Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. For decades, Kariakoo has been Tanzania’s heartbeat of trade, a bustling market where traders and buyers haggle over clothes, shoes, and cosmetics.

But today, a smartphone has become more powerful than a shop in Kariakoo. With only an internet connection and good camera, a growing class of young online brokers popularly known as Winga in Swahili, are rewriting the rules of business in the country.

According to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), the country had over 54.1 million internet users as of June 2025. And for Winga, this digital audience has become their customer base. Many Winga source their products from Kariakoo, where wholesale traders offer clothing, shoes, cosmetics, and accessories at affordable prices.

According to Thabit Abdul, who runs a thrift fashion page, his business depends less on location and more on how fast he posts online. “I usually go to Kariakoo a few times a week.

I look for clothes and shoes that are unique but affordable. Then I post them on Instagram and WhatsApp.

Most of the time, my items sell the same day,” he explained. On the other hand, handmade jewellery seller, Sofia Gidion, shared a similar experience, saying she turned Instagram and TikTok into her shopfront after graduation.

“At first, I thought I’d just share pictures with friends, but soon I had messages from people asking to buy. Now, a good month brings Sh300,000 to Sh800,000. I don’t pay rent, and my phone is enough to run the business,” she said.

Like many others, Fatma Saidi built her thrift fashion brand by buying from Kariakoo traders and reselling online. “I find unique pieces, buy them cheaply, and then sell them online.

Social media lets me reach buyers quickly without needing a physical shop,” she noted. She added that shipping was no longer a barrier.

“Sometimes I package orders and use local couriers, and other times I use DHL, so I don’t need to be a big company to send products abroad,” she shared Kariakoo phone seller Suleiman Mussa said the business model is now popular with students. “We work with young people, many of them university students, who buy phones or accessories and resell them to their peers.

It helps them generate income, and the demand keeps growing,” he said. Mr Mussa noted that many of his customers follow his WhatsApp status updates to check new arrivals, and most products sell within hours.

Not every Winga journey is smooth. Riziki Hassan, who sells clothing online, said one of her biggest challenges was friends and relatives asking for discounts or taking products on credit.

“Once people see you posting items online, they assume it’s easy to give things for free or on credit. But when they don’t pay back, the business suffers,” she said.

Riziki explained that success depended on understanding customers. “This business has no physical shop.

It’s just you, your phone, and your social media pages. The most important thing is to know your customers, have a good phone with a strong camera, and stay online with internet data all the time,” she shared While many started with thrift goods from Kariakoo, some Winga now directly import items from abroad.

Small shipments from China, Dubai, India, and even the United States are making their way into Tanzania through individual dealers. Their shops remain Instagram reels, TikTok videos, WhatsApp statuses, and Facebook stories, where promotion drives sales.

Judith James, once a Kariakoo-based Winga, now imports her own products. “I no longer rely heavily on local shops.

I started small, studied the game, and today I import directly,” she said. She credited social media for this transformation.

“Social media has made it possible for us to grow beyond just reselling. It allows us to run real businesses, connect directly with customers, and become independent,” she explained.

Technology analyst Dominic Dismas believes Winga are changing the way Tanzanians think about shopping. “Consumers are no longer limited to shop hours or specific locations.

With a smartphone, they can shop at midnight, compare prices instantly, and interact directly with sellers. That’s a revolution,” he said.

The smartphone has become the new storefront, with every post a potential sale. And as more Winga gain confidence, Kariakoo is no longer just a physical market it has become the supply hub of a digital economy driven by creativity, convenience, and connectivity.

.

Dar es Salaam. Economic and development experts have emphasised that addressing the skills mismatch is crucial to achieving Vision 2050, which aims to transform Tanzania into a $1 trillion economy with a per capita income of $7,000. Speaking at the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Conference 2025 in Iringa yesterday, experts from higher learning institutions noted that recent improvements to the national education curriculum could steer the country towards Vision 2050 (Dira 2050) provided there is greater investment in learning infrastructure and qualified teaching staff.

The conference, jointly organised by Ruaha Catholic University (RUCU) and the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC), was held under the theme: Vision 2050: Are we building an inclusive economy? PPPC executive director, David Kafulila, said the global economy rests on four pillars: geographical location, natural resources, diplomacy, and human resources. “Quality human capital is key for building Tanzania’s economy, as sustainability depends more on skilled personnel than natural endowments,” he said.

