Category: The Citizen

Being at the pub isn’t just about having a drink and exchanging ideas with others. It’s also about watching things happen, things that can be most interesting.

Real life drama. Isn’t it real-life drama when you see a man in his right senses ordering 15 beers at a go? And that, when no announcement has been made to the effect that stocks will run out in the next five minutes! You aver that it’s all in the name of showing it to all and sundry that yuko na pesa! Whoever told him other people care whether he has lots of dosh or not? Kwani, nani hana zake? However, if that’s something that makes him feel happy, let it be.

It’s entertaining to watch such kind of nonsense! There’s this other occasion when an old pal arrives at an open-air bar where you’ve been having a beer in the company of Uncle Kich, your mum’s kid bro to whom another name for beer is Safari Lager. It’s clear the guy has just dropped off a daladala at a nearby bus stop.

We ask him to take a seat and he says thank you. Even before he’s fully settled down in his plastic chair, he starts to lament how today’s mechanics are unreliable.

“Imagine; it’s three days since I left my car with my fundi, one of the most accomplished vehicle mechanics in Dar, but as we sit here, I can’t be sure I’ll be able to collect my vehicle tomorrowdamn him!” he tells us all that, much as we haven’t asked him anything about his car. We aren’t interested in his broken car, nor are we keen on whether he came by daladala, bajaji or bodaboda, but he tells us of how much he’s spending on taxis.

He tells us he’s seriously considering buying a new car. When he goes to the loo, Uncle Kich whispers to you that actually, the guy doesn’t own a car any longer.

It means, no car of his is in any garage! “He sold his ramshackle of a car, a Toyota Corolla, two months ago for a song, and he has already eaten the money” says Uncle Kich. “So, why’s he telling us stories about his car in the hands of a mechanic?” you ask.

“I don’t knowmaybe the idea is to give us the impression he’s financially okayas if we care!” says Uncle. Then, there’s this incident when Lucia, the assistant akaunta at this pub whose identity will remain secret, faced a big test.

She’s at the counter chatting with Billy, a guy she had always considered hers and hers alone. She actually referred to him as “husband” and her fellow wahudumu called him shemeji.

Then, enter this tallish woman who had arrived in a bajaj, not a bodaboda, the dear-most mode of transport for our city girls. She walks straight to the counter where she’s received with a big hug and a peck on the cheek.

I can read the dismay on Lucia’s face. Billy holds his new “wife’s” hand and walks her to a table of their own away from the counter.

Since Lucia and you are familiar with each other, you ask her what’s happening. “That woman is trashBilly is still my husband no matter whatin any case those big bums she carries behind her are Turkish-made–fakes!” You’ve not sought all that information but there we are.

All this and more is the kind of real-life drama you encounter, making a beer at the pub worthwhile, a far cry from having it at home seated beside mama watoto as she watches Jua Kali. .

Kigoma. Residents of Kigoma Municipality have called on the government to provide clarity and take decisive action on the long-delayed Katosho Dry Port project, a strategic investment intended to strengthen transport and trade between Tanzania and neighbouring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi.

The project, located in Katosho area in Kigoma Ujiji Municipality, was launched in 2019 following agreements among Great Lakes region countries that rely on Lake Tanganyika for cargo transport. Its primary objective is to ease congestion at the ports of Dar es Salaam and Kigoma while improving the efficiency of cargo movement within and beyond Tanzania.

Once operational, the dry port is expected to streamline cargo handling, storage and distribution services, reducing both transport time and costs for traders. It is also seen as a key driver for enhancing trade flows across East and Central Africa, especially for countries that depend on Lake Tanganyika as a major transport corridor.

In addition, the project is anticipated to stimulate economic growth in Kigoma and surrounding areas by creating employment opportunities and expanding commercial activities. However, nearly five years since its launch, progress has remained slow, raising concerns among residents about its future and overall management.

Residents question fate of project Residents of Kibirizi Ward say they are increasingly frustrated by the lack of visible progress, despite being relocated from the area as early as 2015 to pave the way for construction. Instead of development, they claim the site has been turned into a parking area for trucks travelling to Rwanda.

A Soweto resident, Mr Malik Bocho, said the public has not been informed about the reasons behind the delays. “We do not understand what is happening with this project.

