Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has made notable strides in improving the quality of laboratory services over the years, but some patients continue to face challenges linked to incorrect diagnoses, which can delay treatment and increase health risks.

Some patients and families reported having to spend large sums seeking a proper diagnosis after their loved ones’ conditions failed to improve. The government has acknowledged that the country faced significant problems with laboratory service quality around 2008 and earlier.

Weak testing systems, poor quality management, and the lack of reliable mechanisms to detect and correct errors led to widespread complaints about inaccurate results. A pathology expert has highlighted the need for private hospitals to invest more in specialised doctors capable of accurately diagnosing patients, rather than relying solely on general practitioners.

To address the problem, the Ministry of Health joined the World Health Organization (WHO) programme known as Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) in 2009. As of October this year, the situation has improved, with several laboratories achieving international accreditation after being strengthened to meet global quality standards. According to the Director of Diagnostic Services from the Ministry of Health, Dr Alex Magesa, the government continues to strengthen the supervision and management of diagnostic services.

New guidelines have been developed to enhance laboratory testing, radiology services, and blood safety in both public and private hospitals. “Tanzania faced significant problems with the quality of laboratory services in the years around 2008 and earlier.

Weak testing systems, poor quality management, and the absence of reliable mechanisms to detect and correct errors led to widespread complaints about inaccurate results,” he said. Since then, the Ministry and the Regional Administration and Local Government (RALG) have been enrolling laboratories across the country in the SLMTA programme each year.

“Additionally, laboratories in all 184 district hospitals have been enrolled in the programme, while improvements are now being extended to health centres and dispensary laboratories,” Dr Magesa said. A pathologist at Kampala International University in Tanzania, Dr Praxeda Ogweyo, told The Citizen that some hospitals rely solely on general doctors, who may prescribe broad laboratory tests after listening to a patient’s symptoms.

The results of such tests may fail to detect the patient’s actual condition. “For example, at Muhimbili, when a patient explains their symptoms, a general doctor will know exactly where to refer them so they can see a specialist.

I am a specialist in examining tissue samples and diagnosing conditions in patients with tumours. Investment in specialised doctors is vital,” she said.

Dr Ogweyo explained that limited investment in specialist doctors contributes to patients receiving general or inconclusive results. Consequently, conditions often progress silently, and by the time patients reach referral hospitals, diseases such as cancer may have reached an advanced stage.

Sharing his experience, a resident of Mabibo, Mr Oswald Mzava said he recently encountered such challenges. He was admitted to a private hospital where initial tests suggested a blood infection.

However, his condition did not improve despite treatment. After days of deteriorating health, his family transferred him to Dar es Salaam for further tests.

“The diagnosis revealed that I actually had severe malaria. The supposed blood infection had not been detected.

As a result, the treatment had to start all over again, and I spent another three days admitted,” he said. Mr Mzava believes he survived because he could afford additional treatment in a bigger city.

“I managed to do so because I had money; otherwise, I could have died receiving the wrong treatment. The private sector and government should invest more in proper diagnostic services so results are accurate and consistent,” he added.

Another patient, who asked not to be named, shared a similar ordeal, saying his wife nearly lost her life due to inaccurate test results. “We were treated for a disease she did not have and spent a lot of money on unnecessary medication.

When we sought help at a referral hospital, the results were completely different,” he said. He said that the conflicting diagnoses caused anxiety and mistrust.

“We had already treated a condition that didn’t exist, and we were not sure whether the new diagnosis was accurate. Fortunately, after a few days of proper treatment, she recovered,” he noted.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has assured the public that all ongoing development projects will continue as planned, despite concerns raised by some development partners following the election-related unrest of October 29. Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Chief Government Spokesman Gerson Msigwa said the country was financing most of its flagship projects using domestic resources and would continue to do so even if some partners temporarily withhold funds.

“We use our own funds to build these projects. If we secure financing from outside, we borrow and repay later,” he said.

He said it was unfortunate that some people misunderstand the difference between loans and grants. “We get loans and we repay them, which is why a significant portion of our domestic revenue goes to debt servicing.

We do this because we borrowed to build the Standard Gauge Railway, roads, expand water and electricity supply, and improve health services,” Mr Msigwa said. While acknowledging that there may be challenges in accessing funds from some development partners, he expressed confidence that dialogue would resolve any concerns.

“This is not the first time development partners have made such remarks. But we sit down, talk and things move forward,” he said.

