Category: The Citizen

Los Angeles. First-time nominee Michael B.

Jordan won the best actor Oscar on Sunday for playing twin brothers in the genre-bending vampire tale “Sinners.” Jordan took to the stage for his acceptance speech, thanking director Ryan Coogler for giving him the opportunity to be seen and heard.

He also paid tribute to those who paved the way for him, including his ancestors and trailblazing Black men in Hollywood such as Sidney Poitier, Will Smith, Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx. He vowed to continue pushing himself and striving to be the best version of himself, before closing by thanking audiences who have watched “Sinners” multiple times.

Jordan, 39, plays dual roles as war veterans Elijah “Smoke” and Elias “Stack” Moore who try to use stolen money to open a juke joint in Mississippi during the Great Depression. “As Smoke and Stack, Jordan has to make each character distinct yet in sync inhabiting a thick Southern drawl that sings and swings effortlessly with each word and turn of phrase,” NPR said in its review.

The California native, who grew up in New Jersey, rose to stardom in Coogler’s “Fruitvale Station” and has played Donnie Creed in three sequels to the “Rocky” franchise, while also directing “Creed III.” He also played Marvel villain Killmonger in two “Black Panther” movies and a TV series.

The other nominees for best actor this year were Timothee Chalamet for “Marty Supreme,” Leonardo DiCaprio for “One Battle After Another,” Ethan Hawke for “Blue Moon,” and Brazilian Wagner Moura for “The Secret Agent.” .

Dar es Salaam. Lawyers representing applicants in a case challenging the establishment of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into incidents surrounding the October 29, 2025, General Election have raised a series of legal objections, arguing that the commission was created and constituted in violation of the law.

Their arguments emerged during a detailed hearing before the High Court of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry, where the court considered a judicial review application questioning the legality of the commission formed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The commission, chaired by former Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, was tasked with investigating violence and unrest reported during and after the October 29, 2025, General Election.

This article continues a review of the High Court ruling on the matter, focusing on the responses filed by the respondents and the legal arguments presented by the lawyers representing both sides. Respondents oppose the application After receiving the court documents, the first respondent, the Attorney General, opposed the application through an affidavit and supporting explanations submitted by Principal State Attorney Mark Mulwambo.

The second to ninth respondents, comprising the chairperson and members of the commission, also opposed the application through joint submissions. In their responses, the respondents rejected the applicants’ claims and argued that the President acted fully within the law when establishing the commission and appointing its members.

They cited the Commissions of Inquiry Act as the legal basis for the President’s authority to create such a body. According to the respondents, the allegations raised by the applicants regarding bias, illegality, and abuse of power were based on assumptions rather than verifiable evidence.

They therefore urged the court to dismiss the application. However, the 10th respondent, the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), took a different position.

Through an affidavit and explanations submitted by its Executive Secretary, Ms Mariam Othman, the society largely supported the arguments advanced by the applicants. Court hearing During the hearing of the case on February 26, 2026, the applicants’ lawyers, Hekima Mwasipu and Jebra Kambole, presented detailed arguments explaining the basis of the claims contained in the judicial review application and the supporting affidavit.

In their submissions, they also referred to several precedents previously decided by the Court of Appeal of Tanzania to support their arguments. The Attorney General and the commission’s commissioners were represented by Principal State Attorney Vivian Method.

She was assisted by Senior State Attorneys Daniel Nyakiha and Narindwa Sekimanga, as well as State Attorney Erigh Rumisha. Meanwhile, the Tanganyika Law Society was represented by lawyers Ferdinand Makore and Kulwa Shilemba.

Applicants question the legality of the commission Presenting arguments on behalf of the applicants, Mr Mwasipu raised several issues concerning the legality of the commission. One of the first issues he addressed was the manner in which the commission had been described.

He told the court that the body had been referred to as an “Independent Commission of Inquiry”, yet such a designation is not recognised by the law governing commissions of inquiry in Tanzania. According to him, the law only empowers the President to establish a “Commission of Inquiry”, without attaching additional descriptions such as “independent”.