If it had been completed, many young people would have secured employment and improved their livelihoods,” he said. He said that unemployment among youth remains high, with many left idle and without direction.

“We urge the government to revisit the original purpose of the project. It should not remain a mere parking yard for vehicles,” he said.

Another resident, Mr Buchumi Ali, said the absence of official communication has fuelled speculation that the project may have been abandoned or relocated. “If the government is unable to continue with the project, it would be better to return the land to residents so they can develop it themselves,” he said, noting that some affected families are still struggling without permanent housing.

One of the compensated residents, Mr Ruegwa Juma said the prolonged delay has deprived locals of potential income opportunities. He warned that the idle land has become unsafe, particularly at night, citing incidents of robbery and sexual violence.

“The area has turned into a bush. There are frequent criminal incidents, including attacks on women and theft of phones and motorcycles,” he said.

Mr Juma, who is involved in community policing, recounted rescuing women who had been surrounded by a group of youths after being robbed. Similarly, Butunga Street chairperson, Mr Hamisi Yasini, said residents were assessed for compensation in 2012 and began receiving payments in 2015 to vacate the area.

He noted that insecurity has persisted around the project site, with between seven and eight reported cases from 2019 to 2025, including rape and child abuse. “We have reported some perpetrators to the police and courts, but incidents continue to occur,” he said.

Mr Yasini urged the government to complete the project, noting that substantial public funds have already been invested. He also highlighted concerns over compensation, saying some residents were fully paid, others received partial payments, while some have yet to be compensated, prompting legal action.

The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) said recently that it disbursed Sh12 billion in 2021 to compensate 1,228 residents of Katosho and Kigoma affected by the project. Of these, 1,196 accepted the payments, while 31 declined, arguing that the compensation did not reflect the actual value of their properties.

The project has been described as one of TPA’s major investments, expected to serve not only Tanzania but also countries in East Africa and the Great Lakes region. Government explanation Kigoma District Commissioner Mr Rashidi Chuachua said the project officially began in 2019, covering 67 hectares in its first phase, including designated areas for Burundi and the DRC.

He said more than Sh2.4 billion was allocated for the initial phase, which involved constructing a perimeter fence–a stage that has been completed. “As part of opening up Kigoma, there are plans to strengthen railway and road infrastructure and bring services closer to Burundi and the DRC, so that cargo can be handled in Kigoma instead of Dar es Salaam,” he said.

Mr Chuachua explained that the second phase involves feasibility studies and the design of essential infrastructure such as water, electricity and paved surfaces. Parliamentary concerns The project has also been raised in Parliament.

In 2022, then Kigoma Urban MP Mr Kilumbe Ng’enda asked the government about its plans to complete the dry port. The delay in implementing the project raises questions about compliance with the Tanzania Investment Act of 2022, which requires authorities to establish effective systems for coordinating, promoting and protecting investments.

The law, which repealed the 1997 Investment Act, aligns with broader reforms, including a 2025 framework integrating investment zones with special economic zones to improve accountability and efficiency in strategic projects such as dry ports and other economic infrastructure. .

Dodoma. Tanzania’s plan to secure fuel supplies and deliver reliable electricity under the 2026/27 budget has received strong backing in Parliament, with Members of Parliament (MPs) urging faster action to cut energy costs, expand rural access, and strengthen sector oversight.

Presenting a Sh2.5 trillion budget on Wednesday, the minister for Energy Deogratius Ndejembi outlined a strategy to shield the country from global fuel shocks while accelerating investment in power generation, transmission, and alternative energy. The proposals align with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s development agenda, which prioritises energy as a pillar of industrial growth and economic resilience.

However, MPs said structural and service delivery challenges remain and must be addressed if the government’s vision is to benefit citizens. Chemba MP Kunti Majala raised concern over high gas costs and limited availability in rural areas, urging pricing and distribution reforms.

She proposed gas metering systems to improve transparency and help consumers manage usage, saying affordability remains a key barrier. She also cited shortages of essential tools, including vehicles for public servants in her constituency, saying this undermines efficiency and raises operational costs.

