is okay in camp; every player is eager and motivated to face Zambia. They are in good shape, and I believe we will come out with smiling faces,” he said.

Statistics show that the two nations have met nine times since 2009, with Taifa Stars winning twice, Zambia three times, and four matches ending in draws. Tanzania claimed victory in their most recent meeting, a 10 win at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on June 11 in the same qualification campaign.

Taifa Stars’ mathematical route to the play-offs Despite their position in the standings, Tanzania still have a mathematical chance of reaching the CAF World Cup play-offs. This follows a CAF adjustment that will see six points deducted from all other runners-up teams to equalize the number of matches after Eritrea’s withdrawal reduced Group E to five teams instead of six.

The deduction creates a fairer comparison across all groups and keeps Tanzania’s hopes faintly alive, though much will depend on other teams dropping points in their remaining fixtures. As things stand, Gabon lead the runners-up standings with 19 points, followed by Madagascar and DR Congo (16 each), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Namibia, and Uganda (15 each), South Africa (14), and Tanzania (10).

According to the qualification format, the four best runners-up across all groups will progress to the CAF play-offs, which will determine Africa’s sole representative in the inter-confederation play-offs. The inter-confederation stage will feature six teams, one each from AFC, CONMEBOL, and OFC, two from CONCACAF, and one from CAF.

The four lowest-ranked teams will meet in two single-leg knockout games, with the winners facing the two highest-ranked teams for the final two World Cup slots. .

Dar es Salaam. The world football governing body, FIFA, has appointed three prominent Tanzanian football leaders to key international roles, a move that reflects the country’s growing influence in global football governance.

The Tanzanian trio appointed to these prestigious positions are Wallace Karia, President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and a member of the CAF Executive Committee; Hersi Said, President of Young Africans SC (Yanga) and also President of the African Clubs Association (ACA); and Neema Haji, Manager of the national women’s football team, Twiga Stars. Their appointments signal FIFA’s recognition of Tanzania’s steady football development and the leadership qualities these individuals have demonstrated at both national and continental levels.

Karia has been named Vice Chairman of the FIFA Beach Soccer Committee, the body responsible for overseeing the global development and organization of beach soccer competitions. His appointment underscores FIFA’s confidence in his administrative expertise, as well as his growing role in strengthening football governance across Africa.

Under Karia’s leadership, Tanzania has made notable progress in both grassroots and professional football, and his presence on this global committee is expected to enhance the country’s influence in shaping international football policies. Hersi Said has been appointed to the FIFA Club Competitions Committee, which is tasked with managing and structuring international club tournaments.

This role aligns closely with his experience in leading one of Tanzania’s most successful clubs, Yanga SC, as well as his position as ACA President, where he has championed the development of club football across the continent. Hersi’s insights into club management and competition structures are expected to contribute meaningfully to FIFA’s strategies for international club tournaments.

Meanwhile, Neema Haji joins the FIFA Women’s Competitions Committee, in recognition of her significant contributions to the growth of women’s football in Tanzania. As manager of the Twiga Stars, Haji has been instrumental in elevating the team’s profile in regional and continental tournaments.

Her appointment reflects FIFA’s acknowledgment of her dedication to developing female talent and promoting gender equity in the sport. These appointments, effective for four years until 2029, represent a historic milestone for Tanzanian football.

They not only highlight the leadership and expertise of Karia, Hersi, and Haji but also strengthen Tanzania’s voice in global football affairs. Observers expect that these appointments will further integrate Tanzania into key international football discussions, providing opportunities for the country to contribute to policy-making, tournament management, and the overall growth of the game on the African continent and beyond .

Shinyanga. The construction of a solar power generation project in Shinyanga Region, has reached 78.5 percent completion, marking progress in the first phase of producing 50 megawatts (MW).

The update was provided yesterday, by the Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy, Mr Innocent Luoga, during his inspection visit to assess the project’s implementation and address any challenges encountered on site. Mr Luoga said at Ngunga Village in Talaga Ward, Kishapu District, that the government is satisfied with the progress of the project, which will add 50MW to the national grid and help to reduce power shortages by increasing electricity supply to citizens.

“Our current power sources are still limited, as we mainly depend on hydropower and natural gas. However, we are now diversifying through alternative sources such as solar, wind and geothermal energy,” said Mr Luoga.

He noted that expanding the country’s energy sources enhances national energy security, ensuring continued electricity supply even when water levels drop or gas production declines. Mr Luoga commended the government for allocating significant funds to the energy sector, which has enabled the successful implementation of projects such as the Ngunga solar plant.