Mr Mwasipu argued that the use of such terminology created a fundamental legal defect that undermined the validity of the commission. Lack of clarity in the mandate Another key argument raised by the applicants concerned the commission’s terms of reference.

Mr Mwasipu told the court that Section 3(2) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act requires the appointing authority to clearly specify the subject matter of an inquiry. However, he argued that the description provided in the Government Notice establishing the commission was not sufficiently specific.

According to him, the instruction that the commission should investigate “incidents of breach of peace” failed to clearly describe the nature and seriousness of the events that occurred. In his view, the mandate should have explicitly mentioned deaths, destruction of public and private property, enforced disappearances, and other consequences of the unrest.

Oath and publication issues The applicants also questioned whether the commission had complied with legal requirements concerning oaths and official publication. Mr Mwasipu argued that members of the commission had not taken the required oath before assuming their duties.

He said this omission violated Section 7 of the Commission of Inquiry Act, which requires commissioners to take an oath before beginning their work. In addition, he argued that the circumstances leading to the establishment of the commission had not been properly published in the Government Gazette as required under Section 3(1) of the Act.

Questioning the appointments Mr Mwasipu further argued that the appointments made by the President were unreasonable and illogical. He explained that a decision may be considered unreasonable if it is one that no reasonable authority would make or if the decision-maker fails to consider important factors.

To support this argument, he cited several cases, including Legal and Human Rights Centre and Two Others v Minister for Information, Culture and Sports and Three Others, Civil Case No. 25 of 2018, decided by the High Court of Tanzania in Mtwara.

He told the court that all commissioners appointed to the body were retirees aged above 60, which he said raised questions about the inclusiveness and representativeness of the commission. According to him, the appointing authority should have considered including younger members as well as representatives from independent institutions.

Among the institutions he mentioned were the Tanzania Episcopal Conference and the Tanzania Muslims Council (Bakwata). Concerns over possible bias Another major issue raised by the applicants’ lawyers concerned the possibility of bias among certain commissioners.

Mr Mwasipu pointed out that one of the commissioners, Stergomena Lawrence Tax, previously served as Minister for Defence and National Service. Another commissioner, Said Mwema, served as Inspector General of Police.

He argued that these previous roles could raise reasonable concerns about impartiality, particularly if the commission were required to examine the conduct of security institutions during the election unrest. Mr Mwasipu further told the court that all members of the commission were retired public servants.

Because they previously served in positions appointed by the President, he argued, they might not be able to objectively investigate matters linked to the authority that appointed them. He also noted that during the unrest, some court buildings and police stations were reportedly damaged or burned.

In his view, the presence of retired judges and former police leaders on the commission could create perceptions of conflict of interest. Allegations of abuse of discretion On his part, lawyer Mr Kambole addressed what he described as the improper exercise of discretionary power.

He clarified that the applicants were not arguing that the President lacked the legal authority to establish a commission or appoint its members. Instead, he said the applicants were challenging the manner in which that authority had been exercised.

According to him, the President appointed only former public officials without including representatives from other segments of society. He argued that broader representation from independent institutions could have helped ensure balance and strengthen public confidence in the commission.

TLS supports applicants’ arguments The lawyer representing the Tanganyika Law Society, Mr Makore, also supported several arguments presented by the applicants. He told the court that the commission was invalid because its establishment had not been properly published in the Government Gazette.

According to Mr Makore, Section 20 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act requires the names of commissioners to be published in the Gazette for their appointments to be legally effective. He further argued that Order C.

27 of the Public Service Standing Orders of 2009 requires government publications and official announcements to be issued on Fridays of the relevant week. However, he told the court that the Gazette copy presented by the respondents as proof of publication showed that it had been printed on Thursday, November 20, 2025. In his view, this discrepancy meant the publication did not comply with the relevant administrative requirements.

Oath requirement questioned Mr Makore also raised concerns about whether the commissioners had taken the oath required under Section 7 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act. He argued that in the respondents’ affidavits and replies, there was no explicit statement confirming that the commissioners had taken the oath before commencing their duties.

Nor were any oath forms attached as evidence. According to him, this omission raised serious doubts about whether the commission had been lawfully constituted.

The court later examined these and other arguments before reaching its final decision on the matter. To be continued.