In the electricity sector, she called for the supply of more than 800 concrete poles to replace termite-damaged wooden infrastructure and expand access to schools and essential services. Geita Rural MP Joseph Kasheku cautioned against overemphasis on lowering fuel prices at the expense of supply stability, stressing availability as a priority amid global uncertainty.

He also called for higher-capacity transformers to strengthen rural distribution and improved coordination between Rea and Tanesco to reduce inefficiencies. Musoma Urban MP Ester Matiko urged greater use of natural resources to drive growth and a shift towards gas and electricity to reduce reliance on petroleum imports.

Biharamulo West MP Ezra Chiwelesa called for long-term fuel transport solutions, recommending investment in pipelines and modern systems to replace road tankers, cut costs, and improve safety. He also commended the ministry’s responsiveness, calling for continued collaboration between government and stakeholders to achieve sector goals.

Special Seats MP Chiku Issa backed government efforts and highlighted the role of women in national development and energy sector reforms. In his budget speech, Minister Ndejembi said the government will expand storage and transport infrastructure, strengthen regulation, and accelerate major hydro, gas, and solar power projects.

Lawmakers across the political divide agreed that the energy sector remains central to Tanzania’s industrialisation and social development agenda. They emphasised that while government investments in electricity generation, fuel security, and alternative energy are commendable, implementation gaps continue to slow down the impact on households and businesses.

MPs urged faster rollout of rural electrification projects, improved fuel logistics, and stronger institutional coordination to ensure value for money. They also called for enhanced transparency in pricing and distribution systems to protect consumers from rising costs.

Mps underscored the need for urgent reforms to ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply across the country, in line with national development goals and growing demand, and support long-term economic transformation through sustained investment. .

Dar es Salaam. The Port of Dar es Salaam is confident of surpassing its 30 million-tonne cargo target for the 2026/27 financial year after a strong start in the first quarter of 2026 (Q1 2026).

Global logistics firm DP World, which operates berths zero to seven, has also expressed confidence in meeting its 1.3 million-tonne target for 2026, following robust growth in cargo throughput over the same period.

The updates were shared during a recent media tour of the port involving editors from various news organisations. The concession granted to DP World was aimed at modernising operations and improving efficiency in transport and logistics services across Tanzania and neighbouring landlocked countries.

The port serves as a key gateway linking sub-Saharan African countries through an extensive network of roads, railways, and freight corridors, supporting rising demand for supply chain services and facilitating access to global markets. Two years after DP World began operations in April 2024, notable improvements have been recorded across key performance indicators.

DP World’s head of external relations, Mr Elitunu Mallamia, said cargo throughput reached 27.7 million tonnes in the 2024/25 financial year. This marked an increase from 24 million tonnes a year earlier, reflecting improved efficiency and rising demand for port services.

Mr Mallamia said $123 million (about Sh326 billion) of a planned $250 million investment had already been disbursed under a 30-year concession agreement with the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA). He said DP World handled 209,238 tonnes of cargo in 2024, rising by 55 percent to 323,837 tonnes in 2025. In Q1 2026, the operator handled 110,199 tonnes compared with 57,401 tonnes in the same period in 2025. “This gives us confidence in achieving the 1.

3 million-tonne target for 2026 and surpassing the 30 million-tonne target for the Port of Dar es Salaam,” he said. Container traffic measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) rose to 110,199 in Q1 2026, a 92 percent increase from 57,401 TEUs in Q1 2025. March 2026 alone accounted for 43,803 TEUs.

General cargo rose by 22 percent from 510,000 tonnes in 2025 to 620,000 tonnes in 2026, with January 2026 alone contributing 267,818 tonnes. Bulk cargo increased by 10 percent from 950,000 tonnes to 1.

04 million tonnes, with March 2026 recording 428,445 tonnes. Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) volumes rose by 58 percent from 42,124 units in Q1 2025 to 66,634 units in Q1 2026, with March alone recording 30,442 units.

Comparing 2025 figures with those of 2023, he said overall, general cargo nearly doubled to 2.23 million tonnes in 2025 from 1.

22 million tonnes in 2023. “Bulk cargo rose 10 percent from 3.53 million tonnes to 3.

89 million tonnes, while RoRo units increased 15 percent from 195,649 to 224,854,” he said. “Between 2024 and 2025, container volumes grew 55 percent from 209,238 TEUs to 323,837 TEUs.