He highlighted the long-standing mismatch between classroom knowledge and market needs. He added that government initiatives, including free education and student loan schemes for mid-level colleges, are being implemented to bridge the gap between skills and employment.

RUCU Vice Chancellor, Sister Prof Chrispine Lekule, said education reforms will guide the country towards its development targets if effectively implemented. “Most schools and colleges lack adequate facilities for practical training.

Teachers must also be prepared for competency-based teaching, which is prioritised in the new curriculum,” she said. Senior RUCU lecturer, Dr Isdore Minani, noted that Tanzania scores 0.

39 on the Human Capital Index, meaning today’s youth will achieve only 39 percent of their productive potential. “Vision 2050 requires skilled human capital, and more investment is urgently needed,” he said.

Daima Associates chairman, Prof Samuel Wangwe, highlighted priority sectors under Dira 2050, including agriculture, industry, mining, sports, creative industries, finance, and tourism. He stressed that inclusive PPP arrangements are essential to support these sectors, reduce government borrowing, and improve infrastructure.

Speakers agreed that public-private partnerships remain vital for national development. They highlighted that PPPs are collaborative arrangements, not privatisation, and allow private-sector co-financing of projects, while enabling closer alignment between education, skills, and market needs.

Experts further called for stronger ethics in education, improved communication on PPPs, and inclusive participation to enhance accountability and impact. Participants also agreed that boosting productivity, modernising agriculture, and expanding access to technology and financing are key to creating an inclusive economy and tackling youth unemployment, paving the way for a competitive and sustainable Tanzania by 2050. Sharing further clarification on addressing skills mismatch, Prof Lekule emphasised that quality education is the engine of change, noting that Tanzania cannot achieve its Vision 2050 goals without it.

She said Tanzania requires critical thinkers, skilled innovators, and leaders of integrity to drive sustainable economic growth. “Universities must lead social transformation through research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration with other sectors,” she said.

“Education and research should deliver solutions to Tanzania’s social and economic challenges. For Vision 2050 to succeed, transformation must start from the grassroots to the tertiary education levels,” she added.

Prof Lekule urged stronger public-private partnerships and curricula that integrate innovation, science, technology, vocational training, and gender equality. She insisted that investment in teachers, infrastructure, research, and skills transfer is vital.

“Educators should be role models, and young people must see education as a tool for national service. Education is central to our future,” she insisted, urging collective action to build a skilled, innovative, and prosperous Tanzania.

Substantiating the significance of Tanzania’s geographical position, resources, and diplomacy to drive growth, Mr Kafulila said Tanzania’s strategic position as a gateway to several landlocked countries presents substantial economic opportunities. He said over the past three decades, the government has invested heavily in infrastructure to capitalise on this advantage.

He stressed that key projects include the expansion of Dar es Salaam Port, generating nearly 40 percent of national revenue, and upgrading roads and bridges. “In the last four years alone, gravel roads have grown from 24,000 to 44,000 kilometres, while tarmac roads rose from 13,200 to 15,300 kilometres.

Despite progress, Tanzania’s vast size, larger than half of East Africa combined, remains a logistical challenge,” he said. Mr Kafulila noted that the country can harness its abundant natural resources to accelerate growth, with results already evident.

He said that since 2021, the contribution of artisanal miners to the economy has doubled from 20 percent to 40 percent, enhancing inclusivity. “Tourism earnings surged from $1.3 billion in 2021 to $4 billion last year, creating 1.

5 million jobs and increasing tour operators from 2,800 to 3,700. Irrigated land expanded from 500,000 to 980,000 hectares, boosting agricultural productivity,” said Mr Kafulila. He said a fertiliser plant has been built in Dodoma with a capacity of one million tonnes to meet national demand.

“Meat-processing factories have risen from three to seven, while mineral processing plants increased from three to nine, creating more jobs and enhancing industrial capacity,” he insisted. Explaining why diplomacy was a growth engine, Mr Kafulila said diplomatic stability is crucial for economic growth, with global trade depending on robust engagement.

“Tanzania’s trade surged from $17 billion in 2021 to over $32 billion in 2024, driven by strategic diplomacy. Dar es Salaam Port’s capacity rose from 17 million tonnes in 2021 to 30 million tonnes in 2024, improving efficiency,” he told the conference.

