Category: The Citizen

Despite ongoing government operations to clear informal traders, popularly known as machinga, from unauthorised zones, several vendors have returned to Uhuru and Msimbazi roads, triggering fresh complaints from road users.

The persistent presence of street vendors on pedestrian walkways and road margins continues to pose a challenge to commuters, with some drivers claiming the resulting gridlock has forced them to alter their routes.

The initiative to clear Machinga from Kariakoo’s Uhuru and Msimbazi roads officially commenced on March 4, 2026, spearheaded by the Dar es Salaam City Council alongside the city auxiliary police and the Police Force.

The operation was executed following a directive issued on February 17, 2026, aimed at restoring order along major transport corridors, specifically targeting illegal trading on road reserves, footpaths, and other areas posing safety hazards to the public.

However, months into the exercise, traders continue setting up informal stalls along the edges of these major thoroughfares.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper on Sunday, August 2, 2026, Kariakoo Machinga Chairman, Mr Stephen Lusinde, attributed the enforcement challenges to unfulfilled obligations by responsible parties during the initial relocation process.

He stated that vendor leadership fulfilled its mandate by mobilising traders to vacate road reserves for designated markets.

“We agreed that each party fulfils its obligations. We undertook the responsibility of maintaining internal order, ensuring traders moved inside designated areas safely and conducted business in compliance with government directives,” said Mr Lusinde.

He emphasised that local executive authorities must account for enforcement lapses in unallocated areas outside his jurisdiction.

“Whether the operation succeeded or stalled is a question for local executives, the City Director, and area supervisors. They are best placed to assess where the process hit a snag,” he added, insisting his mandate remains strictly confined to managed market grounds.

Continuous enforcement

Addressing the situation, Ilala District Commissioner (DC), Mr Edward Mpogolo, described the removal of Machinga as an ongoing exercise, noting that cleared vendors frequently return to prohibited spots.

He likened the enforcement effort to daily police patrols required to maintain public order.

“This is a continuous exercise because traders return after being cleared. Just as the police maintain daily security, supervising and organising traders requires constant enforcement,” stated Mr Mpogolo.

Public outcry over congestion

Despite government assurances, road users in Kariakoo insist that the situation remains a major public nuisance, as vendors continue to block designated pedestrian footpaths.

Consequently, motorists are reportedly bypassing standard traffic lanes and encroaching onto Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes to avoid congestion caused by pedestrians forced onto the main roadway.

A minibus driver, Mr Seif Mohamed, operating the Kigamboni-Muhimbili route, noted that drivers regularly alter routes to avoid congestion along feeder roads.

“These traders have created a serious nuisance by blocking footpaths. Pedestrians are forced onto the carriageway, exposing them to traffic hazards,” said Mr Mohamed.

A resident of Mbagala, Ms Nice Salum, lamented that walking through Kariakoo has become increasingly treacherous.

“I avoid Kariakoo due to the chaotic mix of vehicles, motorcycles, and auto-rickshaws operating dangerously close to pedestrians. Traders have completely blocked footpaths with their wares,” observed Ms Salum.

Designated markets overwhelmed

A street vendor on Msimbazi and Narung’ombe streets, Ms Hawa Ally, stated that designated market areas are overcrowded, leaving hawkers without permanent stalls no choice but to trade on streets.

“The designated streets are fully occupied by traders with permanent tables. Those of us displaying goods on the ground or hawking by hand are forced onto the roads to target passers-by,” she explained.

She urged the government to expand designated market infrastructure to provide all traders with viable, legal trading spaces.

Tanzania’s drive to expand its blue economy is placing mounting pressure on thousands of small-scale fishers, with a new human rights report warning that many coastal communities are losing access to traditional fishing grounds, threatening livelihoods, food security and fundamental rights.

The report argues that while the country has made significant strides in promoting the sustainable use of marine resources, economic development, conservation initiatives and industrial investments are increasingly competing with the rights of artisanal fishers who have depended on the sea for generations.

Published jointly by the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) and the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), the report, Human Rights, Small-Scale Fishers and Their Access to and Management of Marine Resources in Tanzania, draws on findings from Mtwara, Lindi and Tanga, where researchers engaged 247 participants, including fishing communities, government officials and other stakeholders.