General cargo rose 25 percent from 1.78 million tonnes to 2.

23 million tonnes, with June 2025 recording 271,986 tonnes,” added Mr Mallamia. Furthermore, he said bulk cargo rose 22 percent from 3.

18 million tonnes to 3.89 million tonnes, with August 2025 peaking at 446,609 tonnes, and that RoRo volumes rose 20 percent from 187,500 to 224,854 units.

Mr Mallamia said safety performance had improved, including fewer incidents and a 100 percent increase in container handling productivity following the introduction of ship-to-shore (STS) operations. Other gains included a 15 percent rise in RoRo productivity, faster vessel turnaround times, and a reduction in waiting ships from 35 in April 2024 to 17 in April 2026. He said the highest container volumes of 43,803 TEUs were handled in March 2026 at Terminal 1, while RoRo volumes reached a record 30,442 units in the same month.

The MSC Stella, measuring 305 metres in length overall, became the largest container vessel ever handled at the port. Improved efficiency has also boosted Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) collections, increasing average monthly revenues from Sh800 billion to over Sh1 trillion.

Looking ahead, DP World plans to procure eight rubber-tyred gantry cranes, 10 terminal tractors, nine trailers, and upgrade mobile harbour cranes over the next three years. It will also acquire 10 hoppers and grabs, two tug masters, and other equipment.

It also plans to upgrade container yards, construct two gates, relocate warehouses, and install new generators. A conveyor system for dry bulk cargo will also be introduced.

Perimeter fencing, CCTV systems, access controls, gate automation, remote tally systems, and handheld devices will be deployed to improve operational efficiency. .

Dodoma. The Medical Stores Department (MSD) has announced plans to begin importing a specialised drug used to treat alcohol addiction, in a move expected to bring relief to thousands of Tanzanians struggling with dependency.

The drug, Naltrexone, will be distributed across public hospitals once it becomes available in the country. MSD Dodoma zonal manager, Ms Mwanashehe Jumaa, said the agency will officially announce the health facilities that will stock the medication to ensure easier access for the public.

She made the remarks on Friday, April 24, 2026, during a meeting with editors from various media houses aimed at discussing improvements and the implementation of MSD’s core functions. Ms Jumaa said the drug targets individuals battling alcohol addiction, a group that has long lacked access to such treatment in government hospitals.

“We have secured this medication at an affordable cost and it will be distributed to various hospitals. “We have secured this medication at an affordable cost and it will be distributed to various hospitals.

Previously, it was difficult for patients to be prescribed this drug due to its limited availability, but the situation will now change,” she said. She noted that MSD reached the decision in collaboration with Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital after conducting an assessment that revealed a significant shortage of drugs used to manage alcohol addiction in the country.

According to Ms Jumaa, the consignment has already been ordered and will initially be introduced at Mirembe Hospital before being rolled out to other health facilities nationwide. She added that the move will significantly reduce treatment costs, as the drug has largely been available in private hospitals and pharmacies at relatively high prices.

“We are ensuring that essential mental health products are available in sufficient quantities and at affordable prices. Through MSD, these medicines will now reach more citizens than before,” she said.

Alcohol addiction burden Data from Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital shows that between 30 and 40 percent of patients receiving mental health services are directly linked to excessive alcohol consumption. The hospital also receives hundreds of new patients annually with alcohol addiction, adding pressure to the healthcare system.

Studies indicate that about 6.8 percent of Tanzanians suffer from alcohol addiction.

The prevalence is higher among men at over 11.5 percent compared to 2.2 percent among women.

In some facilities, such as Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), up to 30 percent of accident patients are reported to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of admission. National data further suggests that alcohol consumption levels in Tanzania are higher than the East African average.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the average alcohol consumption per adult in Tanzania exceeds nine litres per year–a level associated with rising cases of non-communicable diseases, road accidents and social challenges. Public reaction Reacting to the development, a Dodoma resident, Mr Juma Abdallah, said availability of the drug in public hospitals would help many families grappling with alcohol addiction.

“Many people want to quit alcohol but fail due to lack of professional support and medication. If it becomes affordable, it will be a huge relief,” he said.

