Category: The Citizen

Commuters and long-distance travellers expecting an immediate reduction in transport fares following the recent easing of global fuel prices may need to wait longer, as regulators and operators maintain that fuel is only one component of the wider cost structure determining fares.

Expectations were rife that the easing of international oil prices after months of volatility driven by geopolitical tensions, including the conflict involving the United States and Iran, would directly lead to a fall in transport costs the same way the rise in global prices led to an immediate increase in transport costs.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have been crowned the 2025/26 Mainland Tanzania Premier League champions after defeating JKT Tanzania 3-0 in their final league match at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium today, June 30, 2026, sealing a record-equaling fifth consecutive league title.

Goals from Prince Dube, Maxi Nzengeli and Clement “Depu” Mzize secured a comfortable victory that saw the Jangwani Street giants finish the season with 75 points from 30 matches.

Their closest rivals, Simba SC, ended the campaign in second place with 73 points, while Azam FC finished third with 64 points. Singida Black Stars completed the top four with 50 points. The victory also saw Yanga midfielder Maxi Nzengeli named the Man of the Match after an influential display in midfield, capping another impressive season for the Congolese star.

The triumph marks Yanga’s 32nd Mainland Premier League title and their fifth consecutive championship, having also won the league in the 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons.

In doing so, Yanga have written another memorable chapter in Tanzanian football history by becoming only the second club to win five successive league titles in the Premier League era.

Since the league’s establishment in 1965, only Yanga and Simba have achieved such a feat.

Yanga were the first club to dominate the competition with five straight championships between 1968 and 1972. Simba later matched the achievement by winning five consecutive titles from 1976 to 1980.

The latest triumph sees Yanga equal that historic milestone once again while reaffirming their dominance of domestic football.

As league champions, Yanga will represent Tanzania in next season’s Caf Champions League alongside runners-up Simba.

Azam FC and Singida Black Stars have secured the country’s two Caf Confederation Cup slots after finishing third and fourth respectively.

The race for the Golden Boot was won by Singida Black Stars striker Mossi Nduwumwe who finished the campaign with 17 goals.

He edged Azam FC playmaker Feisal “Fei Toto” Salum, who scored 15 goals, while Yanga midfielder Allan Okello finished third on the scoring charts with 14 goals.

Yanga goalkeeper Djigui Diarra claimed the Golden Glove award after keeping a league-best 18 clean sheets during the season.

The Mali international was once again instrumental in Yanga’s title-winning campaign, producing several crucial saves while anchoring one of the strongest defensive units in the competition.

At the other end of the table, Mtibwa Sugar’s stay in the top flight lasted just one season as they suffered immediate relegation alongside KMC, with both clubs dropping directly to the Championship.

Meanwhile, Tanzania Prisons and Mbeya City, who finished 13th and 14th respectively, will battle in the relegation play-off.

The winner of that encounter will retain their Premier League status, while the loser will face the winner of the Championship play-off between Polisi Tanzania and Mbeya Kwanza for the final place in next season’s Mainland Premier League.

With another league title secured and a place in continental competition confirmed, Yanga will now shift their focus to building on their domestic dominance as they seek greater success on the African stage next season.

We spend so much of our lives building certainty. Certainty about God. About ourselves. About the people we love. About what happens after we die. But what happens when certainty disappears?

Stephen L. Peck’s A Short Stay in Hell begins with Soren Johansson, a man who dies expecting heaven but wakes up in hell, convinced a mistake has been made. In his mind, he was supposed to be dancing with angels, not sitting across from a demon.

“What? I’m telling you, I was a Christian. I read the Bible every day. I donated money to the TV evangelists every Sunday. And I was saved.”

His disbelief made me wonder what I would do if I discovered that something I had believed my entire life to be true was wrong, not only about God, but also about myself, other people, and right and wrong.

I am a Christian, so I could not read this part without placing myself in Johansson’s shoes. I kept asking myself what I would do if I found myself where he was, convinced that there had been a mistake. I still believe in God. I still believe in His love. But I found it remarkable that a fictional story made me reflect on something I rarely consider.