Furthermore, he said securing development loans has been pivotal, noting that despite rising debt, the gains are evident in infrastructure, including roads, major bridges such as the Magufuli Bridges, and the Sh270 billion Kilwa Fishing Port — the largest in East and Central Africa. He said transmission lines expanded from 6,000 km over six decades to 8,000 km in three years, a 30 percent increase.

According to him, power generation rose from 1,700 MW to over 4,000 MW, making Tanzania East Africa’s leader. With a debt-to-GDP ratio of 46 percent, below Kenya’s 70 percent and Rwanda’s 71 percent, and credit ratings of B+ from Moody’s and Fitch, the government aims for a $1 trillion economy by 2050. This translates to about $7,000 per capita for a projected population of 140 million, with the PPPs described as the key leader in the realization of the economic growth.

.

Dodoma. When a family is forced to choose between buying schoolbooks and having a meal, it is not just another tale of hardship but a case study of the psychological burden that poverty creates.

Economic deprivation leaves not only visible scars of malnutrition but also invisible ones like emotional trauma and mental distress that last a lifetime. Across low- and middle-income countries, poverty has become a frontline driver of depression and anxiety.

Research from Malawi, Tanzania and global institutions such as the World Bank and WHO links financial shocks, food scarcity, job losses and rising healthcare costs to worsening mental health, a vicious cycle that undermines resilience and productivity. As the world marks World Mental Health Day, experts are calling for poverty reduction to be treated as a central mental health strategy.

The Regional Medical Officer for Dodoma, Dr Rutachunzibwa, recently told The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi, that health providers and the public should “seek alternative sources of income to free themselves from the chainsaw of poverty”, which he said remains a major driver of mental illness and suicide cases. In recent years, young people have increasingly turned to artificial intelligence (AI) tools for support, motivation and income generation.

A 2024 report by Gusto Insight Entrepreneurship, authored by Senior Economist Nick Tremper, found that Gen Z entrepreneurs are 56 percent more likely than Gen X to use generative AI in business operations. However, this growing dependence on technology has raised concerns about overreliance and exposure to psychological risks.

A tragic illustration of this came in April 2025, when 16-year-old British national died by suicide after months of conversations with an AI platform. His parents have since sued the AI platform, alleging the chatbot “actively enabled and coached” his suicidal behaviour.

The case, which is still ongoing, has sparked global debate on AI accountability and safety in mental health interactions. Mental health discussions have become more open among the youth, though generational differences persist.

Older generations in developing countries often dismiss mental health issues as exaggerations, leaving younger people to struggle in silence. Victor Mutta, 32, shared with The Citizen how depression derailed his academic life: “I dropped out because of severe depression and suicidal thoughts.

It took a couple of years to recover, but by then going back to university meant starting over. I’ve always been intelligent, so starting over felt too shameful.

” During the Covid-19 lockdown, Victor found new purpose through digital learning and AI-powered platforms, a sign of how technology can both hinder and heal. The Head of the Psychology Department at Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital, Dr Japhet Swai, told The Citizen that AI should be viewed as a tool, not a therapist.

“Nothing is inherently good or bad; it depends on how we use it. AI can enhance learning and research, but young people must be careful how they engage with a technology we still don’t fully control.

” Dr Swai cautioned that AI lacks the empathy and perception essential in therapy. “A chatbot can’t read subtle human cues like tone, facial expression and hesitation which only years of clinical experience can interpret,” he said.

He also warned of data privacy risks, noting that tech owners hold significant control over user information, which could be accessed under certain legal pressures. Clinical psychiatrist Dr Veronica Lymo of Mirembe Hospital urged Tanzanians to seek help when struggling with mental health challenges.

“There is no shame in asking for help. Thinking you must face it alone makes you a prisoner of your own mind,” she said.

Mirembe Hospital’s Executive Director, Dr Paul Lawala, revealed that the institution has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Makerere University in Uganda to establish a Mental Health Call Centre. “The new 24-hour call centre will ensure that those experiencing mental distress can access help immediately and be referred to the nearest health centre before reaching Mirembe for specialist care,” Dr Lawala said.

As the world embraces AI-driven solutions, experts say the challenge is finding balance, using technology as a bridge to wellness, not a replacement for human connection. .

Arusha. Government officials from Kenya and Uganda, development partners, investors, and private sector leaders are expected to converge in Kampala, Uganda, later this month to explore financing options for the 193-kilometre KenyaUganda Multinational Expressway Project.