It concludes that despite the critical role played by small-scale fisheries in supporting employment, food security and local economies, many fishing communities remain vulnerable due to weak governance, shrinking access to marine resources and limited protection of their rights. According to the report, artisanal fisheries provide more than a source of income. They underpin the social, economic and cultural fabric of Tanzania’s coastal communities through fishing, fish processing, trading, seaweed farming and boat building.

However, these livelihoods are coming under increasing strain from declining fish stocks, climate change, pollution, illegal fishing, industrial fishing fleets and expanding blue economy activities, including tourism, offshore gas exploration, mining and marine conservation projects.

The report notes that Tanzania has established an extensive legal and policy framework governing fisheries and marine resource management through the Constitution, the Fisheries Act, the Marine Parks and Reserves Act, the Environmental Management Act and the National Blue Economy Policy.

Yet it says implementation remains inconsistent, leaving many coastal communities without adequate safeguards as competing interests over marine resources intensify.

One of the report’s central concerns is the absence of secure fishing tenure.

Although Beach Management Units (BMUs) have strengthened community participation in fisheries management, many small-scale fishers still lack clearly recognised rights to their traditional fishing grounds, exposing them to displacement when new investment or conservation projects are introduced. The report warns that restrictions on access to fishing areas should not be viewed simply as administrative or environmental matters but as issues with significant human rights implications.

It says the loss of fishing grounds can undermine the rights to work, food, participation in decision-making, cultural identity and an adequate standard of living, while in some cases exposing communities to displacement without sufficient safeguards. Environmental degradation is further worsening the situation. The report identifies overfishing, destructive fishing practices, marine pollution, weak enforcement of fisheries laws, corruption, inadequate scientific data and poor institutional coordination as major obstacles to sustainable fisheries management.

Climate change is adding to these pressures through rising sea levels, coastal erosion, changing fish migration patterns and increasingly unpredictable weather, making it more difficult for fishing households to sustain their incomes.

The report also highlights inequalities within the fisheries sector, noting that although governance structures exist, women, fish processors, fishing crews and other marginalised groups continue to have limited influence over decisions affecting marine resources.

At the same time, many fishing households remain outside formal social protection systems despite facing recurring economic shocks and climate-related risks.

While acknowledging progress in tackling destructive fishing methods, particularly dynamite fishing, the report says more needs to be done to ensure that economic development does not come at the expense of the rights and livelihoods of coastal communities.

It recommends strengthening legal recognition of fishing tenure, guaranteeing preferential access to traditional fishing grounds, improving compensation and livelihood restoration where displacement occurs, expanding social protection, enhancing fisheries data systems and ensuring greater participation of women and local communities in decision-making.

Vice-President, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi has urged farmers, livestock keepers and fishers across the country to join Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (Amcos) to benefit from the services they offer and contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector and the national economy.

Dr Nchimbi made the call on Monday, August 3, 2026, during Cooperative Day celebrations held at the Central Zone Nanenane agricultural exhibitions in Dodoma.

He said cooperatives play a major role in advancing the National Development Vision 2050 by enabling small-scale producers to pool resources, increase productivity, access reliable markets and obtain financial services more easily.

“I encourage farmers, livestock keepers and fishers to join cooperative societies so that they can benefit from the available opportunities and build their economies as well as the national economy,” said Dr Nchimbi.

He said the government would continue strengthening the cooperative sector by ensuring that societies are managed transparently and accountably.

The Vice-President directed the Cooperative Development Commission to take action against leaders and members involved in dishonest practices and the misuse of cooperative assets.

He also directed the Ministry of Agriculture to continue overseeing the Cooperative Bank to ensure that it becomes stronger and provides financial solutions for farmers, livestock keepers and fishers.

Dr Nchimbi said the government had introduced the Cooperative Insurance scheme to protect farmers against losses caused by drought, hailstorms and other disasters, enabling them to continue production after such events.

He further directed the Ministry of Agriculture to continue educating the public about the benefits of joining cooperative societies to increase participation in the cooperative movement.

For his part, the Tanzania Cooperatives Development Commission chief executive officer, Dr Benson Ndiege, said tobacco farmers in Tabora Region had started benefiting from the crop insurance scheme, which protects them against losses caused by natural disasters.

He said 32,273 tobacco farmers had joined the Cooperative Insurance scheme, with farms covering 377,780 hectares insured so far.

Dr Ndiege said a lack of integrity among some cooperative leaders and members remained a major challenge, resulting in the unlawful appropriation of cooperative assets.