Mr Msigwa said President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s remarks during the swearing-in of new ministers in Dodoma on Tuesday, last week were aimed at reassuring Tanzanians that the government has a “Plan B” should development partners withdraw support. President Hassan noted that Tanzania previously enjoyed strong donor trust, which made financing readily available.

She warned, however, that the October 29 unrest could erode that confidence and slow progress on current and planned projects. “What happened has tainted our image, and this is likely to reduce our resource base.

We must therefore use the resources we have to attract more funding so that the projects we promised are delivered with speed,” she said. She directed the newly appointed ministers to intensify efforts to secure financing, stressing she would not tolerate poor performance.

“Minister who fall short of expectations will be relieved of their duties,” she said. EU financing challenged Amid this backdrop, reports indicate that the European Union’s planned 2025 Annual Action Plan (AAP) financing for Tanzania has been formally challenged after key committees of the European Parliament adopted a motion objecting to the funds.

The resolution cites “serious concerns over democratic backsliding, human-rights deficiencies, and the conduct of the October 2025 elections.” The motion was jointly tabled by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and the Committee on Development (DEVE), and passed with 53 votes in favour, two against, and one abstention.

Domestic revenue Tanzania’s 2025/26 budget, approved in June, stands at Sh56.49 trillion. Of this, S0.47 trillion is expected from domestic revenue, foreign grants will contribute Sh1.07 trillion, while a further Sh14.95 trillion will come from domestic and external loans.

Mr Msigwa said ongoing projects will soon begin to deliver major economic benefits. “Tanzania is now one of the few countries making rapid economic progress.

Many are surprised to see a country once struggling now connected to Dodoma via the SGR,” he said. He said urban commuter trains will operate on elevated tracks in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, running from Kawe, Mbezi, Mlimani City and Kariakoo, with a branch from Bibi Titi Road to Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road.

Dar es Salaam alone is expected to host a 160-kilometre commuter rail network, while the SGR station plan includes 105 kilometres of urban rail lines. Ports, aviation and transport expansion He said the goal is to ensure cargo arriving at Tanzanian ports is efficiently transported to neighbouring countries.

Revenue collections at Dar es Salaam Port, he added, have risen from Sh900 billion to Sh1.8 trillion annually. On Bagamoyo Port, he said construction equipment is already on the way.

The project aims to build 28 berths, starting with 14. “Construction will begin even if investors do not come. Tanzania will implement the project on its own,” he said.

The government will also add eight more aircraft to the national airline, bringing the fleet to 24. Three new strategic international routes will be launched this year, including Cape Town and Accra. The target is to reach 50 domestic and international destinations by 2030 and serve three million passengers, up from 1.

5 million currently. Mr Msigwa said ongoing campaigns against Tanzania aim to “undermine the government’s achievements”, but insisted the economy remains resilient.

He projected economic growth of 6 percent by the end of the year. Tanzania ‘still safe’ for tourists Responding to concerns over tourism safety, he said Tanzania remains a safe destination.

“It is safe for anyone wishing to visit Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro, or Serengeti. Our sites are safe, services improve daily, accessibility is good, and we guarantee your happiness,” he said.

He assured visitors that their safety and that of their children is guaranteed during their stay in Tanzania. .

Dar es Salaam. The top leadership of ACT-Wazalendo yesterday retreated to Zanzibar for a closed-door meeting to deliberate on the country’s political situation following the October 29 General Election, including whether the party should join the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Sources told The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi that the session may reach a definitive position on the party’s entry, or non-entry, into the GNU, which is provided for in the Zanzibar Constitution of 1984, as amended in 2010. The meeting, held at the party’s sub-head office in Vuga, Unguja, was the first leadership committee sitting since the conclusion of the polls. It was chaired by Party Leader, Dorothy Semu, and attended by senior figures, including former party leader, Zitto Kabwe, chairman Othman Masoud and secretary-general, Ado Shaibu.

Although the party released photographs of its leaders in session, it did not disclose the agenda in detail. The retreat comes in the wake of a series of developments, including the move by the party’s Chief Legal Counsel, Omar Said Shabaan, to file 25 petitions before the Zanzibar High Court, challenging House of Representatives and parliamentary results.

The petitions relate to 25 constituencies across Unguja and Pemba. ACT Wazalendo won 10 of the 50 seats, while CCM secured 40. Since the election, ACT-Wazalendo chairman, Othman Masoud, popularly known as OMO, has held extensive consultative tours across the Isles, engaging members and regional leaders on the events of October 29. During his engagements, Othman openly questioned the credibility of the electoral process but urged party members to remain calm, emphasising that no decision would be taken without broad internal consultation.