Codenamed the Market Sounding Conference, the two-day meeting scheduled to start on October 20 will seek a viable financing model for the expressway that will link KisumuBusia in Kenya to KakiraMalaba in Uganda. The East African Community (EAC), in collaboration with the governments of Kenya and Uganda and the African Development Bank (AfDB), is organising the event.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 9, 2025, the EAC described the project as a key component of the Northern Transport Corridor, designed to enhance regional trade, improve transport efficiency, and foster cross-border integration. The expressway will also upgrade key border posts at Busia, Malaba, and Lwakhakha into modern One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs), easing the movement of goods and people across the region.

“This project is not just about building a road; it is about creating a modern, safe, and efficient transport artery that connects businesses, people, and opportunities across East Africa,” said the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Planning and Productive, Social, and Political sectors, Andrea Ariik Malueth. He said that the Market Sounding Conference represents “a turning point in our efforts to establish a strategy for sustainable infrastructure development through private sector funding–transforming trade, strengthening regional integration, and unlocking opportunities for millions of our citizens.

” The conference will serve as a key platform for governments, financiers, development partners, and the private sector to engage on the expressway project. Participants will review the findings of detailed feasibility studies, including traffic forecasts, engineering designs, and environmental and social impact assessments.

A Bankability Report will also be presented, outlining proposals for viable public-private partnership (PPP) financing models based on project cost estimates. “There will be ample opportunity for rich dialogue on how to mobilise resources effectively and sustainably,” said Mr Malueth.

Beyond the technical discussions, the event will invite investors, bilateral donors, and development finance institutions to contribute ideas on enhancing the project’s bankability and ensuring it delivers lasting value. Discussions will also highlight how the expressway is expected to transform regional connectivity by easing cross-border trade, lowering transport costs, and spurring economic growth across East Africa.

The conference is expected to attract strong interest from investors and financiers, generating constructive feedback on the project’s design, feasibility, and financing models. It is also anticipated to build consensus on sustainable and inclusive approaches to project implementation while addressing potential environmental and social impacts.

.

Dodoma. The High Court of Tanzania sitting in Dodoma has postponed the judgment in the case filed by Luhaga Mpina against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), rescheduling it for October 15, 2025. The presiding judge, Justice Fredrick Manyanda, who leads a panel of three judges hearing the case, said the adjournment was due to two main reasons: the judges are still deliberating on the matter, and they want to ensure the written judgment is comprehensive and free from ambiguity.

Justice Manyanda said the judgment would be delivered online starting at 9:00 a.m.

on the new date and directed the Registrar of the High Court, Dodoma Registry, to ensure that the court’s internet network is in good condition so that Tanzanians can follow the proceedings. The case came up for judgment on Friday, October 10, 2025, with several ACT-Wazalendo leaders — including Party Leader Dorothy Semu and Acting Secretary-General Mbarala Maharagande — arriving early at the court.

Also present were Luhaga Mpina and Fatma Fereji, who had both sought nomination from the Independent National Electoral Commission to contest parliamentary seats in the Dodoma and Morogoro regions, along with many party supporters, most of them youth. The case, which has drawn significant attention from legal and political observers, revolves around the legality of INEC’s decision to bar ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential candidates from contesting in the upcoming general election.

The panel of judges — Fredrick Manyanda, Sylvester Kainda, and Abdallah Gonzi — entered the courtroom and took their seats ready to deliver the ruling. After the legal representatives of both sides introduced themselves, Justice Manyanda addressed the court, saying: “Today we were expected to deliver the judgment, but there are two things we must be fully satisfied with.

Although this is a matter of urgency, we need to ensure our decision is solid and clearly written,” he said. The judgment in case number 23617 is expected to be historic, potentially setting a new precedent in the interpretation of Tanzania’s electoral laws and the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Meanwhile, ACT-Wazalendo officials have repeatedly stated that even if they were granted just two days of campaigning, it would be enough for them to win the presidency .

Unguja. Humans dream and strive to turn those dreams into reality.

They imagine and nurture aspirations of becoming someone meaningful in society. The saying “plans are not the same as actions” bears a striking resemblance to “effort cannot surpass destiny.

” You may plan, but your plans might not align with how life unfolds. You may strive, yet your efforts may not meet the destiny ordained for you.