He said the Commission had launched an exercise to assess cooperative assets to ensure they are identified, protected and recovered where they have been lost.

Agriculture Minister Daniel Chongolo said the government would continue overseeing and developing the cooperative sector because it remains an important pillar of development for farmers, livestock keepers and fishers.

Mr Chongolo said membership of cooperative societies gives farmers, livestock keepers and fishers greater collective bargaining power when negotiating prices for their crops and products.

He added that cooperatives enable members to access agricultural inputs and loans more easily, secure reliable markets, obtain insurance services and receive professional training.

“Cooperatives also promote transparency in trade, strengthen members’ incomes and stimulate national economic development through increased production,” he said.

Exim Bank Tanzania and Young Scientists Tanzania (YST) have renewed their partnership for 2026, extending a six-year collaboration aimed at empowering secondary school students through science, technology, innovation and research.

The renewed partnership, launched at Exim Tower in Dar es Salaam on July 31, reinforces the bank’s commitment to investing in education, innovation and youth development as part of Tanzania’s long-term social and economic transformation.

Speaking during the launch, Exim Bank Tanzania Senior Manager for Marketing and Communications, Ms Kauthar D’Souza, said the partnership reflects the bank’s belief that empowering young people is key to building an innovative, competitive and sustainably developed nation.

“At Exim Bank Tanzania, we believe innovation begins with empowering young people. Our partnership with Young Scientists Tanzania reflects our commitment to supporting students who are curious, creative and passionate about developing solutions that can transform communities and contribute to national development,” she said.

Ms D’Souza said YST has, over the past six years, become a valued partner in identifying and nurturing young innovators capable of addressing community challenges through science, research and innovation.

“We believe that by investing in education, innovation and the development of young talent today, we are building a stronger foundation for Tanzania’s sustainable development,” she added.

This year’s programme has attracted its highest participation since its inception, with 1,330 project submissions from 287 secondary schools across all regions of Tanzania.

Following assessment and mentorship by YST science advisers, 162 projects have been shortlisted, while the top 45 will compete at the Young Scientists Tanzania National Science and Technology Exhibition, scheduled for September 17, 2026, at the New Library Auditorium of the University of Dar es Salaam.

Young Scientists Tanzania co-founder, Dr Gozbert Kamugisha, commended Exim Bank for its sustained support, describing the lender as more than a financial sponsor.

“We sincerely appreciate Exim Bank Tanzania for its unwavering support over the past six years. What makes this year’s programme particularly unique is that the bank has gone beyond providing financial sponsorship to becoming an active partner in programme implementation,” he said.

According to Dr Kamugisha, Exim Bank officials have joined YST teams in visiting schools, engaging teachers and students, and offering technical guidance to help young innovators strengthen their research and refine their ideas into practical solutions.

He said the organisation continues to face challenges, including inadequate financial resources to support all talented students and limited public awareness of the need to invest in science, technology and innovation.

“As a nation, we cannot achieve the development we aspire to without making meaningful investments in our young people, particularly in science, technology and innovation. Countries that have made significant progress have done so by investing heavily in research, innovation and discovery,” he said.

Dr Kamugisha acknowledged government efforts to create supportive policies and an enabling environment, but urged greater collaboration among public and private stakeholders to expand opportunities for young innovators.

For more than 16 years, Young Scientists Tanzania has equipped secondary school students with scientific research and innovation skills through mentorship and outreach programmes, enabling them to identify community challenges and develop practical, locally relevant solutions.

The partnership with Exim Bank supports young innovators working in fields such as artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, healthcare, food security, communication and social innovation.

Guided by its philosophy, “Innovation is Life”, Exim Bank said it will continue supporting initiatives that unlock the potential of young Tanzanians by bridging the gap between education and practical application while promoting research, creativity, entrepreneurship and technological advancement.

The bank and Young Scientists Tanzania said they remain committed to supporting young innovators ahead of the 2026 National Science and Technology Exhibition, with the aim of fostering home-grown solutions that contribute to a more innovative, inclusive and prosperous Tanzania.

AlliaDar es Salaam. Alliance Caravans successfully defended the PETROFUEL TCA Caravans T20 Cup title after defeating Aurobindo AKSC by 29 runs in a historic final played at the new Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) Arena, University of Dar es Salaam, on Sunday.