He reiterated that ACT Wazalendo would continue advocating for free and fair elections, as well as genuine public participation in shaping the country’s political future. The October 29 poll, contested by 11 presidential candidates, was won by CCM’s Dr Hussein Mwinyi with 448,892 votes (74.8 percent).

Othman followed with 139,399 votes (23.22 percent). On November 13, in Pemba, OMO revealed that ACT Wazalendo had received a letter from the Chief Secretary of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Zena Said, requesting the party to submit a nominee for the post of First Vice President.

He said the party had not responded, citing dissatisfaction with the prevailing political climate. That same day, Dr Mwinyi unveiled his new cabinet but left four ministerial positions vacant for ACT Wazalendo in line with the GNU framework.

The ministries are Tourism and Heritage; Health; Trade and Industrial Development; and the Ministry of State in the Office of the First Vice President. He said the positions would remain unfilled for 90 days as required by the Constitution.

Crucial leadership meeting With more than ten senior leaders present, yesterday’s meeting is seen as pivotal in determining whether ACT Wazalendo will embrace the GNU. Party insiders told The Citizen that joining the unity government remains a strong possibility if framed as serving the broader interests of Zanzibaris.

Recent statements by Dr Mwinyi are said to have intensified deliberations among ACT Wazalendo leaders, especially after OMO completed his tour of members. While opening the House of Representatives on 10 November, Dr Mwinyi reaffirmed his commitment to reconciliation and the formation of a unity government.

“I will honour the reconciliation process and I am ready to implement it and form the Government of National Unity as provided for in the 1984 Zanzibar Constitution,” he said. As one of the party’s top decision-making bodies, the leadership committee holds the authority to determine ACT Wazalendo’s position on the GNU, meaning the outcome of the meeting could significantly influence Zanzibar’s political trajectory.

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By Daudi Mwapinga Tanzania’s road network is often discussed in terms of modern infrastructure projects, government investment, and the push to unlock economic potential. Yet beneath today’s tarmac lies an over- looked layer of history–one that pre- dates urban planning, motor vehicles, or district boundaries.

Long before formal roads were surveyed and constructed, the movement of livestock quietly carved pathways across the country. These “stock roads”, created by the passage of cattle, goats and other animals, would later evolve into some of the very routes that support Tanzania’s social and economic life today.

It is a narrative that remains largely untold. But it is one that deserves attention, preservation and recognition for the role it has played in shaping modern Tanzania.

The late President John Pombe Magufuli once noted that Tanzania ranked second in Africa for its cattle population. Historically, pastoral communities moved livestock seasonally in search of pasture and water.

Over time, their repeated journeys created well-defined routes–natural corridors that conveniently became the earliest transport networks. When human settlement expanded, these animal-traced paths became the foundation on which government and communities built social services and economic activity.

What began as cattle tracks eventually served as access roads, linking villages, enabling trade, and paving the way for schools, health centres, electricity lines, water schemes, religious institutions and administrative services. This organic evolution reveals an important truth: infrastructure is not always the product of engineer- ing plans alone; sometimes, history and culture lay the groundwork long before development authorities arrive.

Yet despite their significance, these stock routes have faded from public consciousness. Their stories are not written in our textbooks, rarely acknowledged in official planning documents, and scarcely discussed even in academic spaces.

This silence represents a missed opportunity to understand the roots of Tanzania’s development trajectory. Several examples illustrate the scale and legacy of these former livestock routes: Kawe Road, Dar es Salaam: The name “Kawe” is widely believed to stem from the phrase “cow way”, a pathway once used to move cattleacross what is now a bustling urban area.

What was once a stock route is today an important city road connect- ing key residential and commercial zones. Chunya-Makongorosi-Iti- gi-Mbeya Corridor: This more than 200-kilometre stretch grew out of historical livestock movement.

It now serves communities across Mbeya and Singida, supporting transport, small-scale trade and local mobility. Pugu-Vingunguti, Coast Region: Formerly a stock movement route that even passes beneath a railway line, this path has long been adapted for human use.

It has gradually developed into a functional corridor for trade and public access. Kisaki Road, Morogoro: Initially used for livestock transfers, this road later saw increased vehicular traffic, leading to frequent accidents involving animals.

As a result, farmers eventually altered their routes–but the original pathway remains part of the region’s transport fabric. Other examples include the Nkoe Kipindini route in Lindi, among many others scattered across the country.

Collectively, these roads–once simple animal tracks–have made significant contributions to the national economy. They provide essential infrastructure for movement, trade and the delivery of government services.