A mother from Singida, Ms Neema Mlay, said the cost of treatment has been a major obstacle for families. “We have been struggling to treat our relative in private hospitals at a high cost.

If the drug becomes available in government facilities, it will ease the burden on many families,” she said. Expert view A mental health specialist, Dr Petro Mwakalinga, said Naltrexone plays a crucial role in reducing the urge to consume alcohol but cautioned that it should be complemented with counselling.

“This drug helps to reduce physical dependence on alcohol, but it is not a standalone solution. It must be combined with psychological therapy and social support for full recovery,” he said.

He added that tackling alcohol addiction in Tanzania requires a multi-sectoral approach, including public awareness, regulation of alcohol availability and strengthening mental health services. Despite the challenges, stakeholders have welcomed MSD’s move as a significant step towards improving mental healthcare in the country, particularly given the far-reaching impact of alcohol addiction on health, household economies and society at large.

Mr Jumaa reiterated that once the drug becomes available, MSD will formally announce the health facilities that will stock it to ensure smooth access for the public. Overall, health experts believe the introduction of Naltrexone will mark an important milestone in the fight against alcohol addiction, while underscoring the need for continued investment in mental health services nationwide.

.

I’ve admired a few couples on social media too. I’m a fan of love.

I like seeing people happy, matching, glowing, and acting like they invented romance.However, in conversations with girls, I often hear them say something like, “I want a relationship like theirs.

” “I need a man like him.””They’re couple goals!”And my question is always.

irl do you know these people personally? Because some of you are admiring edited content with background music. You saw one vacation vlog and decided they were soulmates.

You saw rose petals on a hotel bed and said, “God, when?”Relax. A lot of famous “perfect couples” have gone from relationship goals to relationship warnings in real time.

One minute, they’re posting kisses in Santorini; the next, it’s public cheating, toxic interviews, court drama, messy breakups, or exposing each other on live video. Suddenly, the same love story becomes a season finale nobody asked for.

That’s why I usually say: Some relationships look like heaven online but feel like hell in private. We’ve all seen it.

Beautiful couple photos. Luxury vacations.

Matching outfits like they’re in a toothpaste advert. Birthday surprises.

Romantic captions written by someone who probably ignored a text two hours earlier. Public proposals.

Smiles that make people type, “Goals.” From the outside, it looks like love has won.

Meanwhile, behind closed doors, communication is on life support. Sometimes what looks perfect publicly may not be healthy privately.

A relationship can trend online and still be in shambles offline. Two people can post kisses today and argue in separate rooms tonight.

They can travel the world together and still not know how to have one mature conversation. They can post “my forever” and be stressing each other out by breakfast.

My friend, social media is a highlight reel, not a relationship audit. It shows the dinner date, not the argument in the parking lot.

It shows the flowers, not the nonsense that required the flowers. It shows the ring, not the unresolved issues wearing makeup.

It shows the beach photo, not the silent treatment on the flight back. And because people only see the polished version, they start comparing.

“I want what they have.” No, you don’t.

You want the camera angle. those gifts are not proof of peace.

Trips are not proof of trust. Captions are not proof of communication.

Matching pyjamas are not proof of emotional maturity. Some relationships are surviving purely on lighting, filters, and denial.

That’s why wisdom says stop admiring relationships based on aesthetics alone. Real relationship quality is not measured by how cute it looks online.

It is measured by how safe it feels in private. How people speak to each other when nobody is watching.

How they handle stress. How they handle disappointment.

How they act when life is not giving sunset lighting.Sometimes, the healthiest couples post the least.

nd sometimes the loudest love stories are one argument away from a documentary. So before you envy what you see online, remember: Some pictures are smiling through stress.

Some captions were written after crying. Some “perfect couples” need therapy, space, and less ring light.

Don’t confuse visibility with value. And please, never use Instagram to measure the quality of love.

.

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made a series of key appointments in government, in a move aimed at strengthening institutional performance and improving efficiency in public service.

According to a statement issued by Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka, the appointments take effect immediately, with the appointees expected to assume their duties in line with public service procedures. Among those appointed is nominated Member of Parliament Angela Kizigha, who has been named Presidential Adviser on Social Affairs.