In his early years, Hussein Juma Salum aspired to become a scientist. Science fascinated him, and every morning he woke up envisioning himself among the world’s great scientists.

He studied diligently in primary school, and when he joined secondary education, he chose the science stream. However, despite his passion, his exam results revealed something different.

While he struggled with science subjects, his best marks consistently came from political and social studies. The results reflected what was within him–a politician rather than a scientist.

When he completed his O-Level studies, the results confirmed it: science had failed him, but politics had embraced him. What seemed like disappointment then was, in fact, a divine redirection.

Today, that same Hussein is the Tanzania Labour Party (TLP) presidential candidate for Zanzibar in the 2025 General Election. This is not his first attempt at the presidency.

In the 2020 General Election, Hussein’s name appeared on the ballot as a contender for the presidency of Zanzibar and chairman of the Revolutionary Council. In 2015, he was a running mate in the Union presidential race, partnering with the TLP’s presidential flagbearer, Machmillan Elifatio Lyimo.

His earlier political bid came in 2000, when he contested the Kikwajuni parliamentary seat in Unguja under the TLP ticket. Early life and education Hussein was born on May 27, 1966, at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital–then known as VI Lenin Hospital–in Zanzibar.

He is the third child of his father, Juma Salum Juma, and the seventh of his mother, Zaina Hussein Msumari. His education journey began in 1973 at Mkwakwani Primary School in Tanga, where his parents had relocated.

He completed Standard Seven in 1979 but was not selected to join secondary school on the Mainland. Since primary education in Zanzibar extended to Standard Eight, his parents sent him to Hurumzi Primary School in Stone Town, where he excelled in his final exams.

He joined Shangani Secondary School in 1981, later moving to Forodhani Secondary School in 1982 and finally Haile Selassie Secondary School, where he completed his O-Level studies in 1984. Though his grades did not secure him a place in advanced studies, Hussein joined the Jeshi la Kujenga Uchumi (JKU) for one year of national service training. Thereafter, due to his satisfactory results, he was recruited by the government as an untrained teacher.

He began teaching at Tumekuja Primary School in 1987 before moving briefly to Forodhani and Darajani Primary Schools in Stone Town. However, he resigned in 1990, citing low pay that barely covered his expenses.

That decision marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial and political journey. Entry into politics While teaching, one of his students, Mohammed Abdullah, recognised leadership potential in him and encouraged him to join politics.

In 1994, Hussein joined the United Democratic Party (UDP) as an ordinary member. Four years later, he switched to the Tanzania Labour Party (TLP), where his leadership journey began.

In 1999, he was elected Deputy Treasurer for Zanzibar, and in 2005, he became the Deputy Secretary General for Zanzibar, a position he has retained to date. Why the presidency? Hussein says his decision to run for president is rooted in both his constitutional right and his concern for the socio-economic wellbeing of Zanzibaris.

While acknowledging the progress made, he argues that economic growth has not translated into improved living standards for ordinary citizens. He envisions a Zanzibar where quality education becomes the foundation for personal and national transformation.

His priority will be promoting science and technology education to ensure Zanzibaris keep pace with global advancements. Fighting corruption will also top his agenda.

He believes existing anti-corruption institutions have sufficient frameworks but lack effective supervision. He pledges to strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency.

Hussein’s flagship policy is reviving agriculture. He believes that Zanzibar’s economy has neglected the sector for too long.

“We no longer talk about agriculture as the backbone of our economy. Yet we once exported coconuts to Dar es Salaam; today, we import them from Mafia.

Fertile rice valleys are underutilised,” he laments. “If elected president, I will modernise farming, particularly rice production, to ensure Zanzibar achieves self-sufficiency in its staple food,” he adds.

“With our land potential, I will transform Zanzibar into an agriculture-driven economy. All I ask is for my fellow Zanzibaris to trust me with their votes.

” Hussein also served as a member of the Constituent Assembly during the 2014 constitutional review process. Life beyond politics Outside politics, Hussein is an entrepreneur.

He currently sells sardines, transporting them from Zanzibar to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia. In the past, he dealt in fruits and poultry between Tanga, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar.

After leaving teaching, he even ventured into ruby mining in Mahenge, Morogoro, before shifting to more sustainable business ventures. He is married to Amana Suleiman Mzee, and together they have two daughters, Rukia and Zaina.

Hussein urges Zanzibaris to turn out in large numbers to vote and maintain peace during the elections. “Peace should never be taken for granted,” he says.

