Category: The Citizen

Mwanza. Former CCM Secretary-General, Dr Bashiru Ally, has assured Tanzanians that the ruling party’s presidential candidate, Samia Suluhu Hassan, possesses the experience and resilience to steer the nation safely through challenges.

Speaking at Nyamagana Grounds in Mwanza on 8 October 2025, Dr Bashiru said President Hassan has faced significant trials and demonstrated her ability to overcome them. He urged citizens to place full confidence in her leadership ahead of the upcoming polls.

“Some people say that young people will destroy their country. I don’t understand them.

Tanzanian youth cannot break their own nation,” he declared, as the crowd erupted in cheers. Dr Bashiru said that national unity, peace and stability must always be protected.

He reminded voters that Tanzania remained steadfast even during the sudden passing of the late President John Magufuli, when Samia assumed the nation’s leadership. “If our country has remained united, if CCM has stayed strong, and if peace and security have prevailed during a time of sudden change, then it is clear we are safe under her guidance,” he said.

He dismissed voices attempting to stir division and unrest. “These are distractions being orchestrated by a few.

Let us not entertain anything that risks shaking the foundations of our peace. Samia is a treasure of experience in leading during tough times.

I have no doubt that the same Tanzanians who prayed for her and stood with her will now vote for her to continue guiding this country forward.” Addressing the crowd, he added: “We must not lose focus.

We must not encourage anything that takes us off track from nation-building. Samia is asking for your trust because she has been tested, and she has prevailed.

With her, Tanzania will remain safe.” Meanwhile, Arusha Urban parliamentary candidate Paul Makonda called on Tanzanians, particularly the youth, to support President Hassan and shield her from unwarranted attacks.

He recalled how a group of detractors had previously insulted the late President Magufuli, and are now targeting President Hassan despite her achievements. “My brothers and sisters, when my late brother John Magufuli was president, there was a group that insulted him day and night.

He has since passed on, and now the same group insults Samia. But where are you, Tanzanians, to defend her? Where are you, energetic youth, to stand with her?” he asked.

Makonda challenged critics operating from abroad who spread negativity on social media. “Most of them don’t even live here.

Yesterday, they started attacking me online. But I tell them, leave Samia to lead this nation.

If you want a fight, come and face Makonda. I am ready,” he said, drawing laughter and applause.

He stressed a rallying call ahead of the 29 October election: “On that day, I ask you all to go out and vote for Samia. Let us give her the mandate to continue building our nation.

” The Nyamagana rally ended in jubilant cheers, with supporters chanting Samia’s name and pledging loyalty to CCM’s campaign. .

Beijing. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te is “prostituting” himself to foreigners to try and win their favour but his schemes are doomed to fail, China’s government said on Wednesday after he gave an interview lauding U.

S. President Donald Trump.

China, which views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, has a special dislike of Lai, saying he is a “separatist” and rebuffing his repeated offers of talks. Lai says only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.

In an interview released this week with a conservative U.S.

radio show and podcast, Lai said Trump should get the Nobel Peace Prize if he could convince Chinese President Xi Jinping to abandon use of force against Taiwan. Trump and Xi are expected to meet this month at a regional summit in South Korea.

Responding to the interview, where Lai also talked about China’s military threats and increased defence spending, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said Lai was “spouting nonsense”, showing his true nature as a manufacturer of crises and destroyer of peace. Since taking office last year, Lai has been “rampantly propagating separatist fallacies”, it said.

Using unusually strong wording, the statement added: “He has engaged in unprincipled foreign pandering and bottomless selling out of Taiwan, squandering the flesh and blood of the people, prostituting himself and throwing in his lot with foreign forces”. There was no immediate response from Taiwan’s government.

The Chinese statement said efforts to seek independence through relying on foreign forces were doomed to fail. “Lai Ching-te and the ‘Taiwan independence’ forces are but ants shaking a tree: they will ultimately be swept into the dustbin of history,” it added.