He added that Shinyanga Region’s current electricity demand stands at about 102MW, and the completion of the Ngunga facility is expected to boost power availability and stability in the region. Project Manager Emmanuel Mbando said implementation began on December 8, 2023, and that the first phase — which will produce 50MW — is expected to be completed by December this year.

“All the required equipment for the project has already been delivered. What remains is to ensure the contractor speeds up the remaining work so that the first phase is completed by December,” said Mr Mbando.

The project’s consulting engineer, Mr Godwin Mpinzile, also expressed gratitude to the government for supporting the initiative, noting that it will bring significant benefits to the nation by providing reliable electricity and addressing existing power challenges. .

Tanzanian singer and songwriter Abigail Chams has expressed her gratitude after her collaboration with Harmonize, titled “Me Too,” received consideration from the Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammy Awards. In a post shared on her Instagram page, Abigail describes 2025 as a year filled with blessings and growth, thanking the Recording Academy for the recognition.

“Thank you for this consideration @recordingacademy. This year’s journey has been wonderful – God continues to show His favour,” she write.

She also applauded Harmonize for their joint effort, writing, “@harmonize_tz, we made a great song!” Abigail, who is signed under Sony Music Africa, extended appreciation to her family, management, and record label for their support. “And to everyone who has supported, believed in and rooted for me,” she added.

The Nani? hitmaker continues to make waves across the continent with her soulful sound and bilingual artistry. Her collaboration with Harmonize has been praised for blending Afro-pop and Bongo Flava influences while showcasing her vocal maturity.

The Recording Academy will announce the 2025 Grammy nominations on November 7, with the awards ceremony scheduled for February 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California .

Dar es Salaam. The Government of Tanzania has confirmed that it is engaging the United States through diplomatic channels following Washington’s decision to impose a visa bond requirement on Tanzanian nationals applying for short-term business and tourist visas.

The U.S.

Department of State announced that, effective October 23, 2025, Tanzanians seeking B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas will be required to post a refundable bond ranging between $5,000 and $15,000 before travelling to the United States. The decision places Tanzania among seven African countries included in the visa bond pilot programme–alongside Malawi, Zambia, The Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, and SaPound o Tome and Principe.

According to the U.S.

State Department, the move is based on findings from the Department of Homeland Security’s 2024 Entry/Exit Overstay Report, which identified countries with relatively high rates of visa overstays. The bonds, intended to ensure compliance with U.

S. immigration rules, will be refunded in full once travellers return home within their authorised stay, or if they do not use the visa before it expires.

However, the amount will be forfeited if a traveller overstays or violates visa conditions. Applicants will be instructed by consular officers on how to post the bond through the U.

S. Treasury using the official DHS Form I-352. Payments made through any other channels will not be refunded.

In addition, visa holders covered by the new measure will be required to enter and exit the U.S.

through specific airports — Boston Logan International (BOS), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and Washington Dulles International (IAD) — to facilitate compliance monitoring.

Tanzania’s response In a statement issued on October 8, 2025, the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports said the government had officially received communication from Washington on the new visa bond requirement. Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa said Tanzania remains committed to maintaining cordial relations with the U.

S. despite the new measure.

“The Government will continue to engage the United States through diplomatic channels to seek a fair, respectful, and mutually beneficial resolution,” said Mr. Msigwa.

“Our relationship with the U.S.

has been built on friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect for more than four decades.” He added that the measure comes at a time when both countries are already holding discussions on migration and immigration matters.

“We assure the public that the government will continue to handle this matter diplomatically and provide updates as discussions progress,” he said. Mr.

Msigwa further emphasised that the move should not be seen as a diplomatic setback, describing it instead as a temporary administrative step that could be resolved through continued dialogue. The government has urged Tanzanians planning to visit the United States to continue following standard visa application procedures through the U.

S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam or other designated missions abroad.

Under the new arrangement, applicants will only be required to post a bond after being directed to do so by a consular officer. Making payments in advance will not guarantee visa issuance and could result in financial loss.

A U.S.

State Department clarification noted that the visa bond pilot programme does not change visa eligibility requirements, but adds a financial assurance mechanism aimed at improving compliance with immigration laws. The visa bond initiative was introduced under Section 221(g)(3) of the U.

S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and implemented through a Temporary Final Rule (TFR).

It primarily targets non-immigrant visa categories with historically high overstay rates. Regional context Tanzania joins Malawi and Zambia, where the policy has been in force since August 2025, and The Gambia, where implementation began in October 2025. Analysts say the inclusion of several African countries reflects Washington’s growing focus on managing migration and improving compliance among short-term visitors.

