Category: The Citizen

Arusha. Efforts by Idd Kiture to overturn a 30-year jail term after being convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl have failed at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR), which dismissed his application.

Mr Kiture, who is serving his sentence at Ukonga Central Prison in Dar es Salaam, filed Application No. 010/2019 against the United Republic of Tanzania, alleging violations of his fundamental rights during investigation, trial, and judgment.

He asked the Court to declare violations, award $10,000 compensation, quash his conviction and order his release. On Friday, June 5, 2026, the Court sitting with eight judges led by President Blaise Tchikaya and Vice President Chafika Bensaoula dismissed key arguments, ruling there were no grounds to overturn the conviction or grant release.

Case background Tanzania raised a preliminary objection, arguing the Court lacked jurisdiction and could not order the release of the applicant. The Court dismissed the objection, holding that, under Article 3(1) of its Protocol, it has jurisdiction over the interpretation and application of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other human rights instruments.

It further confirmed that Article 27(1) empowers it to grant appropriate remedies, including release where justified. On admissibility, the Court rejected Tanzania’s claim that Mr Kiture should have first sought review of the Court of Appeal decision before approaching the international court.

Judges held that he had exhausted all domestic remedies after going through the Morogoro District Court, the High Court, and the Court of Appeal. They noted that review of Court of Appeal decisions is an exceptional remedy, not a mandatory step before filing a case.

On the merits, Mr Kiture alleged violations including discrimination, denial of equality before the law, denial of the right to appeal, unfair trial, delay, and inhuman treatment. However, the Court dismissed most claims for lack of evidence.

It found no proof of discrimination or breach of equality before the law. The claim that he was denied the right to appeal was rejected, as he had fully exercised his appeal rights up to the Court of Appeal.

The allegation of excessive delay was also rejected; proceedings took six years, five months, and one day, which the Court found not unreasonable. Claims that the charge sheet was defective were dismissed, as procedural irregularities did not prejudice his defence.

Allegations of police beating or mistreatment were also rejected for lack of evidence. However, the Court upheld one key claim: lack of legal aid.

It found Mr Kiture was not provided legal representation despite facing a serious rape charge carrying a 30-year sentence. The Court ruled Tanzania had a duty to provide free legal aid in such serious cases even without a request from the accused.

It therefore found a violation of Article 7(1)(c) of the African Charter, read with Article 14(3)(d) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Despite this, the Court held he failed to prove financial loss, so monetary compensation was not warranted.

Instead, it awarded symbolic compensation of Sh500 for moral harm caused by the lack of legal aid. Each party was ordered to bear its own costs.

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Arusha. Businessman Taqabbal Mwasha has been acquitted after spending 2,465 days behind bars while facing allegations of trafficking narcotic drugs, specifically khat (miraa), from Ethiopia to the United Kingdom.

The period runs from September 5, 2019, when he was arrested by officers of the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) in Dar es Salaam, to June 5, 2026, when the High Court’s Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division cleared him of all charges. Mr Mwasha, a resident of Sakina, Arusha, was arrested at the Tanzania Posts Corporation parcel section in Ilala District, Dar es Salaam, accused of trafficking 214.85 kilogrammes of narcotics (miraa) allegedly destined for the UK.

He consistently denied the allegations throughout the investigation, trial, and up to his acquittal. On June 5, 2026, Justice Sedekia Kisanya ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt and ordered his release.

In the judgment published on the Judiciary website on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the judge said the evidence presented was insufficient to sustain a conviction. “Having considered the evidence from both sides, the Court finds that the prosecution has not discharged the burden of proof required in criminal cases, namely proof beyond reasonable doubt,” he said.

He added that contradictions in witness testimony and gaps in the prosecution case must be resolved in favour of the accused. “Therefore, the accused, Taqabbal Ayoub Mwasha, is found not guilty of trafficking narcotic drugs as charged,” the court ruled.