“Once it is lost, it is very difficult to restore.” .

Butiama. The CCM presidential candidate, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has declared that her government is realising the dreams of the Father of the Nation, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, through the completion of major strategic projects, including the iconic Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP).

Addressing a large rally at Mwenge Grounds in Butiama, Nyerere’s birthplace, on October 10, 2025, President Hassan said her administration has worked to honour and advance Nyerere’s vision while building a modern, united, and prosperous Tanzania. “When we speak of the Father of the Nation, we cannot separate him from the ideological and philosophical foundations he laid for this country,” she told the crowd.

“Those foundations included freedom, unity, self-reliance, hard work, and nationhood. Today, through the projects we are delivering, we are translating his ideals into real progress,” added President Hassan.

The CCM presidential hopeful said the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) was a dream that Mwalimu had long wished to realise but could not implement, noting that today the dam is complete, producing electricity, and securing Tanzania’s energy future. She further pointed to the successful relocation of the nation’s capital to Dodoma as one of Nyerere’s most ambitious dreams.

“This was a governance decision taken long ago. We delayed for some years, but from the Fifth Phase Government and now in this Sixth Phase, we have completed the move.

All three pillars of government are now in Dodoma. Parliament moved first,” stressed President Hassan.

She also mentioned the SameMwanga water project, linked to the Nyumba ya Mungu Dam. According to President Hassan, the late Father of the Nation began the project but was unable to complete it, noting that her government has expanded it, ensuring clean water for communities in Same, Mwanga, and Korogwe districts.

In addition, the Mkomazi Dam in Korogwe is already 50 per cent complete, while the Kidunda Dam, which will serve Dar es Salaam, Coast Region, and parts of Morogoro, has also passed the halfway mark.”All these projects reflect the essence of Nyerere’s dream of self-reliance and inclusive development,” she stressed.

President Hassan reminded Butiama residents that Nyerere left a strong philosophical, political, and policy foundation. According to her, today’s leaders must interpret and apply those ideals in the modern context.

“Our policies, strategies, and manifestos are shaped to reflect his thinking. We are building a self-reliant, inclusive, and prosperous nation where development is meaningful to every citizen,” she said.

She added that Nyerere emphasised that true development must focus on people and uplift their daily lives. “That is why we are strengthening social services such as education and health, expanding economic empowerment for citizens, and investing in large-scale productive sectors,” she said.

“These are the foundations of a strong and independent nation that cares for its people.” President Hassan also underlined the importance of peace, unity, and national cohesion, values deeply cherished by Nyerere.

“Most importantly, we are committed to protecting our peace, unity, and national solidarity, alongside our precious Union,” she said. “CCM recognises the need to reinforce national unity by completing the process for a new constitution, as outlined in our manifesto.

” On the constitutional process, she said her government would carry it forward in response to the longstanding wishes of Tanzanians. “This is the will of many citizens across different times.

The Fourth Phase Government began the process, though it was not completed. In this Sixth Phase, we will continue.

Like our founders and elders before us, we in CCM remain the guardians of Tanzania’s greater national interest,” stressed President Hassan. She recalled Nyerere’s famous warning: “Without a strong CCM, our nation will falter.

” “We cannot and will not allow our country to stumble for any reason,” she declared, drawing loud cheers. Butiama residents welcomed her message, saying it was symbolic for President Hassan to pledge Nyerere’s legacy from his homeland.

“This is history coming full circle. We are seeing with our own eyes the dreams of Mwalimu being fulfilled by CCM,” said 68-year-old Mr Paulo Nyirenda.

Another resident, Ms Maria Joseph, 35, said she was proud to witness the government bringing water and power projects to life. “These projects are transforming lives in our communities.

For me, this is what Mwalimu wanted, a Tanzania that works for its people,” she said. Young voters also expressed confidence in CCM’s continuity.

“As youth, we believe President Samia is carrying forward Nyerere’s vision while preparing opportunities for our future,” said student Benson Marwa. For President Hassan, the campaign stop in Butiama was more than politics; it was an affirmation of continuity between Tanzania’s founding father and its present leader.

“Mwalimu gave us the compass. Our responsibility is to keep following the direction he set, and to ensure that Tanzania never turns back,” President Hassan told the crowd .

Manyara. The CCM presidential candidate, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has announced ten key pledges to accelerate development in northern Tanzania if elected, covering infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, and industrial growth.