But this book asks a much bigger question than whether Johansson believed in the wrong God.

Hell, in Peck’s imagination, is an infinite library containing every book that has ever been written and every book that could ever be written. Somewhere in those shelves is the book that tells Johansson’s life exactly as it happened. The only way out is to find it.

The problem is that almost every book is meaningless. Page after page is filled with random letters and nonsense. Finding a sentence that makes sense is considered a miracle.

The more I read, the less I thought about fire and punishment. I found myself thinking instead about what endless time would do to a person.

Life in this hell has its own system. If you get hurt or die, you wake up the next day completely restored. Everything resets overnight.

My first thought was that this did not sound like hell at all. Imagine everyone who dies getting another chance the next day. Even in my simplistic way of thinking, that could ease so much suffering.

As the story unfolds, you realise that endless second chances turn out to be a different kind of hell altogether.

There is something comforting about having something to look forward to. You go to bed knowing that tomorrow holds something for you. It could be seeing someone you love, starting a project, reading another chapter, or having coffee with a friend. Anticipation gives us a reason to welcome tomorrow.

In this version of hell, that slowly disappears. Everything eventually loses its meaning. When you have all the time in the world, tomorrow stops feeling different from today. There is nothing new to hope for because there is always another tomorrow.

I realised how much of life is held together by anticipation, and how easily we take it for granted because we assume it will always be there.

“Anticipation is a gift. Perhaps there is none greater. Anticipation is borne of hope,” Johansson thinks as he longs to see the woman he loves again, even though he knows the chances of finding her are almost nonexistent.

What fascinated me most were the people in this hell. Even after death, they still ask one another what they did when they were alive and how they died. It seems we cling to our identities even when the lives that created them are long gone.

That made me ask myself a question I have asked myself too many times. Who am I without my job? Without being someone’s daughter, sister, aunt or friend? Without the roles that organise my days?

The people Johansson meets are overwhelmingly white Americans who speak the same language and share the same cultural references. For someone who finds joy in books from different countries, travelling to unfamiliar places and listening to other people’s stories, that sameness felt like another punishment altogether.

When I closed the book, I realised it had shifted the question I began with. I no longer wondered whether everything I do will matter forever. Instead, I wondered whether life is meaningful precisely because it does not last forever. Perhaps our days matter because they end. Perhaps love matters because it is temporary. Perhaps kindness matters because every opportunity to offer it eventually runs out.

I am still not sure what happens after this life. But I left A Short Stay in Hell more determined to live this one well.

The government has begun rebuilding roads, bridges and river crossings inside Serengeti National Park after heavy rains damaged transport infrastructure across one of Tanzania’s main tourism destinations.

The government has allocated Sh12.6 billion for projects aimed at restoring access for tourists and supporting conservation activities in the park.

The Serengeti remains Tanzania’s leading tourism attraction and one of the world’s most recognised wildlife ecosystems. The park, known for the annual migration of more than two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles, plays a major role in the country’s tourism industry. Tourism is one of Tanzania’s leading sources of foreign exchange, making transport infrastructure within protected areas increasingly important for economic activity and conservation operations.

Speaking on the projects, Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Corporate Communications Catherine Mbena said the government is seeking to align tourism promotion with investment in supporting infrastructure.

‘The Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, is investing in infrastructure to ensure that tourism promotion efforts are matched with quality facilities and services,’ she said.

The largest project involves rehabilitation of the 121-kilometre Ndabaka-Seronera road, which serves as the main gateway into the park from western Tanzania.

The Sh4.5 billion project includes resurfacing the road, installation of seven box culverts and raising embankments in flood-prone areas. Construction started in June and is expected to be completed in December.

An additional Sh8.1 billion has been allocated for the construction of bridges and river crossings at Banagi, Mti wa Rangi, Naabi, Kwa Bona and Mokas, areas affected by flooding.