The court further ordered his immediate release unless held on other charges, the return of his passport, and destruction of the seized narcotics held by DCEA in accordance with the law. The prosecution team was led by Senior State Attorney Elizabeth Muhangwa, assisted by State Attorneys Marietha Maguta, Glory Kilawe, Blandina Mnung’a, Erick Davies, and Erick Kamala.

The State called 10 witnesses and tendered 10 exhibits in support of its case, while Mr Mwasha was initially represented by advocate Benjamin Mageni and later by Mohamed Majaliwa. How he was arrested Prosecution evidence showed the case began on August 23, 2019, when a Tanzania Posts Corporation intelligence officer flagged three suspicious parcels during scanning at Dar es Salaam offices, one bearing Mr Mwasha’s name.

Scanner images allegedly indicated plant material inside, prompting alerts to supervisors and DCEA officers, who initiated monitoring of the shipments. On August 29, 2019, officers identified 10 additional boxes from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, addressed to Mr Mwasha in Arusha, again flagged by scanner images suggesting plant material.

A further two boxes were intercepted on August 30, 2019, this time linked to export documentation from Arusha to the United Kingdom, also associated with the accused. The prosecution alleged that on September 5, 2019, Mr Mwasha visited the Posta offices to inquire about delayed parcels and was subsequently arrested by DCEA officers who were monitoring the operation.

A DCEA officer testified that the accused was apprehended at the premises while attempting to collect the parcels, which were later analysed and confirmed to contain narcotics. In his defence, Mr Mwasha told the court he went to Posta after being informed of issues concerning his parcels, denying any involvement in drug trafficking.

He insisted he only saw the parcels after his arrest and denied ownership or knowledge of the 13 boxes allegedly linked to him. He said items seized from him included phones, cash, receipts and documents recorded as exhibit D3. While acknowledging involvement in forestry product trade and previous exports, he denied any connection to the alleged narcotics shipments to the UK.

The judgment Justice Kisanya said the central issue was whether the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. He found serious procedural flaws in handling exhibit P3, including failure to follow proper sampling and scientific testing procedures, which undermined the reliability of the evidence.

“These deficiencies go to the root of the reliability of the analysis relied upon by the prosecution,” the judge said. The court also held that the search leading to the seizure of the exhibits was conducted without a valid search warrant as required under Section 43 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

It further ruled that the prosecution failed to justify bypassing legal procedures on grounds of urgency. In conclusion, the court found the prosecution had not met the required legal threshold and ordered Mr Mwasha’s immediate acquittal.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Rashid Mlegelo produced a dominant display to defeat Zambia’s Douglas “Bokya the Road Warrior” Chilufya in the first round of their featherweight contest at the ANZA MMA Pro 002 event in Kenya last Saturday.

Mlegelo secured victory via a rear-naked choke submission, forcing his opponent to tap out before the end of the opening round in a non-title bout contested at a weight limit of 66.5kg. The victory marked another important step in Mlegelo’s professional MMA career as he moves closer to a potential title shot.

According to his camp, two more victories could earn him an opportunity to challenge for the featherweight belt. The bout was sanctioned by the Kenya Oriental Combat Sports Federation and attracted fighters from across the region.

Speaking after the contest, Mlegelo thanked God for the victory and revealed that he had been fully aware of the challenge posed by Chilufya, who boasts a strong background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. “It was a tough fight because my opponent had extensive experience in Jiu-Jitsu competitions.

He has won multiple gold medals at the East African Open, so I knew I had to remain focused from the start,” said Mlegelo. Despite his opponent’s grappling credentials, the Tanzanian fighter remained composed and executed his game plan effectively to secure a convincing finish.

Mlegelo’s coach, Xavier Gerniers, praised the fighter’s performance, describing it as a proud moment for both the team and the country. “With his victory at ANZA MMA Pro 002, Rashid not only made his team proud but also represented Tanzania with distinction through a dominant performance,” said Gerniers.