Their existence eased the expansion of communication networks, the construction of public facilities and the establishment of settlements that continue to flourish today. For this reason, I strongly recommend that the government take deliberate steps to research, document and preserve the history of stock roads.

This is a crucial part of our cultural heritage and a missing chapter in Tanzania’s development narrative. These stories should be taught in schools and universities, studied by historians and planners, and integrated into our understanding of how infrastructure and society evolve.

Recognising stock roads is not merely about looking back–it is about appreciating the foundation upon which our progress stands. By preserving this history, we honour the communities and traditions thatshaped the paths we travel today.

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Karatu. A French tourism investor who has quietly invested money, time and expertise in a rural primary school in northern Tanzania for more than a decade has been honoured by the local community after the school ranked among the region’s best performers in this year’s national examinations.

Residents of Bashay Village in Karatu District held a ceremony to recognise Mr Denis Lebouteux, owner of the Mount Kilimanjaro Safari Club (MKSC) and Bashay Lodge, for his long-standing philanthropic support to Bashay Primary School. The school’s headteacher, Mr Malley Elipheus, said the institution ranked second among more than 500 public schools in the Arusha Region in the 2025 Standard Seven examinations, crediting the feat to years of targeted support from Mr Lebouteux and MKSC.

“For seven consecutive years, Bashay has been leading Karatu District in academic performance. This would not have been possible without Mr Denis’s generous support,” Mr Elipheus said.

Over the past 16 years, Mr Lebouteux has funded the construction and renovation of classrooms, installed water and electricity, supported the school-feeding programme and covered stipends for volunteer teachers. MKSC also pays for extra tutoring sessions, which the school says have been central to improving pupils’ performance.

The company has further planted fruit trees around the school to enhance nutrition and create a greener learning environment. Karatu District Education Officer, Mr Musa Kavumo, said MKSC’s corporate social responsibility engagement had helped fill key gaps in public education services.

“What MKSC has been doing was supposed to be done by the government, but it chose to complement government efforts and now we are seeing the results,” he said. All 300 Standard Seven pupils from Bashay Primary passed their 2025 examinations with an average grade of A, making the school the top performer in Karatu District.

Deeply moved by the gesture from the community, Mr Lebouteux pledged to continue supporting the school. “My heart is in this school.

I want to see it become a role model for others,” he said, commending teachers for their dedication. “What we have done is small compared to what you teachers have been doing.

Here you are shaping the future engineers, teachers, military officers and other professionals for this country.” MKSC Director, Mr George Ole Meing’arrai, said the company’s operating philosophy emphasises shared prosperity with local communities.

“MKSC is a responsible tour company with a clear policy of sharing profits with the community to create social impact,” he said. Mount Kilimanjaro Safari Club is regarded as one of Tanzania’s leading tour operators, promoting the country in European markets, supporting conservation and creating employment for local communities.

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By Juma Shabani Dar es Salaam. Education and literacy stakeholders have called on writers and publishers to increase focus on producing children’s books, saying this is key to building a nation with strong thinking and comprehension skills.

The call came at the 32nd International Book Fair in Dar es Salaam, officially opened at the weekend by the Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi. Prof Kabudi urged Tanzanians to embrace a culture of reading, saying it underpins knowledge, creativity and national development.

“No nation has advanced without avid readers. We should invest in books that educate, entertain and build children on strong thinking foundations,” he said.

An NGO promoting literacy among children, Room to Read Tanzania, emphasised that authors must write from a child’s perspective. A Senior Manager of Best Reading Publications, Blandina Lucas, said children’s books should use simple language, relatable topics, clear storylines, and engaging characters to motivate reading and learning.

Best Reading Publications Officer, Dickson Msuva, highlighted the organisation’s digital library, which provides over 4,000 books accessible on smartphones, tablets or laptops. He said digital books help overcome cost and transport barriers, allowing children to develop vocabulary, comprehension and values at home.

Room to Read also called on local printers to improve book quality, use child-friendly colours and ensure illustrations align with the narrative. Parents were urged to actively read with their children to foster both literacy and family bonds.

The 32nd International Book Fair continues for several days, with stakeholders promoting reading, book quality and strategies for nurturing a generation of readers. .

Zanzibar. Zanzibar’s Second Vice President, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, has praised the organisers, partners, and participants of the Yas Zanzibar International Marathon, describing the fifth edition as a major success that continues to elevate sports, tourism, and local business across the islands.