Speaking separately at rallies in Tanga, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, and Manyara regions, President Hassan tied each pledge to her administration’s record and promised deeper reforms over the next five years. In the Tanga Region, President Hassan announced the immediate start of a 1,108kilometre railway project after the election, linking the Port of Tanga to Arusha and Musoma.

She said the railway would unlock industrial and mining zones, create jobs, and stimulate economic opportunities for the region and the northern corridor. “This modern railway is part of a broader plan to upgrade Tanga Port into a specialised oil and gas hub,” she said.

In Pangani, she pledged to complete the 95kilometre PanganiSaadaniMakurunge road and the 125metre Pangani Bridge. “This will improve access to services and boost trade and tourism,” she said.

In the Kilimanjaro Region, she promised a 31kilometre bypass from Kahe to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and upgrades to municipal roads. “Better roads will ease transport and expand economic activity,” she told residents during a rally.

She said modernising Tanga Port is strategic for trade, logistics, energy, and fisheries, positioning it as a national gateway. The CCM presidential flagbearer pledged to build on the S29.1 billion investment to attract shipping lines, expand logistics parks, and strengthen the maritime economy.

During the ongoing nationwide campaign rally, she reaffirmed her government’s goal of universal electricity access. “We have reached half of all hamlets.

Rural electrification will extend to islands and remote villages,” she said in Same, stressing that electricity is a right for all. She pledged projects such as the Sh308.3 billion SameMwangaKorogwe scheme to bring water close to homes.

Furthermore, she said phase one was complete, with phase two extending coverage to the remaining wards. Regarding plans to transform agriculture and livestock, President Hassan said in Hanang’ that producing one million tonnes of wheat by 2030 was the government’s target.

However, she assured residents of continued fertiliser subsidies for livestock; the subvention involves vaccines that will help farmers keep livestock to international health standards and open export markets. Regarding the revitalization of industries and local economies, she said the Kilimanjaro Machine Tools Factory would be revived to support new investments.

She promised modern produce markets to help farmers and limit exploitation by middlemen. On strengthened healthcare, President Hassan stressed maternal health and facility upgrades, noting that Sh7 billion has been invested in Hanang’.

“Giving birth should not cost lives. We are building stronger health systems,” she said.

She committed to free education and expanding infrastructure for all levels. Furthermore, the CCM presidential hopeful told Arumeru residents that based on the importance of student loans, no child will be left behind.

According to her, youth, women, and traders would be economically empowered, stressing that Sh200 billion would be disbursed to support vulnerable groups and expand the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) initiative, urging communities to make land available for its success. She highlighted tourism’s potential, noting Mount Kilimanjaro and other attractions, pledging to boost fisheries and create jobs through Tanga’s maritime hub, open gateways to Mkomazi National Park, and improve Karatu’s tourism access.

She said Sh3.097 trillion had been invested in Arusha in the last four and a half years, stressing that: “With your votes, we can achieve more.” A political analyst at the University of Dar es Salaam, Mr Salbinus David, said the pledges reflect the region’s priorities, while Prof Makame Ali Ussi of the State University of Zanzibar described them as “ambitious and pragmatic” and a test for her election.

President Hassan concluded by urging citizens to recognise her achievements and be ambassadors of peace. “Our work speaks for itself.

With your support, we will transform the nation, village by village, ward by ward, region by region,” she said. .

It was a sad weekend for us. That is, the week that ended on September 28, when a mzee of ours departed to join his Maker in the afterworld.

Mzee Josiah was a master storyteller who cleverly fused fact and fiction to enthral us whenever we shared his company, either formally or informally. Even as he went through his last week on earth at a Dar hospital, he never tired of regaling his visitors with his incredible stories.

It was on October 3 when we laid to rest our jovial old man at the church cemetery in an emotional ceremony attended by family and friends from various parts of Bongo and beyond. After we’re done with the various sombre activities and bidding kwa heri to those who have to travel immediately to their different destinations, it’s time to relax and explore.

Yeah, time to head to our side of Mount Kamwala’s shopping centre to see what’s on offer at Kwa Dada Anna, Kwa Temu and Kwa Sammy drinking joints. A younger bro, Dullah, had stayed close to me most of the day, impressing me with what has been going on within the Muyanza family and the village in general.