The defending champions posted 140 for eight in their 20 overs before restricting Aurobindo to 111 for five, completing a dominant campaign that saw them finish the five-week domestic cricket tournament unbeaten during the Super Six stage.

The final carried additional significance as it became the first competitive match played at the newly constructed TCA Arena, marking a new chapter for cricket development in Tanzania.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Alliance produced a balanced batting display, with several players making valuable contributions to build a competitive total.

Kassimu Nassoro top-scored with 36 runs from 26 balls, while Ajith Augustin added 28 from 21 deliveries. Amal Rajeevan also played an important role, contributing 20 runs from 16 balls as Alliance reached 140 for eight.

Aurobindo’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings, led by Harsheed Chouhan, who delivered an impressive spell of four wickets for 19 runs.

Dhrumit Mehta claimed two wickets for 42 runs, while Riziki Kiseto took one for 20 as they prevented Alliance from accelerating during the final overs.

However, Aurobindo’s chase never gained enough momentum as regular wickets disrupted their progress. Abhik Patwa provided resistance with 36 runs from 37 balls, while Sefu Athumani remained unbeaten on 28 from 21 deliveries, but Alliance’s disciplined bowling attack kept the required run rate beyond reach.

Yalinde Maurice was the pick of the Alliance bowlers, taking two wickets for 14 runs from four overs, while Jerry Mathew also claimed two wickets for 18 runs.

D. Prasad added further pressure with an economical spell of one wicket for only 12 runs in four overs.

The victory confirmed Alliance’s superiority throughout the tournament, with their success built on batting depth, controlled bowling and consistent performances under pressure.

Tournament representative Girish Kumar described the final as a fitting conclusion to a competition that featured eight teams and showcased outstanding individual performances.

“This final represents the culmination of several weeks of competitive cricket involving eight teams and some outstanding individual performances,” said Kumar.

“The tournament has given players regular match opportunities, allowed teams to test themselves under pressure and created a strong domestic cricket story for supporters to follow.”

The closing ceremony also celebrated individual achievements, with Aurobindo AKSC all-rounder Dhrumit Mehta receiving the PigaBet Player of the Series Award. The honour recognised Mehta’s outstanding contribution throughout the tournament through his batting, bowling, fielding and match-winning performances.

PigaBet Marketing Manager Arthur Kazola said the company was proud to support a competition that continues to provide a platform for players to showcase their talent.

“PigaBet’s involvement in the Caravans T20 Cup has focused on supporting a credible competitive platform and giving greater recognition to players who have performed consistently throughout the tournament,” said Kazola.

“The PigaBet Player of the Series Award celebrates excellence across all areas of the game and highlights the importance of recognising players who make a difference throughout the competition.”

Kumar added that PigaBet’s contribution had strengthened the tournament’s recognition of individual excellence.

The opposition Chadema has announced plans to take legal action against individuals masquerading as party leaders, accusing them of slandering the party and defaming its Mainland Vice-Chairman, John Heche.

The controversy arose following social media reports after a Chadema Central Committee meeting in Kigoma Region, alleging that Mr Heche embezzled funds from the ‘Tone Tone’ campaign for personal gain.

Although Chadema Secretary-General John Mnyika previously refuted the allegations, confirming that the campaign funds remained secure, several individuals posing as party officials continued issuing statements demanding Mr Heche’s resignation to facilitate investigations.

Addressing journalists Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Chadema headquarters in Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, the party’s Western Zone Chairman, Advocate Dickson Matata, clarified that the individuals in question lack legitimacy and are exploiting the party’s platform for personal political gain.

He emphasised that hosting press conferences and disseminating defamatory information against the party and its leadership must be halted through legal measures.

“The culture of defaming people whilst falsely claiming Chadema leadership for personal political interests must end. We will hold them accountable through law enforcement agencies and prosecute them, as they enrich themselves by masquerading as party officials,” said Mr Matata.

He noted that incidents of individuals falsely presenting themselves as Chadema leaders have surfaced across the country, including in the Coastal and Nyasa Zones, forcing legitimate party officials to issue public rebuttals.

“As a legal practitioner, I publicly state that we will initiate legal proceedings against these individuals. They must face court action for humiliating the party through false statements and damaging its reputation before the public,” said Mr Matata.