Officials said geotechnical surveys have been completed and engineers are finalising designs before construction begins.

TANAPA Conservation Commissioner Musa Nasoro Kuji said the projects are intended to support both tourism and conservation objectives.

‘Our objective is to ensure infrastructure development supports conservation,’ he said.

He said reliable transport infrastructure strengthens park management, improves visitor movement and supports emergency response services.

TANAPA engineer Abubakari Avanda Mshamu said the projects are being designed to minimise environmental impact while improving resilience to future flooding.

He said construction designs and materials are being selected to ensure compatibility with the Serengeti ecosystem and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The government said the upgraded infrastructure will improve access throughout the year and reduce disruptions caused by seasonal flooding.

Officials added that as climate-related weather events become more frequent, infrastructure planning in protected areas will continue to play a role in supporting tourism and conservation activities.

The government has collected a record Sh1.327 trillion in dividends and statutory contributions from state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and companies in which it holds shares during the 2025/26 financial year.

This marks the highest amount ever received.

Of the total, Sh800 billion (60 percent) came from dividends paid by profit-making entities. A further Sh406 billion (30 percent) was contributed by non-commercial public institutions from their gross revenues, while Sh121 billion (10 percent) came from other statutory contributions.

Announcing the figures during the official Dividend Day 2026 ceremony held at State House in Dar es Salaam on June 30, 2026, Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu said collections from public institutions and SOEs have more than doubled under the administration of President Hassan.

He said actual collections have risen from Sh637 billion in 2021 when she assumed office to Sh1.327 trillion in the 2025/26 financial year, an increase of 108 percent.

He attributed the record performance to continued improvements in the business environment, stronger institutional governance and enhanced accountability across public enterprises.

This year’s Dividend Day was held under the theme: ‘Public Investment with Results: A Pillar of a Competitive Economy and Sustainable Development Towards Dira 2050.’

Three months after relocating back to Tanzania, I needed to get a few things processed. Nothing dramatic, just ordinary adulting. But before I could even ask about the process, I was immediately offered what sounded like practical advice: ‘Give her a little something.’

The suggestion wasn’t presented as wrongdoing. It was offered with the same casual tone someone might use to recommend a shortcut through traffic. In the early days, I was uncomfortable and dismayed, but then I adapted.

What worries me is not that bribery exists, but how normal it can begin to feel. Most conversations about bribery focus on systems, politics, and governance. Those conversations matter. But I find myself increasingly interested in a different question: What does bribery culture do to the psychology of professionals? Because the greatest cost of bribery may not be financial. It may be professional too.

According to a 2019 survey of 35 African countries by Transparency International’s latest Global Corruption Barometer for Africa, 22 percent of Africans who interacted with a public service in the previous year reported paying a bribe. The same report found that poorer citizens are twice as likely as wealthier citizens to pay bribes when accessing public services. Meanwhile, Tanzania scored 40 out of 100 on Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 84th globally.

For many professionals across East Africa, it has become part of the operating environment.

And remember, environments shape our behaviour and thinking. Indulge me for a moment and imagine two professionals. The first spends years improving their skills, strengthening their work ethic, and delivering quality service. The second relies on relationships, favours, and unofficial payments. If the second person consistently receives opportunities faster than the first, what lesson does the first professional learn? Perhaps they learn to stop trying, and when this happens, innovation is lost.

Psychologists use the term “learned helplessness” to describe a state where people begin believing that their actions no longer influence results. Over time, effort starts to feel pointless.

Why pursue excellence if excellence isn’t what gets rewarded? Why innovate if innovation isn’t what gets noticed? Why follow the rules if everyone keeps telling you the rules are negotiable?

The moment bribery becomes normal, ambition becomes optional, and that should concern all professionals. The other hidden cost is ethical fatigue. When professionals repeatedly face situations where integrity appears to slow progress, many begin wondering, ‘Am I the fool for doing things the right way?’ This happened to me recently when, in jest, a colleague called me ‘mzungu sana’ because I was following certain rules and procedures. Although we laughed about it, in that particular moment, I genuinely questioned whether professionalism was worth the sacrifice.