Who has married whom, and who has divorced whom? You note with interest that the incidence of divorce in the villages is much less than what we’re witnessing in the urban areas, where some marriages break up within a couple of months, if not weeks. And nobody raises eyebrows! Dullah leads you to Kwa Sammy, where we find the place full to the brim.

Some drinkers are having their booze while standing. There are two vacant tables without chairs, but your kid bro says no to the suggestion that we take our beer standing as a handyman goes out to look for chairs.

“We’ll just remain standing idly as we wait for chairs; my bro is an important man from Dar (ha!), and won’t have his beer standing up like a villager!” asserts Dullah. It only takes a few minutes before chairs arrive and we settle down for our beer.

Dullah is a young and strong man, which explains why he orders a Safari. I ask for my usual, a warm Castro Laiti, which Dullah dismisses as maji matupu, sheer plain water! I’m literally dying of thirst, because it’s been more than 24 hours since I took my last sip of beer.

I get hold of a bottle, ready to lead it to my waiting mouth, but I return it to the table and shout, “Hey, mhudumu, I had ordered a warm beerthis one is chilling cold!” “But that’s warm beer, mzee,” responds the mhudumu. “actually, we don’t even have a fridge here nobody owns a fridge in Usangi!” I dislike cold beer, but there’s nothing I can do other than take the beer the way it is.

Climate change has done us in because, in the not-so-distant past, having wintry weather beyond August was something unheard of. Rest in peace, dear Mzee Josiah Gerson Marisa WM.

.

Dar es Salaam. The High Court, Small Claims Division in Dar es Salaam yesterday approved a request by lawyers representing former Tanzanian ambassador to Cuba Humphrey Polepole to submit an additional affidavit in a case concerning claims of his alleged abduction.

The petition, case number 24514/2025, filed under an urgent Habeas Corpus motion, seeks a court order to produce Mr Polepole before the court. It was filed on Tuesday against the Inspector General of Police and other respondents, including the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Attorney General (AG), the Special Zone Commander in Dar es Salaam (ZCO), and the Dar es Salaam Police Commander (ZPC).

Judge Salma Maghimbi, who is presiding over the case, granted the application to submit an additional affidavit, following a request from Mr Polepole’s legal team led by Mr Peter Kibatala. The court also set deadlines for submission and scheduled the full hearing for all parties on October 15 at 9.

30 am. Mr Polepole’s lawyers argued that new information had emerged since the first witness testimony, making it necessary to submit further evidence.

They requested that the matter continue ex parte, allowing proceedings without respondents who failed to appear despite receiving court summons. The court ordered Mr Polepole’s legal team to submit his additional affidavit by today, while the second respondent must file a counter affidavit by Tuesday, October 14. Respondents who fail to appear will need court permission to submit any further affidavits.

Advocate Kibatala told the court that Mr Polepole, a Tanzanian citizen who has served in various government positions, including District Commissioner for Ubungo and ambassador to Malawi, Cuba, and other Latin American countries, voluntarily resigned from his diplomatic post earlier this year. His resignation letter, dated July 13, 2025, was addressed to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

He alleged that in the early hours of October 6 unidentified individuals forcibly entered Mr Polepole’s Ununio residence in Dar es Salaam and took him to an unknown location. The claim has been corroborated by Polepole’s brothers, Godfrey and Agustino Polepole, and was widely reported in local media.

Mr Kibatala emphasised that as of the filing of the affidavit, Mr Polepole’s whereabouts remain unknown. None of the respondents has provided information on his welfare or legal status, raising concerns over his safety and constitutional rights.

The petition seeks to have Mr Polepole produced before the court pending the hearing of the full case. If successful, it could compel authorities to provide clarity on his detention or release him, while ensuring that due legal processes are respected.

The court’s approval of the additional affidavit is seen as a critical step in expediting the matter, especially given the urgency surrounding allegations of unlawful detention. Lawyers representing Mr Polepole argued that immediate court intervention is necessary to safeguard his fundamental rights.

“This case highlights the importance of legal safeguards for all citizens,” Mr Kibatala said. “We are acting swiftly to ensure that Polepole’s constitutional rights are respected, and that the matter is addressed transparently and urgently.

” Mr Polepole’s legal team also includes Faraji Mangula, Alphonce Nachipiangu, Deogratius Mahinyila, and Grolia Ulomi, who are coordinating efforts to ensure the petition proceeds without delay. .