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Morogoro. The Ministry of Health has launched a programme aimed at strengthening the national disease surveillance system by integrating the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework into health training.

The initiative seeks to equip current and future health workers with the skills to detect diseases early, report cases promptly, and respond effectively to outbreaks and other public health emergencies. The programme is being implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO) office in Tanzania and funded by the National Disaster Management Health Fund.

Speaking to The Citizen on Sunday, March 15, 2026, the Ministry of Health’s National Surveillance Coordinator, Dr Danstan Ngenzi, said the main objective is to strengthen health education as a sustainable approach to enhancing the country’s disease surveillance capacity and protecting community health. Under the programme, he said the government has decided to formally integrate the IDSR system into curricula offered at health science universities and community health worker training institutions.

“The reforms aim to ensure that students across various health disciplines acquire practical knowledge and skills on how to detect, report, and respond quickly and effectively to infectious disease threats,” said Dr Ngenzi. WHO Surveillance Coordinator, Dr George Kauki, explained that the programme began implementation in November 2025 with a review of training curricula at health universities and community health worker programmes.

He said the review sought to assess the extent to which IDSR-related content had already been incorporated into existing health training curricula. Dr Kauki said the assessment found that although some disease surveillance topics were included in several curricula, the content was fragmented, lacked coherence, and was insufficient to equip students with the practical skills needed for effective disease surveillance.

He added that certain critical capacities, including outbreak investigation, health data analysis, and risk communication, had not received adequate emphasis in many training programmes. “This month, the next phase of the programme began with the development of a strategy to address the gaps identified in health training curricula,” said Dr Kauki.

“This step aims to align the training programmes with national health education standards, the technical IDSR guidelines (third edition) and international health security frameworks,” he added. Dr Kauki noted that the curriculum revision process involved a wide range of stakeholders, including university lecturers, training experts, curriculum development specialists, and IDSR experts from the Ministry of Health and the Prime Minister’s OfficeRegional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG).

“This collaboration has enabled detailed discussions and consensus on the most effective approaches to strengthen the country’s disease surveillance capacity,” said Dr Kauki. Following the curriculum review, the government has outlined several implementation steps, including developing new teaching materials, building the capacity of lecturers on IDSR content, and distributing the resources to health universities and training institutions.

Dr Kauki also revealed plans to launch the National Digital Health Library (NDHL), which will serve as a repository for guidelines and key disease surveillance information. The platform is expected to enable lecturers, students, and health professionals to access reliable and up-to-date information more easily.

Through these reforms, Tanzania aims to build a stronger and more responsive disease surveillance system while preparing highly skilled health professionals capable of addressing emerging public health threats. .

Dar es Salaam. The Ministry of Health is preparing new guidelines aimed at reducing the cost of medicines, medical procedures and treatment for Tanzanians, with implementation set to begin in government hospitals.

The Minister for Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, said at the weekend that the move is intended to ease the financial burden on citizens, many of whom struggle to afford specialised treatment and essential medicines. Launching of the Ongea na Waziri (Talk to the Minister) programme at Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital, Mr Mchengerwa spoke directly with members of the public by phone for the first time since the initiative was introduced in January.

Mr Mchengerwa said the ministry has already directed the preparation of guidelines to regulate the cost of treatment, medicines and medical services. “The charges currently being paid are beyond the reach of many Tanzanians.

For example, specialised procedures such as brain surgery at the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute or complex transplants at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital can cost between Sh70 million and Sh100 million. Similar costs are seen at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute,” he said.

He said that while medical ethics require that patients receive treatment, the government must also ensure that the cost of care remains affordable. “Treatment and drug prices are high and people keep asking what the ministry is doing.

We cannot remain silent. We must come up with a solution,” he said.

According to the minister, the guidelines will first apply to government hospitals before being extended to private health facilities after consultations with stakeholders. “We will introduce ministerial guidelines that define the cost of treatment, medicines and medical services in order to reduce the financial burden that citizens have complained about for a long time,” he said.

He added that the government has noted cases where medicines purchased at low prices are sold to patients at much higher rates, making regulation necessary. Mr Mchengerwa urged the public to remain patient as the ministry finalises procedures before rolling out the system nationwide.