The coach added that the victory carried special significance as it came during a week that marked the first anniversary of the passing of Coach Cole, a respected figure within the team. “In a week that marks one year since we lost Coach Cole, Rashid ensured that the legacy he left behind continues to thrive.

For that, the entire team is proud and grateful,” he said. The victory further strengthens Mlegelo’s growing reputation on the regional MMA circuit and underlines Tanzania’s rising presence in combat sports as local fighters continue to make their mark on international stages.

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Mara. What began as a simple request at a medical camp in northern Tanzania has grown into a remarkable story of compassion, resilience and global solidarity that is transforming the lives of vulnerable girls in Mara Region.

In January 2026, when the Give a Future Foundation was conducting one of its free medical outreach camps, representatives from the Hope for Girls Centre approached the organisers with a modest question. Could the girls at the shelter also receive medical services? For Rishen Patel, founder of Delaware Investments and the Give a Future Foundation, the answer was immediate.

“Bring everyone,” he said. At the time, few could have imagined that those two words would spark a partnership that would eventually attract international philanthropists, local volunteers, business leaders and conservation tourism operators, all rallying around a common cause: protecting girls from female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage and other harmful practices.

Today, the Hope for Girls Centre in Mugumu is home to more than 100 girls who have escaped or are at risk of abuse. The centre provides shelter, education and emotional support, helping them rebuild lives that many feared would be defined by trauma.

Yet what struck Patel most during his first visit was not their hardship. “Despite everything they had been through, they were smiling, studying, dreaming and planning their futures,” he recalled.

“I left knowing we had a responsibility to do more.” As the centre’s reputation spread, more girls sought refuge there.

The growing numbers soon stretched the facility beyond its limits, with many girls living in crowded rented accommodation. The challenge was clear: the centre needed a permanent home.

A major breakthrough came in 2025 when renowned Indian actor and philanthropist Nagarjuna Akkineni learned about the project during a visit to the Serengeti. After meeting the girls and hearing their stories, he pledged to cover food costs for the entire centre for a year.

He later committed substantial financial support towards the construction of a permanent safe house complex. The planned Serengeti Safe House Complex is expected to provide far more than accommodation.

The facility will include modern dormitories, classrooms, vocational training workshops, a library, healthcare services, recreational facilities and agricultural projects aimed at improving food security and sustainability. For Hope for Girls and Women founder Rhobi Samwelly, herself a survivor of FGM, the project carries deep personal significance.

“I was cut because when I was a girl, no safe house existed for me to run to,” she said. “That pain is why I build safe houses today.

Because of the support we have received, construction of the modern Serengeti Safe House Complex will start soon.” She credits a growing network of supporters, including Mapito Safari Camp Serengeti, whose staff regularly volunteer at the centre, offering mentorship, life-skills training and practical support to the girls.

What makes the initiative unique is the diversity of people behind it. From local community members and tourism operators to international donors and philanthropists, the project has evolved into a global movement built on a shared belief that every girl deserves safety, dignity and opportunity.

In a region where harmful traditional practices continue to threaten the futures of many young girls, the Hope for Girls Centre stands as a powerful reminder that change often begins with a single act of kindness. And in this case, it all started with one simple request and one simple answer: “Bring everyone.

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Arusha. Young people from East and Central Africa have been urged to take the lead in combating drug abuse by educating communities, promoting prevention efforts, and actively participating in initiatives aimed at curbing the use and trafficking of illicit substances in their countries.

The call was made by Tanzania’s Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) Commissioner General, Mr Aretas Lyimo, during the closing of the three-day East African Youth Forum on Drugs 2026 (EAYFD), held in Arusha. Mr Lyimo challenged young people to reject any involvement in drug use and trafficking, stressing that their choices today will shape the future of their nations.

He said young people are a critical force in preventing drug abuse and should be regarded as partners in addressing a challenge that continues to affect communities and hinder economic development across the region. “You should not be seen only as beneficiaries of anti-drug programmes, but as key partners in designing and implementing sustainable solutions to this cross-border challenge,” said Mr Lyimo.

