Category: The Citizen

By Martha Chacha Dar es Salaam. Uganda’s Common Man’s Party (CMP) presidential candidate, Mubarak Munyagwa, has pledged to abolish Kiswahili as the national language and replace it with French in schools and public institutions.

Speaking at a campaign rally, Mr Munyagwa said the proposal was aimed at deepening Uganda’s ties with Francophone countries across Africa. “We shall ban Kiswahili as a national language.

What we need instead is French,” he declared. “French has a far wider reach.

Burundi speaks French, Congo speaks French, Rwanda speaks French, Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon, the Central African Republic, all speak French. We do not need Kiswahili; what we need is English and French.

” His remarks come as President Yoweri Museveni’s administration actively promotes Kiswahili to strengthen integration within the East African Community (EAC). Uganda declared Kiswahili a national language in 2022, and it has since been rolled out in schools nationwide.

Kiswahili carries unique significance not only for Uganda but also for the region and the wider continent. It remains the most widely spoken African language, serving as a bridge across Kenya, Tanzania, the DRC, Burundi, Rwanda and beyond.

Recognised by the African Union as a working language, Kiswahili has become a symbol of unity, cultural exchange, trade and political cooperation. In 2017, Rwanda made a decision to designate Kiswahili as one of the official languages of the country, alongside Kinyarwanda, English and French The recognition of Kiswahili is part of the commitments entered in 2007 in the East African Community, an organization founded by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and China’s Fujian Province have taken a significant step towards strengthening cultural and heritage ties following the signing of a new partnership during a Fujian tourism promotion event held yesterday in Dar es Salaam.

The agreement, signed between the National Museum of Tanzania and the Fujian Museum of China, seeks to deepen collaboration in research, preservation and tourism promotion. National Museum of Tanzania director general Noel Lwoga described the partnership as a milestone for cultural diplomacy.

“Through joint research, preservation efforts and tourism promotion, we aim to create meaningful opportunities that benefit both our peoples and deepen our shared understanding,” Dr Lwoga said. The collaboration will cover joint scientific research on cultural heritage, exchange of museum collections to enrich exhibitions, preservation of tangible and intangible heritage and promotion of cultural tourism.

Dr Lwoga said the partnership builds on a recent visit to a cultural and tourism promotion event in Fujian by National Museum of Tanzania researcher Wilbard Lema. Chinese ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, forged by previous generations and strengthened today.

“Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, China-Tanzania relations have maintained a high level of development. Political trust has deepened, economic cooperation has yielded fruitful results and cultural ties have flourished,” she said.

Ms Chen described Fujian as a province of natural beauty and cultural richness, known for landmarks such as Mount Wuyi and Gulangyu Island. “Tourism serves as an important bridge connecting our peoples,” she said, adding that improved travel opportunities would allow more Tanzanians to experience Fujian’s culture, jasmine tea and the traditional melodies of Nanyin music.

The ambassador also underscored Fujian’s economic role, noting that many enterprises from the province are “going global” and sharing development opportunities with African partners. “Within the framework of FOCAC and the Belt and Road Initiative, Fujian can serve as a new bridge for cultural and economic ties.

” Ms Chen expressed hope that the partnership would strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between China and Tanzania in the years ahead. .

Mwanga. A fire of unknown origin has razed a dormitory at Asharose Migiro Girls’ Secondary School in Makuyuni hamlet, Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region, leaving 46 students in shock.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of September 29, 2025, destroyed property including 354 beds and mattresses, 32 wardrobes, and 32 shoe racks. Kilimanjaro Regional Fire and Rescue Commander, Jeremiah Mkomagi, confirmed the incident, saying no lives were lost.

“The cause of the fire is yet to be established. A thorough investigation is under way.

There were no injuries, but 46 students experienced shock and were rushed to Mwilange Health Centre for treatment,” he said. Mr Mkomagi said that the Fire and Rescue Service continues to educate the public on fire prevention and safety measures.

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Mbeya. Police in Mbeya have confirmed that two suspects were fatally shot during an attempted arrest in Chunya District and that a third suspect later died after allegedly jumping from a police vehicle, in connection with the murder of 21-year-old Mzumbe University student Shyrose Mabula.

The victim, a second-year law student, was reported missing on September 14, 2025 and her charred body was discovered on September 16, 2025 in the Nane Nane area of Isyesye Ward, Mbeya City. Regional Police Commander Benjamin Kuzaga said preliminary inquiries indicate the perpetrators intended to abduct Ms Mabula for ransom and, when that failed, killed her, poured herbicide, strangled her with a rope and set the body alight in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.

Commander Kuzaga told The Citizen’s sister paper, Mwananchi on Monday that police arrested Marwa John (25), a resident of Uzunguni A, on September 24, 2025. Marwa is said to have confessed and identified Edward Kayuni. Mwantembele, described by police as a security guard, later cooperated and guided officers to locations in Chunya District where the other suspects were believed to be hiding.