Dialysis costs reduced In a related development, the Director of Medical Services at the ministry, Hamad Nyembea, said the cost of dialysis has already been reduced in government health facilities. He said the service now costs between Sh150,000 and Sh280,000, compared to about Sh200,000 to Sh250,000 previously, with plans to lower the charges further to around Sh100,000 so that more patients can access treatment.

Dr Nyembea said the government has also put in place arrangements to cover the cost for patients who cannot afford the service. He noted that kidney failure is commonly caused by diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, accidents and other illnesses, and urged the public to take preventive measures.

Government rejects claims on used MRI machines Mr Mchengerwa also said the government does not purchase second-hand diagnostic equipment, noting that medical machines are bought using large amounts of public funds and must meet required standards. The Executive Director of the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute, Mpoki Ulisubisya, said MRI machines used at the institute are new and were bought at high cost.

“All the machines were purchased new and cost billions of shillings. MRI machines produce loud sounds during operation worldwide, which is why patients are given headphones with soft music to help them remain calm and to allow communication with medical staff,” he said.

He added that the duration of an MRI scan depends on the level of examination required, with some taking only a short time while others take longer for detailed investigation. The clarification follows recent claims by musician Dudubaya, who alleged on social media that MRI machines at the institute were second-hand.

‘Talk to the Minister’ programme Mr Mchengerwa said the Ongea na Waziri programme, launched in January, aims to bring the ministry closer to citizens by allowing them to raise concerns directly. “We want people to tell us where we should improve and where corrections are needed.

So far, the system has received more than 8,800 queries from across the country,” he said. The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Seif Shekalaghe, said more than 2,000 calls have already been received, with experts responding to questions from the public.

He said the ministry conducts monthly reviews of the issues raised and that the minister will continue to respond to some questions live, while others may be handled by his aides. Dr Shekalaghe also called for the public display of contact numbers for medical officers in charge, Regional Medical Officers and District Medical Officers to help resolve complaints more quickly.

He added that many illnesses affecting the public are linked to lack of awareness, noting that the ministry plans to strengthen public health education programmes. “I urge all health service providers, both public and private, to deliver services professionally and in line with ethical standards,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. Stakeholders in Tanzania’s startup ecosystem have called for a clearer legal and regulatory framework to support innovation-driven enterprises, as the country prepares to adopt its first national startup policy.

The call was made during a policy hackathon organised by the Tanzania Startup Association (TSA) in Dar es Salaam, where industry players reviewed the draft National Startup Policy and proposed recommendations to improve the document before its adoption. For years, startups in Tanzania have operated without formal legal recognition, functioning under regulatory frameworks designed for conventional businesses.

The situation has limited their ability to access financing, regulatory incentives and broader market opportunities, according to operators. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, is currently developing the policy to provide a comprehensive framework governing how startups are established, operate, scale and exit the market.

The ministry has requested feedback from ecosystem stakeholders to ensure the policy reflects the realities facing entrepreneurs and technology innovators. Speaking during the hackathon, the Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Startup Association, Zahoro Muhaji, said the policy represents an important milestone for Tanzania’s innovation ecosystem.

“For the first time, Tanzania has an opportunity to establish a dedicated framework that recognises startups as a unique category of businesses. This policy is crucial for unlocking investment, enabling innovation and positioning Tanzanian entrepreneurs to compete globally,” he said.

Legal experts participating in the session noted that one of the biggest gaps in the current ecosystem is the absence of a formal legal definition of a startup. Kheri Mbiro, senior partner at Breakthrough Attorneys, said establishing such a definition would help create a more effective regulatory environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Currently, Tanzania does not have a legal definition of what constitutes a startup. Without that clarity, it becomes difficult to design targeted regulations, incentives or support mechanisms,” he said.

He added that the proposed policy would help formally recognise startups within the country’s legal framework while creating regulatory pathways that support innovation and accountability. Startup founders also emphasised the need for the policy to strengthen collaboration between startups and public institutions, particularly through government procurement and partnerships.

