Category: The Citizen

National Bank of Commerce (NBC) has pledged to deepen its investment in football development, saying it will expand initiatives aimed at supporting players, clubs and other stakeholders in Tanzania’s sports sector.

The commitment was made as the bank, the title sponsor of the NBC Premier League, presented the league trophy to Young Africans (Yanga) following their successful 2025/2026 campaign.

Speaking after the trophy presentation, NBC Head of Marketing David Raymond said the bank had witnessed significant growth in the competitiveness and quality of the league since taking over the sponsorship.

“Since we commenced our sponsorship of the NBC Premier League, we have witnessed a remarkable rise in both competitiveness and the standard of play.

Each season has become increasingly exciting for fans, and we are proud to be part of Tanzania’s football development journey,” he said.

Raymond said the bank plans to strengthen its support through programs targeting youth football development, player training, health insurance for athletes and financial solutions designed to improve the welfare of players, clubs and other sports institutions.

“We believe sport is an important economic sector. That is why we continue to develop financial solutions that help athletes, clubs and other stakeholders build a stable financial future alongside their sporting success,” he said.

The trophy presentation followed Yanga’s 3-0 victory over JKT Tanzania at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, a result that secured the club 75 points and a fifth consecutive Mainland Premier League title.

Simba SC finished second on 73 points after edging KMC FC 1-0 in their final match of the season.

In one of the day’s highlights, NBC organised a helicopter flyover carrying the championship trophy across different parts of Dar es Salaam before it landed at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium after Yanga were confirmed champions.

The ceremony drew thousands of supporters, who celebrated as Yanga captain Bakari Mwamnyeto received the trophy.

NBC also facilitated travel for selected customers and bank officials to attend the final league matches at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium and KMC Complex.

The bank used the occasion to thank the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB), participating clubs, the media, supporters and other stakeholders for their contribution to the growth of the NBC Premier League.

Among those who attended the ceremony were Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance) Ridhiwani Kikwete, TFF president Wallace Karia, TPLB chairman Nassor Idrissa, NBC Chief Financial Officer Rayson Foya, representing Managing Director Theobald Sabi, Azam Media Chief Executive Officer Patrick Kahemele and other football officials.

NBC says its sponsorship of the Premier League remains one of the country’s largest private-sector investments in sport, supporting the growth of football while creating economic opportunities for clubs, players and other stakeholders.

The death of Chadema Mainland Vice-Chairperson John Heche’s driver, Suez Maradufu, has left family members, leaders, and party supporters in deep mourning after he died on his birthday.

Reports from Kigoma, confirmed by the regional law enforcement authority, said the driver was found dead on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in a guest house where he had been staying.

Maradufu was born on July 1, 1974, in Mara Region.

Kigoma Regional Police Commander Philimon Makungu told The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi that his body was later taken to Kigoma Regional Refferal Hospital, Maweni, for post-mortem examination.

News of his death was first announced by Chadema Mainland Deputy Secretary-General Amani Golugwa, who said Maradufu was found lying on the floor near his room door.

‘With deep sadness, I inform you of the death of the party Vice-Chairperson’s driver, who passed away this morning here in Kigoma. Suez had been Heche’s driver for a very long time,’ said Mr Golugwa.

He said Mr Heche and other drivers tried calling him in the morning without success, prompting them to go to the guest house where he was staying.

‘When we arrived, the door was locked. We informed the police, who came and forced it open and found Suez’s body lying on the floor,’ he said.

According to Mr Golugwa, the body was taken to the hospital for examination, while Chadema leaders and lawyers are following all procedures related to the incident.

Commander Makungu said preliminary findings showed Maradufu had been carrying out his duties until the previous evening.

‘Yesterday evening, he drove Mr Heche, then went to sleep. In the morning, when his door was knocked on, he did not respond. We cannot say what caused his death until doctors complete their examination,’ he said.

When asked whether anyone was suspected, Mr Makungu said it was too early to conclude, stressing that investigations were ongoing.

He dismissed social media claims that Maradufu had been murdered.

‘Those spreading such claims should assist us with investigations if they have any information. We should wait for the medical report before concluding,’ he said.

Those who knew him speak out

Chadema leaders and members described Maradufu as a loving, disciplined, and hardworking man.

Mr Golugwa said Maradufu began working for Mr Heche’s family while serving his father, before continuing as Mr Heche’s driver after he was elected MP in 2015.

‘Suez started by driving Mr Heche’s late father. After Mr Heche was elected MP in 2015, he became his driver during campaigns and continued until now,’ he said.

He added that even after Mr Heche failed to retain his parliamentary seat in the 2020 General Election, Mr Maradufu remained one of his close aides.