The statement also comes just two days before Lai gives his key national day speech on Friday. China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, staged a day of war games around the island last year shortly after that same event in what it said was a warning to “separatist acts”.

Lai says that the Republic of China – Taiwan’s formal name – and the People’s Republic of China are “not subordinate to each other”. The Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong’s communists.

No peace treaty has ever been signed and neither government officially recognises the other to this day. .

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. The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Rugby grounds will host another thrilling international rugby fixture on Friday as Clyde and Co.

‘s Dar Leopards face off against Mombasa Sports Club from Kenya from 3.30pm.

Before the main clash, a women’s curtain-raiser match will kick off at 3pm, followed by the men’s 15s fixture. The upcoming encounter marks another milestone in the Dar Leopards’ growing calendar of regional rugby matches.

The fixture continues to strengthen cross-border sporting ties between Tanzanian and Kenyan clubs while promoting the sport’s development in East Africa. Clyde and Co.

, an international law firm with seven fully integrated offices across Africa, is partnering with the Dar Leopards Rugby Club to organize the event. The partnership highlights the firm’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and sports development in Tanzania.

The event will be hosted by Peter Kasanda, Clyde and Co. Africa Chair, a former Dar Leopards player and club chair, who is eager to welcome players, guests, and supporters Spectators attending the UDSM Grounds can expect an afternoon filled with competitive rugby, refreshments, and a vibrant social atmosphere.

The event aims to celebrate both the sporting spirit and the shared commitment of local and international partners in promoting rugby and community participation. The afternoon will open with a showcase match featuring the Dar Cheetahs, the women’s contact rugby team of the Dar Leopards.

Established in 2024, the Cheetahs have quickly made their mark through dedication and teamwork, and are already preparing for an expanded and more competitive 2026 season. Their match will set the tone for the main event between the Dar Leopards and the visiting Mombasa Sports Club.

The Dar Leopards, one of Tanzania’s oldest and most established rugby clubs, continue to play a central role in nurturing local talent and promoting the game nationwide. With active men’s, women’s, and touch rugby teams, the club remains a vital contributor to the growth of Tanzanian rugby at both grassroots and competitive levels.

Friday’s fixture also signals the Leopards’ continued efforts to revive the traditional “Mamba Cup,” a regional tournament that historically featured clubs from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mombasa. Plans are underway to bring back the competition in 2026, reintroducing a much-loved rivalry to the East African rugby calendar.

The event will also receive support from partners including Painted Dog Craft Gin, which will provide refreshments, and Gardaworld Security, responsible for ensuring player safety and offering medical and ambulance services throughout the day. .

Dar es Salaam. The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has launched 98 online and blended learning programmes, backed by a $7 million investment under the World Bank-supported Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project.

The move signals a major shift in Tanzania’s approach to higher education. Speaking during a capacity-building training on online and blended learning yesterday, UDSM Vice Chancellor Prof William Anangisye said the initiative will equip graduates to be digitally competent, adaptable, and prepared for the 21st-century job market.

“This is a deliberate contribution to national development,” Prof Anangisye said. The initiative aligns with Tanzania’s Vision 2050 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, positioning UDSM as a regional leader in digital education.

It builds on lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of digital tools for remote learning, prompting significant upgrades to the university’s ICT infrastructure. Head of UDSM’s Centre for Virtual Learning, Dr Fatuma Simba, said the programmes cover diverse fields including science, technology, business, humanities, and the arts.

They aim to make higher education more flexible, inclusive, and aligned with the aspirations of Tanzanians. Deputy Coordinator of the HEET Project, Prof Boniface Haule, said online learning allows students to study anytime and anywhere.

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Dar es Salaam. As organisations across Tanzania celebrate Customer Service Week, MSI Tanzania, formerly known as Marie Stopes Tanzania, has announced a name change as part of its commitment to improving and expanding access to quality healthcare services.