“From today, go back to your communities and become ambassadors in the fight against drugs. I believe you will be part of the solution to this problem,” he added.

He said drug abuse and trafficking remain serious threats to social welfare and economic growth across many African countries, calling for stronger cooperation among governments, institutions, and young people. Mr Lyimo also urged stakeholders to invest more in awareness and prevention programmes to protect the younger generation, which is expected to drive future development.

“Prevention remains the most effective way to reduce drug abuse. We must invest in life-skills education, strengthen family support systems, and create safe environments where young people can openly discuss the challenges they face without fear,” he said.

The forum, held under the theme “Accelerating Drug Demand Reduction among East African Youth,” brought together more than 200 youth leaders from Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Mauritania, and South Africa. Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Forum Coordinator, Ms Halima Omar, said the event aimed to bring together youth leaders from institutions and organisations involved in drug control efforts to share experiences and discuss challenges in tackling drug abuse.

“We recognise that young people are among the most affected by drug abuse, yet they are also the generation we rely on to shape effective youth policies and secure the future of our nations. That is why we felt there was important work to be done,” she said.

Ms Omar said addressing drug abuse requires collective action and cross-border knowledge sharing. “This challenge cannot be solved in isolation.

That is why we organised this forum for the first time, bringing together young people from different countries to discuss how we can help youth break free from drug dependence, whether it is used as an escape from personal challenges or for recreation,” she said. A participant from Kenya, Mr George Ochieng, said the forum had strengthened young leaders by equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to become agents of change at the community, national, and regional levels.

“We also had the opportunity to discuss youth leadership, mental health, advocacy, and youth participation in policy-making processes within our respective countries,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania continues to invest heavily in expanding access to education, attention is increasingly turning to a critical question: how can teachers be supported to deliver quality learning in the classroom? The answer was at the centre of the National Teaching Skills Competition awards ceremony held in Dar es Salaam on May 6, 2026, where 35 teachers from pre-primary, primary and secondary schools were recognised for excellence and innovation in teaching.

The winners will receive plots of land near their workplaces as part of a government effort to motivate teachers and encourage professional excellence. Speaking during the event, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, said teachers remain the backbone of national development because they shape the knowledge, skills and values of future generations.

He urged teachers across the country to continue embracing innovative teaching methods and modern technologies to help learners develop critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills needed in the 21st century. “The government will continue to value teachers’ contributions by improving working conditions and providing incentives that enhance teaching and learning,” he said.

The competition comes at a time when Tanzania is implementing major education reforms under the Education Sector Development Plan and the new competency-based curriculum, both of which place greater emphasis on learner-centred teaching, digital skills and improved learning outcomes. Education experts say rewarding teachers for excellence is increasingly important as the country seeks to address persistent learning challenges, particularly in foundational literacy and numeracy.

According to the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE), the 2026 competition focused on strengthening teaching competencies in reading, writing and arithmetic, commonly known as the 3Rs. For pre-primary education, special attention was placed on helping children master letter sounds, an area that has been identified as a challenge for many learners.

TIE Director General Dr Aneth Komba said the competition aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of ensuring that every child can read fluently by the time they reach Standard Three. “The aim is to improve teaching and learning of foundational skills so that children acquire the competencies needed for future learning,” she said.

Dr Komba noted that preparations for the competition involved analysing learner performance data from the National Examinations Council of Tanzania and reviewing new curriculum requirements to identify priority areas for improvement. A total of 3,153 teachers registered for the competition through a digital platform known as the National Teaching Skills Competition System.

Of those, 1,263 uploaded lesson videos for assessment. The competition was conducted at council, regional and national levels, with judges evaluating lesson planning, content delivery, learner participation, use of ICT, teaching aids, continuous assessment and the promotion of 21st-century skills.