The Chief Executive Officer of agritech firm Kilimo Freshi, Baraka Jeremiah, said improved market access will be essential for startups seeking to scale their innovations. “For startups, access to markets is just as important as access to capital.

The policy should create pathways for startups to work with government through procurement and publicprivate partnerships,” he said. He added that allowing startups to pilot and scale innovations in collaboration with government institutions would accelerate both technological development and national economic growth.

Recommendations generated during the hackathon will be consolidated by the Tanzania Startup Association and submitted to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology as part of the ongoing national consultation process, the association said. .

Dar es Salaam. Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has ordered investigations into medicine shortages in public health facilities and alleged land disputes after residents raised complaints during his nationwide grievance-listening tour.

Speaking in Nsimbo District, Katavi Region on Sunday, March 15, 2026, Dr Nchemba said the government will not allow medicines purchased with public funds to fail to reach patients. “Funds are allocated to buy medicines for hospitals, but patients are often told to purchase drugs from private shops.

This is unacceptable. We must find out where these medicines are going,” he said, directing authorities to investigate.

The Prime Minister’s tour covers several regions, including Tanga, Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Arusha, Rukwa and Katavi. Katavi Regional Commissioner Mwanamvua Mrindoko said the region has received over Sh1.4 trillion for development in the past five years, enabling the construction of a regional hospital, four district hospitals, 11 health centres and 50 dispensaries.

She noted improvements in health insurance access through universal health coverage initiatives. Deputy Minister in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Ruben Kwagilwa, highlighted investments in education, including 27 secondary schools and 110 primary schools built in Katavi.

Special science schools for girls have also been established to boost female participation in science. Deputy Minister for Works, Godfrey Kasekenya, outlined plans to improve road connectivity in the region.

The TaboraMpanda road project is complete, and another road linking Mpanda, Ugalla, Kaliua and Kahama is under design. A bridge over River Ugalla, about 150 metres long, will improve transport of goods and services.

Residents affected by infrastructure projects will be compensated. Nsimbo MP Anna Lupembe welcomed the development projects but raised concerns over water shortages in several villages and schools.

She also called for resolution of land disputes involving residents and the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), noting delays in demarcating forest and community land. Responding to the concerns, Dr Nchemba assured residents that complaints would be addressed by relevant ministries and government institutions.

“We cannot ignore citizens’ concerns. Every complaint must be followed up until a solution is found,” he said.

He also warned that contractors who fail to pay workers or subcontractors after receiving government funds will be held accountable. Dr Nchemba said the government remains committed to ensuring development projects benefit citizens across the country.

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By Bryan Bwana In the weeks following the global deliberations at COP30, one message that rang clear to me was that climate action will succeed or fail in laboratories, parliaments and in the public conversation. Against this background, the acquisition of a controlling stake in Nation Media Group by Tanzanian businessman Rostam Aziz should be viewed through a broader regional lens.

Beyond corporate ownership, this moment signals potential strengthening of East Africa’s communication infrastructure at a time when climate change demands deeper regional and continental cooperation. During COP30, global negotiators emphasised a critical but often overlooked component of climate mitigation: the role of media in translating climate science into public understanding, community awakening and collective action.

Governments, climate institutions and civil society organisations highlighted several priorities including but not limited to: 1. Expanding climate journalism capacity 2.

Strengthening regional information sharing 3. Supporting community-level climate awareness 4.

Countering misinformation on climate science In short, the global climate agenda now recognises media not merely as observers but as active partners in climate mitigation and adaptation. This has been a long-time coming.

For Africa in general and East Africa in particular, this recognition could not come at a more crucial time. The countries of the East African Community sit among the world’s most climate-sensitive regions.

Across the region we continue to witness prolonged drought cycles devastating pastoral communities, flooding around the Lake Victoria basin displacing thousands upon thousands year in, year out, and coastal erosion threatening livelihoods along the Indian Ocean, etc. And still climate reporting in the region remains fragmented, national and episodic.

Yes, episodic! This is where a powerful regional media institution like Nation Media Group becomes extremely crucial. With newspapers, television stations, radio networks and digital platforms reaching audiences across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, the group already represents one of East Africa’s most influential communication networks.