During the press briefing, Mr Matata also advised Mr Heche to institute civil defamation suits against the accusers to claim damages for unverified and baseless allegations.

“I advise Mr Heche to sue everyone levying these accusations so they can substantiate their claims in court,” he stated.

Mr Matata asserted that these individuals continue organising meetings nationwide under the guise of party leadership, misleading the public and disparaging the party’s image.

Every year on 28 July, countries around the world observe World Hepatitis Day, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about viral hepatitis and encouraging action to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease. The date commemorates the birthday of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and later helped develop the first vaccine against it.

Despite remarkable advances in prevention and treatment, hepatitis B remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. It silently affects hundreds of millions of people, many of whom do not know they are infected until irreversible liver damage has already occurred.

Unlike many illnesses that quickly announce themselves through obvious symptoms, hepatitis B often progresses unnoticed for years. This silent nature has earned it the reputation of being a “silent killer.” Yet it is also one of the most preventable viral infections, thanks to a safe, highly effective vaccine that has been available for decades.

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which attacks the liver. The infection may be acute, lasting only a few weeks or months, or chronic, where the virus remains in the body for many years or even for life.

While many people recover fully from an acute infection, others develop chronic hepatitis B. Over time, the virus can slowly damage the liver, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), hepatitis B remains a major global health challenge. The highest burden of chronic infection is found in the Western Pacific Region, where around 102 million people are living with the virus, followed by the WHO African Region, with approximately 64 million infections. Millions more live with hepatitis B in South-East Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe and the Americas.

These figures represent not just statistics but millions of families affected by a disease that can largely be prevented.

Many people wrongly believe hepatitis B spreads through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing meals or coughing. This is not true. The virus is spread through contact with infected blood and certain body fluids, including semen and vaginal fluids. Common routes of transmission include:

From an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.

Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.

Sharing contaminated needles and syringes.

Using unsterilised equipment for tattooing, piercing or medical procedures.

Sharing razors, toothbrushes or other items contaminated with blood.

Occupational exposure among healthcare workers through accidental needlestick injuries.

In regions where hepatitis B is common, transmission from mother to child and among young children remains one of the leading causes of chronic infection.

Why children are especially vulnerable

One of the most alarming facts about hepatitis B is that age at infection determines the likelihood of developing lifelong disease.Adults infected with hepatitis B usually recover. In fact, fewer than five percent of healthy adults who acquire the virus develop chronic infection.

The picture is dramatically different for babies. Around 95 percent of infants infected at birth or during the first five years of life develop chronic hepatitis B. Because they often show no symptoms, these children may unknowingly carry the virus for decades before developing severe liver disease later in adulthood. This is why WHO places enormous emphasis on newborn vaccination.

One reason hepatitis B remains so dangerous is that many infected people feel perfectly healthy. Most newly infected people experience no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark-coloured urine., extreme tiredness, loss of appetite and nausea and vomiting, fever and pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.

Because these symptoms resemble many other illnesses, laboratory testing is essential to confirm hepatitis B infection.

Many people only discover they are infected after routine blood tests, pregnancy screening, blood donation or investigations for liver disease. Although hepatitis B affects hundreds of millions of people, awareness remains surprisingly low.

WHO estimates that by 2024, only about 65 million people-roughly 27 percent of those living with chronic hepatitis B-knew they were infected. That means nearly three-quarters of infected individuals remain unaware of their condition. Without diagnosis, they cannot receive treatment or take steps to protect family members from infection. This makes expanding access to testing one of the most important public health priorities.

WHO recommends hepatitis B testing for pregnant women, blood donors, people with suspected liver disease, healthcare workers and individuals at higher risk of infection. In countries where hepatitis B is common, WHO also recommends wider access to routine testing for adults.

There is currently no cure for acute hepatitis B. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms while the body clears the infection naturally.

For chronic hepatitis B, however, antiviral medicines can make an enormous difference. Drugs such as tenofovir and entecavir suppress viral replication, slowing liver damage, reducing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer, and improving long-term survival.

For many patients, treatment is lifelong. Unfortunately, access to treatment remains far too limited.WHO estimates that only 10 million people-about 4.3 percent of everyone living with chronic hepatitis B-were receiving antiviral treatment in 2024.