According to the commander, on September 27, officers travelled to Chalangwa Village, Chunya District, after Mr Mwantembele led them to a rendezvous point where Mr Kayuni was believed to be hiding. When officers moved to arrest Mr Kayuni he drew a knife and threatened the team.

He was then shot in the leg. “Warning shots were fired but the suspect resisted and was subsequently shot in the leg,” Commander Kuzaga said.

During that fracas Mwantembele also attempted to flee despite warnings and several shots being fired into the air; he was subsequently shot in the leg and the chest. Both men were rushed to Chunya District Hospital but died while receiving treatment, Commander Kuzaga said.

After killing Shyrose it was alleged that Marwa chopped off her right-hand finger and took it to a witchdoctor who was alleged concealing items believed to be linked to the killing. The police ordered Marwa to take them to the witchdoctor.

But on the way he, allegedly, jumped from the police vehicle. Inquiries into the exact circumstances of his death are continuing.

In searches carried out by investigators, police said they recovered two handcuffs (locally known as pingu), two forged Tanzania People’s Defence Force identity cards, mobile phones containing images alleged to be linked to criminal activity and the victim’s undergarments, which, police say, were reportedly taken to a traditional healer for ritual purposes. Commander Kuzaga characterised the case as one motivated by financial gain.

“Our preliminary investigations show the suspects intended to obtain money from the victim’s family through abduction and, when that failed, they killed her to conceal evidence,” he said. Family reaction Reacting to the arrests and the subsequent deaths of the suspects, Dr Mabula Mahande, the victim’s father, praised the police for their professionalism and the assistance given to the family throughout the inquiry.

“I commend our police for fulfilling their duties. I request that they be equipped with modern tools because criminals change their methods every day; with better communication equipment they will be more effective,” he said, urging residents to help expose criminals living in their communities.

The Regional Police issued a public appeal against pursuing wealth through criminal means. “The police call on citizens to abandon the desire to obtain money and property by unlawful means.

Crime does not pay and the long arm of the law will reach those responsible wherever they are,” Commander Kuzaga said. Investigations into the circumstances of Ms Mabula’s death remain ongoing and police have appealed to anyone with information to come forward and assist in the inquiry.

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Dar es Salaam. As the government opens doors to investors across various sectors, deliberate efforts are needed to ensure Tanzanians benefit not only from financial inflows and technology transfer but also from opportunities to acquire practical skills.

Barrick Mining Corporation, one of the country’s largest investors in the mining sector, has placed education and skills development at the centre of its operations. The company operates in partnership with the government through Twiga Minerals Corporation.

Each year, Barrick’s Bulyanhulu and North Mara mines host students from local universities, offering them exposure to different fields. The company also runs a one-year internship for post-secondary and university graduates, providing mentorship and, in some cases, direct employment.

In addition, a two-year graduate programme trains young professionals in mining and related sectors, with participants either absorbed into Barrick or pursuing careers elsewhere. To support neighbouring communities, the firm operates a first-entry scheme for unskilled youths from villages around its mines.

Participants receive training in mining-related roles, equipping them to secure jobs or apply their skills in other industries. Barrick has also been sponsoring college symposiums through AIESEC, a global youth platform.

Experts from the company mentor students, helping them to prepare for the future, explore career opportunities and develop leadership potential. Speaking during the release of Barrick’s 2024 sustainable strategy implementation report, the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mark Bristow, said education remains a top priority in its investment strategy.

“Barrick continues to prioritise education and will strengthen its investment in the sector to ensure Tanzanians access better learning opportunities,” he said during his recent visit to the country. Interns interviewed by The Citizen praised the mentorship provided during their training and noted the company’s commitment to environmental protection, workplace safety and community development projects in education, health and infrastructure.

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Mbeya. Chama cha Makini presidential candidate, Coaster Kibonde, has promised tractors for farmers and a minimum wage of Sh600,000 if elected, urging residents of his hometown, Mbalizi, to support him.

Speaking at a rally at Tarafani grounds on September 27, Kibonde said his upbringing in Mbalizi gave him a unique opportunity to serve the people with patriotism. He outlined his party’s priorities in agriculture, education, and health.

He pledged free education from primary to university level, focused on skills for local and global job markets, and support for students to study abroad. In agriculture, he promised five acres of land with title deeds for each youth, tractors to replace hand hoes, and open markets for farmers to sell produce.

On health, Kibonde vowed to build well-equipped dispensaries and warned against negligence leading to deaths. He said his government would also provide interest-free loans to small traders.

Running mate Azza Haji Suleiman said health would be prioritised through a free service known as Makini Care. “Health is the foundation of all other plans.

With healthy citizens, everything is possible,” she said, urging voters not to be swayed by money. Deputy Chairperson and Ubungo parliamentary candidate Grace Ngonyani urged residents to seize the opportunity to vote for a local-born candidate.

Deputy Secretary Ramadan Bambo added that the party would redistribute land from a few leaders to the youth. “On 29 October, do not make a mistake.

Vote for Kibonde to lead the country towards development,” he said. .