Why the ownership shift matters The entry of Rostam Aziz into the ownership structure of Nation Media Group introduces something significant to the regional media landscape. It introduces a deeper East African investment footprint in the fact-based, unique storytelling architecture of the region.

Mr Aziz’s business activities have long crossed borders. He has owned telecommunications firms, energy and logistics entities, all of which have reflected upon the interconnected economic space that the East African Community seeks to re-deepen.

He is a regional investor with cross-border commercial interests who also understands something essential about climate change. He knows that climate risks do not respect national boundaries.

Drought in northern Kenya affects livestock markets in Tanzania. Flooding in Uganda affects trade routes to Rwanda.

Coastal erosion affects tourism economies across the entire Indian Ocean corridor, etc. As such, a regional media platform capable of consistently reporting these interconnected realities could dramatically improve public understanding of climate risks.

Media as a climate solution One of the most significant messages emerging from COP28 is that climate solutions require societal mobilisation. And societal mobilisation requires information ecosystems that citizens trust.

If strengthened, a regional media network like Nation Media Group could play several critical roles: 1. Climate knowledge translation: Scientific reports are often inaccessible to ordinary citizens.

Media can translate complex climate science into practical information for farmers, fishermen and urban communities. 2.

Early warning communication: Regional news networks, especially digital media networks, can and will amplify early warnings on floods, droughts and extreme weather events. 3.

Accountability journalism: Investigative reporting can track government climate commitments, financing and adaptation programmes. 4.

Regional climate storytelling: Stories of innovation ranging from karafuu planting in Zanzibar, solar irrigation in Tanzania to mangrove restoration in Kenya, can inspire regional replication. In essence, climate journalism becomes climate action.

The transformation unfolding within Nation Media Group arrives at a time the East African Community itself is entering a renewed phase of integration. Infrastructure corridors are expanding.

Digital markets are growing. Trade integration is deepening.

But regional integration also requires something less tangible: a shared narrative. A strong regional media ecosystem will help East Africans see themselves not a unified regional national audience with citizens of a shared ecological and economic space.

This shift signals a beacon of possibility. At a time when climate anxiety often dominates global conversations, East Africa has an opportunity to demonstrate something different and unique, collaborative resilience.

The orientation of regional business leadership, media institutions and climate communication, reinforced by the global momentum from COP30, has the potential to transform the way the region understands and responds to climate change. If leveraged wisely, the evolving role of Nation Media Group could help build stronger journalism and a stronger East Africa.

And in the climate century now unfolding, that may prove to be one of the most important investments of all. Because the future of climate action will depend not only on policies and technologies, but on who tells the story and how the story unites a region.

Bryan Toshi Bwana is the Founding Trustee of Umoja Conservation Trust (UCT). www.

umojaconservation.org .

Geita. Vice-President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi is expected to grace a ceremony marking five years since the death of Tanzania’s fifth-phase president, the late Dr John Magufuli, who died on March 17, 2021. In a statement issued on Sunday, March 15, 2026, Geita Regional Commissioner Martine Shigela said the family of the late Dr Magufuli, in collaboration with the government, has organised the event.

The ceremony will be preceded by a Holy Mass scheduled to begin at 9:00 am and will be led by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rulenge-Ngara, Bishop Severine Niwemugizi. Other leaders expected to attend the Mass include retired leaders, among them former Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango and former Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa.

The memorial Mass will take place at the late Dr Magufuli’s home in Chato District, Geita Region. Activities related to the commemoration will begin on March 16, 2026, with several community events, including a marathon scheduled to start in the morning and end at Chato District Hospital.

Other planned activities include blood donation, assistance to inmates at Chato Prison, visits to the late leader’s grave, and an overnight vigil in his honour. Mr Shigela said Dr Nchimbi is expected to arrive on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Chato Airport.

The President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, is also expected to attend the event and is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. “The Vice-President will arrive tomorrow at 1:00 pm, while the President of Zanzibar is expected to arrive the following day at 8:00 am at Chato Airport,” he said. Mr Shigela also thanked the family of the late Dr Magufuli for cooperating with the government in organising the event.