‘He became part of the Chadema family through his work with Mr Heche. He was calm, disciplined, respectful of time, and very dedicated,’ said Mr Golugwa.

Mr Heche’s aide, Joseph Mrimi, said the death was a huge blow due to Maradufu’s long-standing loyalty.

‘It was not easy for anyone to approach Mr Heche’s vehicle without reason. He was loyal, cheerful, and caring. We have lost an important person and are waiting for post-mortem results before funeral arrangements begin,’ he said.

Chadema member Hilda Newton wrote on Facebook that Maradufu was a loving person who touched many lives.

‘I knew you through Mr Heche. You were full of love, a father and friend to everyone who knew you. Your death has left us in deep sorrow. Condolences to the family and to Heche for losing his driver,’ she wrote.

Young Africans’ (Yanga) celebrations after securing a historic fifth consecutive Mainland Tanzania Premier League title were overshadowed by a serious injury to attacking midfielder Pacome Zouzoua, who suffered a broken left leg during the club’s 3-0 victory over JKT Tanzania.

The Ivorian playmaker sustained the injury after a reckless challenge from JKT Tanzania defender Hassan Wahabi in first-half stoppage time during the league finale at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium on June 30, 2026.

The incident occurred in the 45+3rd minute as Wahabi attempted to stop Pacome’s run. Referee Katanga Hussein of Tabora immediately produced a straight red card, sending off the JKT defender for the dangerous tackle.

Medical personnel rushed onto the pitch to attend to Pacome before he was taken by ambulance to Aga Khan Hospital for further treatment. Medical examinations later confirmed that the midfielder had suffered a fracture to his left leg.

The injury brought a premature end to another influential performance from the Ivorian, who has been one of Yanga’s standout players this season with his creativity and attacking contributions.

Head coach Miloud Hamdi responded by introducing Mohammed Damaro, who replaced Pacome as Yanga comfortably saw out the match despite the setback.

Goals from Prince Dube, Maxi Nzengeli and Clement “Depu” Mzize sealed a convincing 3-0 victory, enabling Yanga to finish the season with their 32nd Mainland Premier League title and a record-equalling fifth successive league championship.

However, the celebrations were tempered by concern for Pacome, whose injury cast a shadow over an otherwise memorable evening for the newly crowned champions.

Although the club has not yet announced how long the midfielder is expected to be sidelined, a broken leg is likely to keep him out of action for several months, dealing a major blow to Yanga’s preparations for next season.

His absence could prove significant as the Tanzanian champions begin planning for the 2026/27 campaign, which includes another appearance in the Caf Champions League, where they will be aiming to build on their recent continental performances.

Yanga are expected to provide a detailed medical update on the player’s condition after further assessment by specialists.

As diseases become more complex and medical knowledge continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, healthcare experts say hospitals can no longer rely solely on modern equipment and specialised doctors to deliver quality care. Access to up-to-date scientific evidence has become an equally critical pillar of healthcare.

It is against this backdrop that the Aga Khan University (AKU) has unveiled a modern research library at the Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam, a move expected to strengthen clinical decision-making, medical research and continuous professional learning among healthcare workers.

Unlike conventional university libraries, the new facility has been established within the hospital premises, allowing doctors, nurses, specialists, students and even patients to access medical and educational resources without leaving the clinical environment.

Speaking during the launch on July 1, 2026, AKU Medical College Principal, Prof Paschal Ruggajo, said the library was designed to bridge learning, research and patient care.

“This unique library has been established within the hospital environment to ensure doctors, students and even patients have easy access to information and opportunities for continuous learning,” he said.

He noted that the library houses a wide range of medical textbooks covering undergraduate, specialist and super-specialist training, alongside research publications and books outside the medical field to cater for broader learning needs.

“We believe quality education, research and excellent healthcare go hand in hand. If we want to continue improving healthcare services, we must continue investing in knowledge,” Prof Ruggajo said.

He explained that most specialist trainees spend much of their time attending patients in hospital wards.

“Having the library within the hospital means a doctor can leave the ward, consult the latest medical literature, review evidence and return to the patient better informed. That directly improves the quality of care,” he said.

The facility was officially inaugurated by Aga Khan Universities President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, underscoring the institution’s commitment to integrating education with healthcare delivery.

Globally, healthcare systems are increasingly embracing evidence-based medicine, where treatment decisions are informed by the latest scientific research rather than routine practice alone.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), continuous professional development is essential for maintaining a competent health workforce and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The organisation notes that healthcare workers require ongoing access to updated knowledge as diseases, technologies and treatment guidelines continue to change.