Updated WHO guidelines released in 2024 are expected to expand eligibility for treatment, potentially allowing more than half of all people living with chronic hepatitis B to benefit from antiviral therapy. Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of hepatitis B is that it is highly preventable. The hepatitis B vaccine is among the safest and most effective vaccines ever developed, providing close to 100 percent protection when the full course is completed.

WHO recommends that every newborn receive the first dose within 24 hours of birth, followed by two or three additional doses during infancy.

Protection lasts for at least 20 years and is believed to be lifelong for most people. Vaccination has already transformed the global fight against hepatitis B. Before widespread immunisation, approximately five percent of children under five worldwide lived with chronic hepatitis B.

By 2024, that figure had fallen to around 0.6 percent, demonstrating the extraordinary impact of childhood vaccination programmes. However, progress has not been equal everywhere.

The WHO African Region still records a prevalence of 1.4 percent among children under five-well above the global target of 0.1 percent by 2030. This reflects challenges such as high maternal infection rates, inadequate childhood vaccination coverage and limited access to the critical birth-dose vaccine.

Beyond vaccination, everyone can take practical steps to reduce the risk of hepatitis B infection. These include practising safer sex by using condoms, avoiding the sharing of needles or sharp objects, ensuring tattooing and piercing equipment is sterile, following infection-control measures in healthcare settings and washing hands thoroughly after contact with blood or body fluids.

Healthcare workers should receive hepatitis B vaccination because of their increased occupational risk. Pregnant women should also be tested during antenatal care so that babies born to infected mothers can receive timely preventive treatment immediately after birth.

The global community has committed to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Achieving this goal will require expanding vaccination, improving access to testing and treatment, strengthening maternal and child healthcare services, and tackling the stigma that often prevents people from seeking care.

Awareness campaigns such as World Hepatitis Day play an essential role in reminding people that hepatitis B is not a disease of the past. It continues to claim lives every day, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to healthcare remains uneven.

The encouraging news is that the tools needed to defeat hepatitis B already exist. Safe vaccines can prevent infection, reliable blood tests can detect it early, and effective medicines can help people with chronic hepatitis B live long and healthy lives.

Tanzania has launched its first Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Tanzania Chapter, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s drive for energy efficiency by building a pool of certified professionals to reduce power losses, lower industrial production costs and support sustainable economic growth.

The professional body, established by the government in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is expected to spearhead efforts to address energy wastage estimated at between 10 and 15 per cent while promoting efficient energy use across industries, public institutions and commercial buildings.

Speaking during the launch in Dar es Salaam the Ministry of Energy’s Head of Environmental Management Unit, Emilian Nyanda, said Tanzania had already put in place policies and strategies to improve energy efficiency, but their success depended on the availability of qualified experts.

“Without enough skilled experts, achieving the country’s energy efficiency targets will remain a challenge,” Nyanda said.

He said implementation of the Energy Efficiency Action Plan had produced about 60 certified energy auditors, strengthening the country’s capacity to assess energy consumption and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.

The programme was financed by the European Union and implemented with technical support from United Nations agencies.

According to Nyanda, the specialists will conduct energy audits in factories, commercial buildings and public institutions to identify ways of reducing energy consumption without compromising productivity or service delivery.

He said greater energy efficiency would lower operating costs, particularly in the manufacturing sector where electricity accounts for a significant share of production expenses, ultimately improving the competitiveness of locally manufactured goods.

“We expect these professionals to build a culture of efficient energy consumption, minimise unnecessary energy losses and enable resources to be directed towards other development priorities,” he said.

Nyanda added that reducing energy wastage would also lessen the need for costly investments in new power generation by ensuring electricity already produced, including from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, is used more efficiently.

UNDP Talent Development Manager Veronica Sigalla called on the new association to adopt an inclusive approach by creating opportunities for young professionals, women, engineers, technicians, researchers and energy practitioners.

She also urged stronger collaboration among government, academia, industry and professional bodies to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.

She reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to continue working with the Ministry of Energy, the European Union, the Embassy of Ireland, AEE and other partners to strengthen Tanzania’s energy-efficiency ecosystem.

AEE Tanzania Chapter President Atupele Kilindu said the association would provide a platform for professionals to strengthen their skills, promote innovation and contribute to the country’s energy goals.

“The establishment of the AEE Tanzania Chapter gives our country a professional home where experts can continue learning, promote innovation and support Tanzania’s sustainable development agenda,” he said.