MSI Tanzania’s Country Director, Mr Patrick Kinemo, stated that the rebranding signifies a new chapter for the organisation but assured clients that its operations and mission will not change. “Last year, nearly 25 percent of all clients who received family planning services in Tanzania were supported by MSI Tanzania staff in collaboration with the government,” he said.

He emphasised that the organisation plays a crucial role in providing contraceptives and permanent family planning methods, reaching about 40 percent of both women and men who accessed these services nationwide. Mr Kinemo explained that MSI Tanzania’s primary service delivery model is its outreach programme, which offers sexual and reproductive health services in government health facilities.

This initiative is conducted in close collaboration with the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) and the Ministry of Health. “This model allows us to reach remote and marginalised communities, ensuring that no one is left behind,” he emphasised.

“As part of this approach, we also implement an embedded nurse model, where MSI-employed nurses work within government facilities to provide mentorship, capacity building, and ensure the sustainability of sexual and reproductive health services beyond our direct involvement.” In addition to its outreach efforts, Mr Kinemo highlighted the organisation’s Public Sector Strengthening Programme, which supports health facilities at both local and national levels to enhance the quality of sexual and reproductive health services and strengthen the overall resilience of the healthcare system.

Since its establishment in 1989, MSI Tanzania has been dedicated to ensuring that women, men, and young people across the country have access to high-quality, affordable, and client-centred care. Through its hospitals, clinics, outreach programmes, and call centre, the organisation continues to provide trusted services that empower individuals to make informed choices and lead healthier lives.

healthier lives. .

Dar es Salaam. Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) parliamentary candidate for Kibamba Constituency, Angellah Kairuki, has unveiled ten key priorities for residents of Saranga and Goba wards if elected in the October 29 general election.

Speaking at separate campaign rallies this week, Ms Kairuki said that while significant development had been achieved under the CCM government, several pressing challenges still needed urgent solutions. “If I am fortunate enough to be elected as your Member of Parliament, I will start by fencing all primary and secondary schools in both wards to ensure children’s safety,” she said.

On transport, Ms Kairuki pledged to push for the introduction of new daladala routes in Goba and surrounding areas to ease mobility challenges faced by residents. She also promised to secure land for cemeteries, noting that compensation would be paid where necessary to ensure residents have appropriate burial grounds.

In the health sector, Ms Kairuki said the government had invested over S00 million in constructing a two-storey building at Kimara Health Centre and allocated an additional Sh100 million for medical equipment. Saranga Health Centre, she added, had received Sh100 million for constructing an outpatient building, with plans to complete the project next month.

On education, she said Sh35.8 million had been allocated for building classrooms, kitchens, and introducing school meal services. She added that efforts were underway to acquire land for constructing new schools to reduce the long distances pupils currently walk.

Regarding infrastructure, Ms Kairuki noted that the government had already spent Sh1.8 billion on local road projects. She pledged to prioritise the second phase of road construction for routes such as KimunguSukaUkombozi, PeponiKKT Temboni, and SukaFoleniKarangaUpendo to improve gravel roads and strengthen transport networks.

She also vowed to oversee water projects in Saranga, Ukombozi, Bangu, Pasaka, and Ruvu neighbourhoods to ensure residents access water for more hours daily. Ms Kairuki further promised to support youth and women’s economic groups, including those for people with disabilities, through entrepreneurship training and small-business support.

Meanwhile, CCM campaign coordinator for Dar es Salaam and Coast regions, Hawa Ghasia, praised the party’s decision to nominate Ms Kairuki, describing her as “diligent, articulate, and results-oriented.” She urged Kibamba residents to vote for the CCM presidential candidate, Samia Suluhu Hassan, citing the administration’s development record.

Goba Ward councillor candidate Laurance Mlaki said his priorities align with the party manifesto and promised to collaborate closely with Ms Kairuki to tackle local challenges .