The initiative reflects a growing shift towards professional development that recognises classroom practice rather than focusing solely on academic qualifications. Education analyst and lecturer, Dr Thomas Jabir, said teacher motivation remains one of the most important factors influencing learning outcomes.

“When teachers are recognised for good performance, it boosts morale and encourages others to improve. Such programmes also create opportunities for sharing best practices across schools and regions,” he said.

He added that as Tanzania expands school infrastructure and enrolment, equal attention must be paid to classroom instruction because learning outcomes depend largely on teacher effectiveness. Data from government education reports show that Tanzania has made significant progress in increasing school enrolment over the past decade.

However, education stakeholders have repeatedly pointed to the need for stronger teacher support systems, including continuous professional development, mentorship and access to digital teaching resources. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Culture and Sports, Husna Sekiboko, said improving education requires collaboration among teachers, parents, learners and community leaders.

She noted that ongoing reforms in education governance and management are intended to strengthen service delivery and improve student learning outcomes nationwide. .

Iringa. Residents of Maperamengi Village have raised concerns over persistent transport challenges that hinder access to administrative and social services due to the area’s geographical location.

Speaking on the matter on Friday, June 6, 2026, Migoli Ward Councillor, Ms Fatuma Moge, said residents are forced to cross the Mtera Dam by boat in order to access ward services, with some spending nights on the way before reaching the council headquarters at Ihemi. “We would like the village to be transferred to Bahi District in Dodoma Region so that residents can access services closer to their area,” said Ms Moge.

She added that during the harvest season, residents are compelled to transport their sesame produce to Bahi District instead of Iringa because of the difficulties involved in crossing the dam, which is also known for dangerous crocodiles. Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, supported the proposal to divide Iringa District Council and establish the Isimani Council to bring services closer to the people.

He said the geographical nature of the area requires the government to improve access to essential services by reducing travelling distances and transport costs for residents. The premier also directed all local government officials across the country to ensure they provide services fairly and without discrimination.

Speaking during his tour of Isimani Constituency in Iringa District on Friday, June 6, 2026, Dr Nchemba, said some public servants spend too much time on their mobile phones instead of attending to citizens waiting for services. At the same time, Isimani Constituency Member of Parliament, Ms Emmanuela Mtatifikolo, appealed to the Prime Minister to expedite the process of dividing Iringa District and establishing the Isimani Council to improve service delivery for residents.

Iringa Regional Commissioner, Mr Kheri James, also explained that the government is continuing with plans to divide Iringa District as part of wider efforts to bring development services closer to the people. .

Uzbekistan. Tanzania has called for increased climate adaptation financing and stronger support for vulnerable developing countries as the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly concluded in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with global leaders warning that time is running out to meet environmental targets by 2030. The week-long gathering started on June 01, 2026, and brought together 2,378 representatives from 168 countries to discuss solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, collectively known as the triple planetary crisis.

Speaking on behalf of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Minister of State in the Second Vice President’s Office of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Hamza Hassan Juma, said climate adaptation remains a matter of survival for developing countries, particularly those in Africa. “For developing countries, climate adaptation is not a choice but a matter of survival,” he said, while welcoming the launch of the ninth replenishment cycle of the GEF, which secured approximately $3.9 billion (Sh9.9 trillion) in new pledges from donor countries.

Mr Juma said Tanzania appreciates recent reforms introduced by the GEF, including simplified project procedures and faster access to funding, which have helped countries implement environmental projects more efficiently. “As one of the beneficiary countries of the GEF, Tanzania welcomes such improvements to enhance flexibility, easy access to funds, and timely execution of projects,” he said.

Tanzania has been allocated $33.5 million (Sh87.1 billion) under the GEF-8 cycle and an additional $20 million (Sh52 billion) from the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF). According to Mr Juma, the country has already secured approvals for its entire allocation.