Kilindu said the chapter was established following the Energy Efficiency Action Plan, through which more than 150 Tanzanian professionals received internationally accredited certifications in energy management and auditing.

He said the association would focus on professional training, certification, research, innovation, mentorship and collaboration with government, academia, industry and development partners.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Pastor at Mbezi Beach Parish, Rev Dr Allen Mbiso, has launched his ninth book, Jesus Christ the Healer, during a Sunday church service.

Speaking at the launch on Sunday, August 2, 2026, Rev Dr Mbiso said the publication continues God’s work of bringing healing, restoration and hope to believers.

He said the book is available online through the ELCT Digital platform, underscoring the growing role of technology in spreading the Christian message.

“Through technology, we can share the word of God with many more people,” said Rev Dr Mbiso.

The launch was organised jointly with his twin brother, Apostle Astton of RGG Ministries International.

The event attracted numerous worshippers, who gathered to celebrate the author’s latest contribution to Christian literature and ministry.

Addressing the congregation, Rev Dr Mbiso pledged to donate copies of the book to vulnerable people and hospital patients as a source of spiritual encouragement.

“We want to help people find hope and healing through the word of God. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever,” he stressed.

According to the author, the book aims to strengthen faith, provide spiritual encouragement and inspire believers to reflect on their Christian journey.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) North Central Diocese has launched an investigation into allegations of financial and asset misappropriation at Loliondo Parish in North Maasai District, deploying an internal auditor to probe the matter.

Furthermore, diocesan authorities have posted a new cleric, expected to report mid-week, attempting to quell an escalating dispute that has driven congregants to hold open-air services for more than eight weeks.

These administrative interventions come amid lingering tensions, as worshippers protest against the sudden removal of the former parish pastor alongside several local church elders.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper on Monday, August 3, 2026, ELCT Diocesan General Secretary Solomon Sambweti confirmed awareness of the crisis, reassuring members that corrective actions were underway.

He noted that primary grievances submitted by congregants centred on the unceremonious removal of church elders and the resident pastor, alongside serious allegations of financial mismanagement and loss of parish property.

Mr Sambweti added that while congregants expressed mistrust towards the parish secretary, leadership advised them against taking hasty actions without adhering strictly to established church protocols and regulations.

“Worshippers expressed concern over the absence of a resident pastor. We have now posted a new shepherd who will arrive mid-week to collaborate with congregants and resume regular spiritual services,” he said.

“Regarding allegations concerning unaccounted funds and missing assets, we dispatched an internal auditor to establish the exact facts. Once audit investigations wrap up, anyone found culpable will face administrative disciplinary action according to church regulations,” he explained.

Addressing calls for reinstating the former parish pastor, the Secretary General clarified that pastoral transfers remain standard management practices conducted strictly according to ministerial needs across different jurisdictions.

“We recognise that this standing conflict forced some congregants to conduct services outdoors. We lack the authority and intention to employ force to compel them inside; our primary duty is resolving their underlying grievances,” he noted.

“With a new pastor assigned, we expect tranquility and routine worship to resume promptly. Currently, we lack full details regarding alleged financial losses, which necessitates a full audit first to uncover the truth,” said Mr Sambweti.

Regarding claims implicating the Head of North Maasai District, Pastor Mathayo Loisaliye, who previously led the parish, Mr Sambweti affirmed that diocesan executives cannot render judgment prior to audit completion.

“I assure worshippers their complaints have been received and acted upon. We request them to resume indoor worship as investigations continue. Our objective remains building the church and fostering unity; we shall not shield anyone guilty of financial misconduct,” he stated.

Meanwhile, parish congregants continue worshipping outside, maintaining they will not return indoors until church leadership provides satisfactory answers regarding the administrative changes.

One parishioner, Ms Margaret Kileo, lamented that the protracted dispute disrupted routine spiritual activities, including Sunday school sessions, adding that formal petitions submitted to the diocese remained unanswered.

“We have prayed outdoors for eight consecutive weeks now. We demand full transparency regarding our pastor’s removal, and we urge top church executives to listen to our grievances,” she insisted.

Another worshipper, Mr Jonathan Tarimo, emphasised that financial impropriety demands thorough scrutiny, maintaining that the ousted pastor managed parish assets with commendable transparency and accountability.

Contacted for comment, District Head Pastor Loisaliye declined to discuss the allegations, stating he could not comment on a matter currently handled by diocesan authorities.