He called on citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to attend the commemorative Mass in large numbers. “The family, in cooperation with the sixth-phase government, has organised this commemoration to be bigger than previous ones.

We also thank the Catholic Church for leading the service through the Bishop,” he said. “It is therefore important for the people of Geita Region to show their love and respect for the late Dr Magufuli.

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Dar es Salaam. Three women have been selected to receive free In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment at the Kairuki Green IVF Centre (KGIVF) in Bunju A Mianzini, Dar es Salaam.

The winners were announced at the weekend during a draw held as part of International Women’s Day celebrations organised by the Kairuki Health Education Network (KHEN). The draw was conducted by the guest of honour, Jokate Mwegelo.

The women were chosen from more than 137 applicants from across Tanzania. IVF treatment in the country typically costs between Sh18 million and Sh20 million, making it unaffordable for many families.

KGIVF Director Clementina Kairuki said the selected women will receive the service free of charge, covering all stages from initial procedures to embryo implantation. “This initiative is part of commemorating International Women’s Day and supporting women who dream of starting a family but cannot afford fertility treatment,” she said.

Dr Kairuki, a gynaecologist, said that about 30 per cent of women who seek fertility services at the centre are unable to pay for treatment. “Many couples face fertility challenges.

Some women experience stigma, family pressure, or even divorce because they cannot have children. Studies show that one in six marriages faces such issues, which is why we felt it was important to provide this opportunity,” she said.

She noted that the centre continues to raise awareness about infertility and available treatment options, including IVF. Gracing the event, Jokate Mwegelo praised KHEN for its contribution to healthcare and education in the region, highlighting its achievements, including Kairuki Hospital, Kairuki Green IVF Centre, a pharmaceutical plant in Kibaha, and Hubert Kairuki Memorial University.

“I am a supporter of Kairuki and today I officially become an ambassador of the institution. I will continue to promote its work because it sets a great example in serving the community,” she said.

Mwegelo added that Kairuki has maintained high standards and consistency over the years, making it a model institution in East and Central Africa. .

Dar es Salaam. The government and development partners have urged stronger implementation of programmes to reduce violence against women and children, while calling for gender equality to be reflected in national budgets to promote inclusive development.

The call comes as Tanzania prepares to implement the National Development Vision 2050, a long-term plan that advocates say offers an opportunity to strengthen social justice and ensure that development benefits all citizens. Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP) Board Chairperson Gemma Akilimali said the Vision 2050 rollout on July 1, provides a platform to align economic growth with social inclusion and protect the rights of women, youth, and other marginalised groups.

“The launch of Vision 2050 as a transformative step towards an inclusive and self-reliant nation reflects the country’s commitment to social justice, particularly through Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB), which ensures national resources benefit everyone,” she said. Ms Akilimali noted that this year’s national theme for International Women’s Day — Rights and Equality for Women and Girls: An Inclusive Foundation for Achieving Vision 2050 — comes at a critical moment as the country prepares to implement the development agenda.

She also highlighted the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (MTAKUWWA II) as a key pillar in combating violence. Advocacy efforts, she said, have already contributed to political gains, with women now holding about 39.5 per cent of parliamentary seats, up from 37.4 per cent after the 2020 election.

“When we view women’s rights as a strategic investment, we create solutions that enable women to escape poverty. Investing in women lays the foundation for the inclusive society we aim to build,” Ms Akilimali said.

MTAKUWWA II Coordinator Alex Shayo said the programme focuses on eight strategic areas, including improving household economic capacity, strengthening parenting and family support systems, and expanding services for survivors to access legal, social, and psychological support. He added that special child protection desks have been set up in primary schools to detect and respond to cases early, though some local protection committees remain ineffective.

TGNP gender-responsive budgeting analyst Happiness Maruchu stressed the importance of monitoring how government budgets are prepared and implemented to ensure they meet the needs of all gender groups. She said sectors such as health, water, education, and social services have begun incorporating gender considerations into planning.

Pilot GRB initiatives are under way in Geita and Singida regions, and Tandahimba and Chalinze districts. Lawyer Cajetan Tumaini of the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) added that cooperation between government, civil society, and communities is crucial to protect women and children’s rights and reduce inequality.

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