The minister noted that the Assembly was taking place at a critical moment as the world approaches 2030, the deadline for several global environmental and sustainable development commitments. He urged the international community to intensify efforts to reverse biodiversity loss, strengthen climate resilience and accelerate environmental recovery.

A major focus of discussions throughout the Assembly was the growing gap between adaptation needs and available financing. Tanzania cited findings from the Adaptation Gap Report 2025 showing that developing countries require an estimated $365 billion annually to implement climate adaptation measures, while current financial flows remain far below that level.

“Tanzania emphasizes that adaptation should remain a cross-cutting priority across all GEF-9 interventions,” Mr Juma said. He also called for greater investment in technology transfer, innovation, ecosystem-based approaches and locally led adaptation initiatives.

The country further appealed for additional resources to support vulnerable nations that contribute the least to global greenhouse gas emissions but suffer the most severe climate impacts. Beyond public financing, delegates discussed the growing role of private sector investment in addressing environmental challenges.

Valerie Hickey, Director for Environment at the World Bank Group, said, “the GEF can play a critical role in helping governments establish regulations and policy frameworks that reduce investment risks and attract private capital.” She advocated what she described as a “Goldilocks blend” of concessional and commercial finance, where public funding helps absorb risks while maintaining commercially viable investments capable of generating measurable environmental benefits.

The Assembly also highlighted the need for governments to align environmental, economic and development policies to achieve lasting results. In his closing remarks, Interim GEF Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson Claude Gascon said the world already possesses the knowledge, evidence and solutions needed to address environmental challenges.

“What we need now is the collective determination to act with greater speed, greater coherence, and greater ambition than ever before,” he said. Mr Gascon stressed that environmental protection should no longer be treated as a separate policy area but as the foundation of economic resilience, food security, public health and sustainable development.

He called for continued public development assistance, stronger policy coherence among governments, greater participation by the private sector and a whole-of-society approach involving communities, women, youth, scientists, farmers and civil society organizations. “The last sprint to 2030 has begun.

Let us act with urgency and with purpose,” he said. As delegates departed Samarkand, the message emerging from the Assembly was clear: achieving global climate and environmental goals will require not only more funding, but also stronger partnerships, better policies and faster implementation.

For Tanzania and many other developing countries, securing adequate adaptation finance remains one of the most urgent priorities in the coming years. This story was produced as part of a reporting fellowship to the Eighth GEF Assembly supported by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network.

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Dodoma. Government has directed Regional, District Security and Defence Committees to ensure all buyers with outstanding debts to coffee farmers and other crops are barred from participating in crop purchasing next season, a measure aimed at protecting farmers’ interests and eliminating payment disputes in the sector.

Speaking on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at a coffee-sector meeting held in Dodoma Minister of Agriculture, Mr Daniel Chongolo, said the government will not issue licences to any buyer who has not paid farmers debts. He said the Cooperative-Development Commission together with Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) should take action against individuals or associations causing payment disputes to farmers in order to strengthen transparency and trust in coffee business.

Mr Chongolo said the government has received reports of success in controlling smuggling of crops from Misenyi and Kyerwa districts and congratulated leaders of those areas for good management of farmers’ crops. He said coffee has continued to be one of important commercial crops in the country earning Tanzania more than $400 million last year and becoming second crop in foreign exchange earnings after tobacco.

The minister said coffee demand in world market continues to increase, while Tanzania continues building reputation of producing high quality coffee with strong international competitiveness. He emphasized importance of increasing production alongside coffee quality through the use of quality seedlings, strengthening extension services, and investment in coffee-processing to add value before trading in both domestic and international market.

“We do not want to see extension officer without knowledge behind farmers. We need experts with ability to help farmers use technology and modern methods,” he said.