Her appointment reflects continued confidence from President Hassan, who had earlier, on April 2, 2025, nominated her to Parliament under the President’s quota. In another appointment, Peter Mwasalyanda has been named Director General of the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority, succeeding Jabiri Bakari, whose term has ended.

Prior to this appointment, Mr Mwasalyanda served as Chief Executive Officer of the Universal Communications Service Access Fund, where he oversaw projects aimed at expanding communication services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Meanwhile, Dr Bakari has been appointed Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, taking over from Salim Msangi, who has been assigned other duties within the government.

In a related development, Ambassador Mobhare Matinyi has been appointed Tanzania’s envoy to Algeria, a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. Mr Matinyi is a seasoned diplomat and communications expert.

Prior to this appointment, he served as Tanzania’s ambassador to Sweden, where he focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, education and investment between Tanzania and European nations. .

Nairobi. The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has secured a fresh commitment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) for its $750 million Infrastructure Climate Resilient Fund (ICRF), in a move aimed at accelerating climate adaptation financing across the continent.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of The Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi, signalling growing alignment among African institutions on the need to embed climate resilience in infrastructure development. Managed by AFC Capital Partners, the fund is designed to integrate climate resilience measures across the full lifecycle of infrastructure projects–from planning and design to construction and operation.

The initiative seeks to ensure infrastructure systems in African economies can withstand increasingly severe and unpredictable climate shocks. The DBSA’s participation adds to a pool of institutional investors that have already backed the fund, including the Green Climate Fund, which has committed $253 million–its largest equity investment in Africa to date.

Other contributors include the European Investment Bank and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, alongside several African pension funds. AFC said the fund is structured to attract both public and private capital through blended finance mechanisms, combining concessional and commercial funding to overcome long-standing barriers to climate adaptation investment.

AFC President and Chief Executive Officer, Samaila Zubairu, said the initiative responds to mounting climate pressures on the continent. “Africa is already losing between two and five percent of GDP annually due to climate shocks, while adaptation needs are estimated at up to $50 billion each year,” he said.

“This partnership with DBSA reflects strong institutional alignment and marks an important milestone.” DBSA Chief Executive Officer, Boitumelo Mosako, said the pace of climate impacts demands urgent and coordinated action.

“Africa does not have the luxury of waiting. Climate shocks are outpacing adaptation finance, and vulnerable communities continue to bear the greatest burden,” she said.

The fund targets investments in renewable energy, transport and logistics, digital infrastructure and industrial development–sectors considered critical to low-carbon growth and economic resilience. Each project will undergo detailed climate risk assessments, including exposure to extreme weather, emissions pathways and governance standards, to ensure resilience is embedded from the outset.

The Green Climate Fund is expected to play a catalytic role by providing first-loss capital and technical support for climate risk analysis, helping to crowd in additional institutional investors. AFC Capital Partners estimates the fund could mobilise up to $3.7 billion in total financing, supporting a pipeline of between 10 and 12 infrastructure projects across Africa.

.

In our April 10 edition of this column, we expressed our disenchantment towards the tendency of some Kiswahili media colleagues, especially those in radio and television, to introduce English words as they seek to inform, educate and entertain their audiences. Critics are less harsh to those who mess with English when they’ve the misfortune of being obliged to use this treacherous language to earn their daily ugali.

Yes. These have no choice but to battle it out and come up with a story.

You’ve no business using even a word of English when you work for a Kiswahili media outlet. As we pen this, the columnist has just heard a significant radio sports commentator say Simba (?) issued a press ‘STATMENT’.

Of course, he had in mind the word ‘STATEMENT’ which should be pronounced as ‘STEIT-MENT’ (as in ‘State House’), not STAT-MENT (as in ‘start’ a football match). Having thus lectured (bah!) let’s proceed with our key task in this space, namely, to dish out linguistic gems picked up over the past week.

On Page 3 of Bongo’s senior-most broadsheet of Monday, April 20, there’s a six column photo whose caption reads: “Zanzibar Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdullah makes a phone call WITH Zanzibar Electricity Corporation managing director, Eng Haji pressing for urgent solutions to persistent power shortages” Hello! We don’t make a call “with” someone out there; we make a call TO someone.” There’s another story on Page 5, entitled ‘TAWREF housing project transforms orphans in Kilimanjaro,’ whose intro reads: “More than 650 orphans and 1,000 OTHER family members have benefited from a shelter project” By using the adjective “other,” the implied meaning is that the said family members are also orphans, something which isn’t true.