Critics, however, argue that the measure could create financial and logistical hurdles for genuine travellers — including businesspeople, researchers, and tourists — who contribute to economic and cultural exchange between Africa and the United States. The Tanzanian government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding citizens’ interests abroad while preserving its long-standing partnership with the United States.

“This development will not alter Tanzania’s resolve to maintain and strengthen its good relations with the United States for the mutual benefit of both nations,” the official statement stressed. .

Dar es Salaam. New details emerged yesterday in connection with the alleged abduction of former ambassador Humphrey Polepole.

The incident, which took place in the early hours of Monday, has sparked widespread public concern. Mr Polepole, who previously served as the Secretary for Ideology, Propaganda and Training of the ruling CCM, was reportedly taken from his residence in Ununio, Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam, under circumstances that remain unclear.

The incident also caused considerable damage at the property. Neighbours and witnesses described the events as alarming.

A neighbour who did not wish to be identified said he initially assumed the noises he heard at night were related to a family matter. “When I looked outside without opening the gate, I saw two Land Cruiser vehicles.

A person was forcibly placed into one of the cars, which then drove away. The next morning, I discovered large amounts of blood and later confirmed through online sources that it was Polepole,” he said.

The caretaker of the property, who had rented the house to another individual, expressed shock at the turn of events. “I did not know that Polepole was living there.

The tenant had told me his mother would be staying in the house and that she would occasionally come because she works in Dodoma. I never expected such a violent incident,” he said.

The house, rented on July 11, 2025, has three rooms and is regularly cleaned by local youths on a weekly basis. He said that the damage to the property was extensive.

The main gate was broken, along with doors both inside and outside the house. The room where Mr Polepole slept was ransacked.

Neighbours reported hearing vehicles and loud banging around 8 pm, but many were too frightened to investigate until the following morning. Family’s plea Ms Annamary Polepole, the mother of the former ambassador, has made a heartfelt plea for her son’s safe return.

“If he is alive, bring him back to us. If he is dead, bring him to me so I can bury him myself.

Do not throw him into the sea,” she said, describing her son as a loving, cheerful and respectful young man. She said that the attack has affected the entire family.

Annamary also revealed that Mr Polepole had always been passionate about learning and personal development. Despite financial limitations preventing him from pursuing formal flight training, he was devoted to studies and spiritual growth and his family had always considered him a special and promising child.

The shocking incident has drawn condemnation from several organisations. The Tanzania Editors’ Forum (TEF), through its chairman Deodatus Balile, said, “The lives and safety of Tanzanians must always be a priority.

Peace is rooted in justice and acts of abduction that spread fear among citizens are unacceptable.” Similarly, the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) has called on President Samia Suluhu Hassan to urgently intervene, urging that all available resources be deployed to ensure Mr Polepole’s safety.

Police spokesperson David Misime confirmed that investigations commenced immediately after reports of the alleged abduction circulated on social media. “The police opened a case file on 6 October 2025 and have begun collecting evidence and statements from multiple sources to establish the facts.

We are also seeking Polepole’s brother to provide further information and evidence, including allegations of possible police involvement,” he said. The police are working to determine whether Mr Polepole was residing at the property legally or if he was visiting as a guest.

“Investigations are ongoing and we urge the public to remain calm while we establish the truth and identify all parties involved,” Misime said. Legal proceedings Following the alleged abduction, Mr Polepole’s lawyers, led by Mr Peter Kibatala, filed a special application in the High Court, Dar es Salaam, seeking urgent intervention.

The respondents in the case include the Inspector General of Police, Director of Public Prosecutions, Attorney General and the relevant police commanders responsible for Dar es Salaam. The court application states that Mr Polepole has not been charged with any crime and is allegedly being held at an undisclosed location, which violates his constitutional rights.

The lawyers have requested the court to order his immediate release on bail or to produce him in court pending further proceedings. They emphasised the urgency of the matter, citing concerns over his safety and well-being.

Public concerns The Mr Polepole’s alleged abduction has raised serious concerns about the safety of prominent figures and ordinary citizens alike. Analysts and civil society organisations have warned that such incidents, if unchecked, could undermine public confidence in security institutions and create widespread fear among the population.

The incident has sparked online discussions and debates about citizen protection, accountability of security agencies and the need for swift action to safeguard human rights. Many have called on the government to provide transparency on the case and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice without delay.

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