In another development, TCB in collaboration with PASS Trust have launched Fertiliser-Loan Guarantee Scheme (FCGS) for coffee farmers aimed at facilitating access to inputs and increasing production of the crop programme scheme. PASS Trust Director of Business Development, Mr Adam Kamanda, said institutions have invested a total of Sh12 billion in that programme where TCB contributed Sh6 billion and PASS Trust same amount He said funds will be used as loan guarantee for farmers and expected to enable provision of fertiliser loans worth more than Sh75 billion annually.

“This programme aims to remove obstacles facing farmers in accessing inputs on time and increasing productivity in coffee production,” said Mr Kamanda. On her part TCB Chairperson of Board of Directors, Ms Prof Aurelia Kamuzora, said stakeholders in that sector discussed various issues including market access, production of quality seedlings, youth and women participation, as well as monitoring of coffee crop development plan.

He said Tanzania aims to reach production of 300,000 tonnes of coffee per year from 86,000 tonnes currently through ongoing improvements in the sector. Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairperson on Industries, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock, Mr Khalid Nsekela, said achievements of coffee sector should not be measured only by increase in production, but by how they improve lives of farmers and increase competitiveness of Tanzanian coffee in the world market.

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It’s clear this guy who has just joined me at my table knows me better than I know him because he called my name after saying hi. I soon learn he’s called Dennis.

I’m a typical M’bongo who subscribes to the creed instilled unto us by Mwalimu Nyerere: all human beings are my kin, and Africa (read Bongo) is one. I offer Dennis a “welcome drink”, and we’re soon conversing on numerous topics until we navigate into family matters.

At some point, he declares: “I’ve vowed never to marry againnever!” he says, his face a picture of hurt. “Why?” I ask and add before he has answered: “That’s a very drastic decision and how come you’re using the word ‘again’ like you’re a divorcee?” “Yes, I had a wife, but what she did to me was terrible; unforgivable I now know women are bad by their very nature,” says Dennis.

This sounds interesting, I say to myself. A once-married man describing womenthe whole lot of them as naturally bad? I ask him to explain, and he gives a long, detailed story of how his wife moved to bewitch him.

Imbibing the second beer that I had unconsciously offered him, he narrates: “You see, I used to hold the job of a driver-mechanic attached to a senior government official. Now my wife’s evil friends advised her to get the services of a powerful witchdoctor based in Bagamoyo.

” The mganga, they told her, could fix me so I would have neither the desire nor the capacity to do anything with any woman other than her!” He tells me he got the details of his wife’s machinations from one of the very friends who gave her directions to the Bagamoyo witch doctor. “One day I arrived home unannounced at 8pm–my boss having cancelled an upcountry trip–and when I neared my house, I peeped through the sitting room window of our semi-finished house and saw a man in boxers and a singlet, seated on my favourite couch, with a slaughtered black cat and some witch doctor’s paraphernalia on the floor,” he says.

He entered the house quietly through the back door, rushed to the sitting room and attacked the mganga viciously. His wife, who was “poorly dressed”, fainted and was crushed to the floor after he beat her mganga to near-death.

Dennis says he helped the mganga to his feet, and dragged him to the door, pushed him out and let him flee into the dark night. “I didn’t want him to die in my house,” says Dennis, as he hails a barmaid to bring us a round.

He returned to look at his wife, still unconscious, he says, adding. “I checked her breathing and concluded she was alive, then I walked to the nearby grocery and started to drink afresh,” he says.

He informs me the wife has since vanished, together with her child whose father he doesn’t know. When I return from the gents, I find Dennis polishing off his beer.

He then excuses himself, saying a client has called him from his garage. When I’m ready to leave, I demand my bill.

I’m told it’s Sh12,000. It means Dennis didn’t pay for the round he ordered! When I express my disappointment to our mhudumu, a guy at a nearby table asks, “Kwani, bro, what story was Dennis telling youI saw you listening to him keenly.” When I brief him, he laughs and says, “It was all fiction Dennis tells that same story to any patron who cares to listenand he often earns free beers for it.

” Oh, Bongo, my beloved country; I say to myself as I part with my hard-earned twelve thou and leave! .