Beyond clinicians, AKU says the new library will also benefit patients and their families by providing educational materials that can help them better understand diseases, treatment options and healthy lifestyles.

AKU Chief Librarian in Tanzania Dr Jacqueline Kiwelu said the institution previously operated a much smaller library that had become inadequate for its growing student population.

“The previous library had limited space, making it difficult for students to study comfortably. This new facility provides larger reading areas, discussion rooms and better learning resources for students pursuing medicine, nursing and midwifery,” she said.

She added that dedicated spaces have been created for individual study as well as group discussions to promote collaborative learning.

The importance of such facilities is becoming increasingly evident as Tanzania expands specialist healthcare services and invests in training more medical professionals.

With referral hospitals managing rising numbers of patients suffering from cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other complex conditions, clinicians are expected to continually update their knowledge to keep pace with global advances.

Experts say while investments in modern diagnostic equipment and hospital infrastructure remain essential, access to credible scientific information is what enables health professionals to use those technologies effectively.

For patients, the impact of a hospital library may not be immediately visible. Yet behind every accurate diagnosis, carefully selected treatment plan and successful medical procedure often lies a clinician who has timely access to the latest medical evidence.

By bringing knowledge closer to the bedside, the Aga Khan University library is expected to strengthen not only education and research but also the quality of healthcare delivered to Tanzanians.

The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) has amended regulations governing Tanzania’s land transport sector in a move aimed at improving operational efficiency, strengthening safety standards and streamlining licensing procedures.

In a public notice, the regulator said the changes were made under the provisions of the Land Transport Regulatory Authority Act and the Transport Licensing Act.

The amendments affect regulations governing ride-hailing services, goods vehicles and passenger transport services.

Latra said the revised regulations are intended to improve administration of the licensing system through changes to licence categories, certificates and permits, while also reviewing licensing fees to reflect current operational conditions.

‘The amendments are intended to strengthen the efficiency and administration of the licensing regime by improving licence categories, certificates and permits, as well as reviewing the structure and rates of licensing fees to better reflect prevailing operational realities,’ the authority said in a statement.

The revised regulations also introduce changes to offences and penalties. Under the new framework, operators will first receive written warnings before financial penalties are imposed in applicable cases.

In addition, fines for various offences have been reduced from Sh250,000 to Sh150,000.

Latra said the changes are expected to improve safety across the transport sector, protect investments, improve service delivery and support the sector’s long-term development.

The authority urged transport operators and stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the amendments and comply with the new requirements.

The revised regulations are available through Latra’s official website.

NATO has launched a new experimental unit to test unmanned systems in the Arctic, marking the latest step in the alliance’s efforts to strengthen its operational capabilities in the strategically important region.

The initiative comes as NATO continues to expand its military presence across the Arctic, citing the need to enhance security and deter potential threats from Russia.

Moscow has dismissed those concerns, arguing that the alliance’s growing military footprint is itself contributing to rising tensions.

The new programme, known as Task Force X-Arctic (TFX-Arctic), was launched in June aboard the NATO research vessel Alliance, which departed from La Spezia, Italy.

The task force will operate through 2026 and into 2027, testing unmanned technologies designed to improve surveillance and situational awareness across the North Atlantic, the Arctic and the High North.

According to NATO, the initiative builds on lessons learned from a similar task force deployed in the Baltic Sea last year.

“Task Force X-Arctic is about testing and integrating new technology in one of the most demanding operational environments on the planet,” NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation Admiral Pierre Vandier said.

“It will help Allies define the standards of the future and maintain the operational edge required to adapt and operate effectively in the High North.”

The announcement coincides with NATO’s ongoing BALTOPS 2026 military exercise in the Baltic region, involving approximately 6,000 personnel from 15 member states. NATO says the annual exercise is intended to strengthen interoperability and regional security, with deterrence against potential threats among its stated objectives.

Russia has repeatedly criticised NATO’s activities in the Arctic, accusing the alliance of increasing militarisation in a region that Moscow considers strategically vital.

President Vladimir Putin has argued that NATO views the Arctic as a potential theatre for future conflict, warning that Russia will take appropriate measures to safeguard its security interests.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also rejected what she described as “myths about the Russian threat” in the Arctic. She argued that NATO governments were using security concerns to justify increased defence spending instead of focusing on domestic economic and social priorities.

The Arctic has become an increasingly important area of geopolitical competition due to its vast natural resources, emerging shipping routes and strategic military significance. As climate change makes the region more accessible, both NATO members and Russia have stepped up military planning and infrastructure development, raising concerns among analysts about the potential for heightened tensions in the High North.

Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae says inexperience let down his youthful side as they gave away a goal four minutes from time to exit the World Cup at ?the hands of Norway on Tuesday.