Held today, November 23, 2025, the event delivered thrilling performances from elite runners. Tanzania’s Maohhando Ako emerged the winner in the men’s half marathon, while Kenya’s Catherine Syokau secured the women’s gold medal.

In the 10-kilometre race, Tanzanian runner Mathias Sylvester claimed victory in the men’s category, and Sisila Ginoka triumphed in the women’s race, adding to the excitement of the colourful event. In his speech, Abdulla highlighted the marathon’s growing importance in positioning Zanzibar as a global destination for sports tourism.

He commended the organisers and partners for their commitment and noted that the event contributes significantly to public health, visitor attraction, economic stimulation, and showcasing Zanzibar’s beauty to the world. He encouraged continued investment in the event, emphasising that its success reflects the country’s broader progress in tourism and sports development.

Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Riziki Pembe Juma, also praised the marathon, underscoring its role in increasing sports participation and attracting international athletes. She revealed that the marathon is officially registered with World Athletics, giving runners a recognised international platform and enhancing the event’s credibility on the global stage.

This year’s edition attracted a diverse group of participants from Zanzibar, Mainland Tanzania, and countries including Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, the United Kingdom, France, South Africa, the United States, Italy, India, China, and Japan. Thousands of local residents filled the streets to take part or cheer on the athletes, creating a festive and energetic atmosphere across the islands.

Mixx by Yas CEO, Angelica Pesha, said the 2025 theme, “Kila Hatua ni Spesho” (Every Step is Special), symbolised the unity and progress reflected in each participant’s contribution. She noted that the marathon brings together different generations, from first-time runners from Pemba to older participants proving that age is not a barrier to achievement.

Pesha emphasised that Yas and Mixx have achieved significant milestones in partnership with the Zanzibar Government within a short period since rebranding. She pointed to major improvements such as the expansion of 4G across the islands and the rollout of 5G in major towns, the construction of new towers to connect remote communities, the empowerment of over 25,000 residents through the YasMixx ecosystem, and the digitization of key services that have enabled digital payments for more than 100,000 farmers.

She also highlighted the processing of S0 billion in farmer transactions, assistance with Sh350 million in health insurance claims for clove farmers, and the modernization of public services through digital payments for Stone Town parking, ZHC, and ZRA. Furthermore, she stated that the company has supported national events, provided free internet to more than 40 schools with 110 more in progress and sponsored critical health outreach initiatives that have restored eyesight for thousands of Zanzibar residents.

These achievements, she added, demonstrate the company’s deep commitment to the social and economic development of Zanzibar. Hassan Bondi, Chair of the Marathon Organising Committee, thanked the Second Vice President for gracing the event and acknowledged the support of partners including Yas and Mixx, ZanFastFerries, GSM Beverages, and Mnana Online TV.

He noted that their collaboration has played a crucial role in the marathon’s successful execution and growing international profile. He further stressed that the marathon delivered a significant economic boost, with hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and local businesses experiencing increased activity driven by the influx of runners and visitors.

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Mbeya. Police in Mbeya Region have detained Clemence Mwandambo, a teacher at Saint Clemence Nursery School and a resident of Uzunguni A, on allegations of incitement.

Mwandambo, who has gained significant attention online for his viral expressions–most notably the phrase “Nachoka baba yenu, Clemence Mwandambo”–was reportedly arrested yesterday, November 21. A well-known figure on Facebook and Instagram, Mwandambo has built a strong following through the videos he frequently posts on social media. A statement issued today, Saturday November 22, 2025 by Mbeya Regional Police Commander Benjamin Kuzaga, confirmed that the teacher has been taken into custody over incitement-related allegations.

According to the statement, the suspect was arrested at 5:20 am on Friday, November 21, 2015 in the Uzunguni area for allegedly producing and distributing inflammatory and divisive remarks through his social media accounts. “The suspect was apprehended while issuing and spreading inciteful and divisive statements via his Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Investigations are being finalised to enable further legal action,” Commander Kuzaga said. .

Dar es Salaam. The Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court has ruled that three university students from institutions in Dar es Salaam have a case to answer in a criminal matter in which they are accused of committing several offences allegedly arising from a dispute over a man.

The accused are Mary Matogolo (22), a student at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM); Ryner Mkwawili from Ardhi University; and Asha Juma from the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA), Dar es Salaam. The case, presided over by Senior Resident Magistrate Gwantwa Mwankuga, involves a total of eight charges.

The three are accused of causing bodily harm to fellow student Magnificant Kimario, issuing death threats, spreading false information online, and damaging property. To substantiate the charges, the prosecution called ten witnesses, including the alleged victim, Magnificant.