We’ll provide a rewrite that redeems the sentence: “More than 650 orphans and other 1,000 persons from various families have benefited from a shelter project” And, on Page 20 of the broadsheet, there’s a story with this banner headline, ‘Simba roar past Namungo.’ In the third paragraph of this one, the scribbler has written: “While Majaliwa Stadium has long been a fortress for the southern Tanzanian outfit, Simba became ONLY the second visiting side to take maximum points from the venue” The only second? Nope, for letting this pass muster would mean we could’ve had “another second” visiting sideThat wouldn’t make any sense! We aver our scribbling colleague meant to write the following: “Simba became the only team BESIDES YANGA that has so far taken maximum points from the venue” And now, a look at what we obtained from Bongo’s huge and colourful broadsheet of Thursday, April 16, Page 3 of which has a story entitled, ‘Health ministry deploys key digital surveillance in 90 high-risk district,’ in which the scribbler says in her intro: “The Ministry of Health has launched a STRATEGIC initiative to train community actors across 90 high risk districts to detect and report health threats in REAL TIME.

” As conveyors of facts and truth, we need not use unnecessary qualifiers, for these should be left to interested parties only. It means, the adjective “strategic” should be left out.

And why use the pretentious expression “in real time” instead of simply saying IMMEDIATELY? Finally, we take note of a beautiful photo on the same page whose caption reads: “Itwangi CONSTITUENCY legislator Azza Hilal contributes to debate in the National Assembly in Dodoma city yesterday on the Budget estimates” Hang on! An area that is represented by a legislator, i.e.

a Member of Parliament–be it Itwangi, Mwanga, etc–is obviously a constituency. You don’t have to state it! Just say: “Itwangi legislator Azza Hilal” Ah, this treacherous language called English! .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Premier League Board has announced a key change of venue for the highly anticipated Mainland Premier League fixture between Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba, popularly known as the Kariakoo Derby.

According to an official statement released on April 24, 2026, the match initially scheduled to be played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will now take place at the Meja Jenerali Isamuhyo Stadium. The fixture is set for May 3, 2026, with kickoff slated for 6pm.

The board cited ongoing renovations at the Mkapa Stadium as the primary reason behind the decision. The facility, which regularly hosts high profile domestic and international matches, is currently undergoing improvements, making it unavailable for use during the scheduled date of the derby.

The changes have been made to ensure the match is played under suitable conditions while maintaining the standards required for top tier league fixtures, the statement said. The clash comes at a crucial point in the title race, with defending champions Young Africans sitting comfortably at the top of the standings.

Yanga lead the table with 47 points from 19 matches, maintaining an unbeaten record of 14 wins and five draws. They have also been dominant on both ends of the pitch, scoring 44 goals while conceding just three, giving them a remarkable goal difference of 41. In contrast, Simba are second on the log with 42 points from the same number of matches.

The Msimbazi Street giants have registered 12 wins, six draws and one defeat, scoring 32 goals and conceding seven for a goal difference of 25. While Simba remain firmly in the title race, they trail their rivals by five points, making the upcoming derby a potentially decisive encounter. The Kariakoo Derby remains the biggest fixture in Tanzanian football, drawing massive attention from fans across the country and beyond.

Matches between Simba and Yanga are known for their intensity, historic rivalry and large fan attendance, often filling the Mkapa Stadium to capacity. Despite the change in venue, TPLB assured stakeholders that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and successful event.

The board confirmed that both clubs, along with other relevant authorities, have been duly informed and are cooperating in preparations for the match. The clubs and all stakeholders have received full details regarding the venue change and are working closely to ensure the game is conducted in line with the league’s high standards, which rank among the best in Africa, the statement added.

The shift to Isamuhyo Stadium presents a different setting for the derby, but the stakes remain high. With the title race heating up, Simba will be eager to close the gap, while Yanga aim to tighten their grip at the summit.

Football stakeholders in Dar es Salaam and across the country are now turning their focus to the clash, which could play a decisive role in shaping the destination of the 2025 2026 league title. .