Erling Haaland’s goal earned Norway a 2-1 victory after theIvory had got themselves back into the game with a superb equaliser from Amad Diallo following Antonio Nusa’s equally well-struck first-half finish.

The Ivorians dominated large parts of the match but were let down by poor touches and ?finishing.

‘It’s difficult to lose, you know, in the last few minutes, it’s difficult to ?find the right words, because my players fought from the very first ?minutes until the very last minute,’ said Fae in a brief post-match press conference.

‘We’ve learned ?a lot, thanks to this competition. It was the very first World Cup for many players, ?and maybe we were lacking in maturity,’ added Fae, the coach in charge when the Ivorians won the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2024.

Fae said that the Ivory Coast should have tightened up at the back ?after their 74th-minute equaliser from Diallo.

‘Maybe we should have tried to make it until the ?extra time, but when you’re playing this type of team, you know, as soon as they get the lightest opportunity ?to score, well, they take it, and that’s what happened this afternoon,’ he added.

‘I believe that when you’re playing this type of team, you need to be pragmatic. When you have an opportunity, you need to be extremely precise, and you need to also remain very solid ?in your defence, and ?not give the slightest ?opportunity to this type of team, because they’ve got very good quality players, and they make the most of the slightest mistake or moment ?where you don’t pay attention.

‘We really made a very big effort ?to score and ?we had the psychological advantage but we then wanted to score a second goal quickly, and they re-opened spaces and made the most of it.’

The Ivory Coast were participating in the knockouts for ?the ?first time, having failed to get past the group stage ?in their three previous appearances.

It was also their first World Cup since 2014. They finished second in their group behind ?Germany, after beating both Ecuador and Curacao.

Tanzanians are set to receive relief at the pump after fuel prices declined for July, with petrol dropping below Sh4,000 per litre for the first time in three months as global oil prices begin easing following tensions in the Middle East.

The latest price adjustments come after months of sharp increases triggered by the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which disrupted global energy markets and pushed fuel costs higher across many countries, including Tanzania.

The planned revitalisation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) is expected to significantly boost freight capacity, improve service reliability and operational efficiency, while shifting more cargo from road to rail to ease pressure on highways, reduce maintenance costs, enhance road safety, and cut carbon emissions.

The assurances were made on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, during the launch of activities marking the authority’s Golden Jubilee, where government and railway officials outlined how the multi-billion-dollar rehabilitation programme is expected to reposition the railway as a key transport and logistics corridor for Tanzania and the wider region.

Julian Quiones did not grow up dreaming of scoring for Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, but on Tuesday his third goal at the World Cup set his ?side on their way to a 2-0 win over Ecuador that gave home fans more reason to that this is their year.

The Colombian-born forward has been a key figure in Mexico’s run to the round of 16, as the co-hosts ended a 40-year wait for another knockout-stage victory at the tournament.

The last time Mexico won a World ?Cup knockout match was a 2-0 win over Bulgaria at the same venue in 1986, with ?fans having to suffer the agony of watching talented teams come up short in ?the group stage or the first knockout round.

As Quinones drove Mexico forward on Tuesday, the chant that has ?followed the hosts through this tournament rolled around the stadium again: “¿Y si sí?” – roughly translated, “What if?”

It is a ?question loaded with decades of hurt.

What if Mexico can go beyond the familiar ceiling? What if the fifth game is not the end point but the start of something bigger?

Quinones has become the player Mexico looks to for the answers.

Born in Colombia ?but forged in Mexican football, he has made this World Cup feel personal.

Quinones led the way against ?Ecuador, unleashing a thunderous finish into the top corner for his third goal of the tournament.

In the group stage, he scored ?the opener against South Africa, helped stretch South Korea in a tense 1-0 win in Guadalajara, then struck again against the Czech Republic.

“We have more to do, work harder so people can be happier,” Quinones told FIFA.

“I’m happy with the result. My individual success stems from all the teamwork, and I’m always happy to wear ?this jersey. All I ?feel is happiness for ?all the work we’re doing as a group; individual success is secondary,” he told reporters.

The 29-year-old built his career in Liga MX, became a champion with Atlas and ?Club America, and chose Mexico despite Colombia’s interest.

In a 2023 interview with Mexican ?broadcaster TUDN, ?Quinones said he did not even read a letter from the Colombian federation before rejecting the chance to represent the country of his birth.

For some supporters, he is proof that belonging can be earned in sweat, goals and ?nights like ?this. For others, he is simply the forward Mexico have long ?needed: fast, direct, forceful, unafraid of the moment.

At the final whistle, the Azteca did not sound like a stadium relieved to have ?survived. It sounded like one daring itself to believe.