After closing its case on Friday, November 21, 2025 the court found that the evidence presented established a prima facie case requiring the accused to enter their defence. “Having considered the prosecution’s evidence, the court is satisfied that all the accused have a case to answer,” the magistrate said.

The ruling followed submissions by State Attorney Gabriel Kamugisha, who stated that the prosecution had no further witnesses after presenting ten testimonies. The accused, represented by advocate Peter Shapa, are now required to present their defence.

Magistrate Mwankuga ordered them to begin on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The students first appeared before the court on May 30, 2025 when the charges were read to them by State Attorney Tumaini Mafuru. Prior to their arraignment, they had been arrested and questioned by the Police following the circulation of a video clip on social media on April 20, 2025 allegedly showing them humiliating a fellow student.

Charges against the accused In the first count, all three are accused of conspiring to publish false information on March 16, 2025 in the Sinza area of Ubungo District. The second count targets Mary and Asha, who are alleged to have, on the same day, disseminated false information on WhatsApp containing the words: “Speak out–when and where did you have sexual relations with Mwijaku?” Ryner faces the third count, accusing her of publishing false information on WhatsApp on the same day.

The fourth count relates to causing bodily harm, with Mary accused of assaulting Magnificant by striking her on the head with a metal object, causing severe pain. In the fifth count, all the accused allegedly pulled Magnificant’s hair with force, causing significant harm.

The sixth and seventh counts accuse Mary of destroying a mobile phone line and a Samsung handset valued at Sh700,000 belonging to Magnificant. The eighth count alleges that all three threatened to kill Magnificant using a knife.

The accused have denied all the charges and are currently out on bail. .

Monduli, Arusha. The President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has commissioned 296 new military officers at the Tanzania Military Academy (TMA) in Monduli.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 saw 106 of the officers awarded a Bachelor of Military Science degree after completing a three-year training programme. Among the newly commissioned Second Lieutenants are members of Course 72/24 Regular (79 officers), 22 pilots, and 89 officers who underwent training in partner countries.

Before presenting the commissions, President Samia inspected a parade mounted by the graduating officer cadets and awarded prizes to the best performers across all categories. “I congratulate you for upholding high training standards that ensure our soldiers are well-prepared to execute their duties effectively.

These skills are essential not only for our military but for the nation as a whole,” she said. She stressed that the training provided to the officers forms a crucial pillar in strengthening the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) and supporting national development.

Earlier, the Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Rhimo Nyansaho, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to increasing the number of female graduates, noting that the officers are well-equipped to serve the nation with courage and integrity in safeguarding peace and security. He noted that this is the third year since the academy began independently offering the Bachelor of Military Science degree.

The minister reported progress in female representation, pointing out that during the fourth and fifth graduations there were 21 women, while this year the number has risen to 25, compared to 81 men. “Although the increase is modest, the Ministry continues to take deliberate measures to boost the number of female graduates annually, while maintaining the high quality of training,” he said.

“These achievements demonstrate our firm commitment to strengthening our military, particularly in tactical training and discipline. Under your capable leadership, our forces have remained steadfast in fulfilling their duties at home and abroad.

As we hand over these new officers today, I assure you that they are ready to serve the nation with courage, integrity and an unwavering commitment to protecting Tanzania’s peace and security.” The Commandant of TMA Monduli, Major General Jackson Mwaseba, said the academy will continue to provide an enabling environment and high-quality education that instils patriotism and ethical conduct.

He confirmed that of the graduates, 257 were men and 39 women. Speaking about the 06/22 Bachelor of Military Science cohort, he said it began on October 24, 2022 with 155 cadets.

Of these, 49 dropped out for various reasons, including personal requests, failure to meet academic standards, integrity issues, illness, and absenteeism. As a result, 106 completed the programme.

On the Regular Course, he noted that it commenced on 20 December 2024 with 173 cadets, of whom 102 graduated. The remaining 71 were unable to continue due to factors such as withdrawal, training desertion, integrity concerns, illness, academic shortcomings, and poor performance.

“I commend all those who excelled in their coursework, physical training and examinations. I remind you that TPDF has invested significantly in creating a supportive environment that ensures high-quality training for your personal benefit, for the military, and for the nation,” he said.

“The country has high expectations that the education you have received will shape you into true patriots with strong moral values and the ability to address challenges based on justice and human dignity. You carry a great responsibility to apply your training in advancing the mission of the military and the broader goals of the nation.

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