Research published by the World Bank found that corruption can reduce opportunities for smaller firms to innovate and obtain quality certifications. In effect, corruption acts like a tax on innovation, particularly for smaller and younger businesses trying to compete on merit.

A society that rewards connections over competence will eventually struggle to unlock its full creative potential, and the tragedy in that is that many talented professionals never stop being talented, but they may stop believing that talent matters.

To be clear, this article is not an attack. I understand why many people participate.

I understand the reality of the economy and certain salaries. I get it. And unfortunately, I do not have a neat ten-step solution. But I think the starting point is naming the psychological and professional costs honestly.

The moment bribery becomes a normal part of the trade, ambition becomes optional, and in the process, we lose something far more valuable than money: excellence, innovation, and trust. The good news is that learned helplessness can be unlearned. Every time a professional chooses competence over convenience, integrity over access, and service over self-interest, they remind the rest of us that good work still matters. And perhaps the professionals worth watching are not the ones who have mastered the system, but the ones who refuse to let “that’s just how it is” become their final answer.

Energy Minister Deogratias Ndejembi has directed the contractor rehabilitating the Hale Hydropower Station in Tanga Region to complete works by July 31 and not seek any further extension.

He said timely completion will restore the plant’s 21MW capacity, strengthen the national grid, and ease rising electricity demand in northern regions.

Mr Ndejembi issued the directives during an inspection, noting that the station, commissioned after independence, once produced 21MW when national demand stood at about 36MW. He said ageing equipment, now over 60 years old, had reduced output to 6MW.

‘President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government, with support from Sweden through Sida, funded the rehabilitation. Tanzania contributed 40 percent and Sweden 60 percent, bringing the total cost to about Sh64 billion,’ he said.

Mr Ndejembi said the funds were being used to restore the plant to its original capacity through modern equipment.

However, he expressed concern over delays, noting the project was due for completion 10 months ago.

‘The project is behind schedule. We have instructed the contractor to finish by July 31, which is the end of the contract. No further extension will be granted,’ he said.

He said 98 percent of the equipment had already arrived and installation was ongoing, with the plant expected to return to full 21MW output once complete.

Tanga currently consumes about 130MW due to growing industrial demand, he added, saying the additional power would ease shortages.

The project also includes the installation of a large transformer and the replacement of transmission lines installed in 1964.

‘These upgrades will strengthen the national grid. Electricity is essential for development in health, education, industry, and other sectors,’ he said.

The Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco) deputy managing director for distribution, Mr Timothy Mgaya, said the utility would supervise the contractor closely and take legal action if there is breach of contract.

The $24.81 million (about Sh64 billion) project is 83 percent complete, with completion still scheduled for July 31, 2026.

While shortages of teachers and assistive devices have been identified among the challenges hampering inclusive education, a government study has also implicated special education officers and head teachers as part of the problem.

An investigation by The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi, in selected schools in Bagamoyo District, Coast Region and Kilombero District in Morogoro Region has found that children with special needs face numerous challenges that prevent them from accessing education on an equal basis.

Floton Africa has donated Sh30 million to support the establishment of a specialised bone marrow and treatment centre at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, joining a nationwide fundraising campaign aimed at expanding access to advanced healthcare services in Tanzania.

The contribution was presented on Wednesday by Floton Africa Director, Swapna Brahmaroutu, to the Zanzibar South Regional Commissioner, Hamida Mussa Khamis, during a ceremony attended by government officials and stakeholders.

The funds will support efforts to establish specialised medical services for patients requiring bone marrow treatment, while also contributing to the broader national initiative to improve care for patients living with sickle cell disease and those in need of kidney transplants. Speaking during the presentation, Ms Brahmaroutu said the donation reflects the company’s commitment to investing in people alongside infrastructure development.

“At Floton Africa, we believe that sustainable development extends beyond buildings and infrastructure. It is equally about investing in people, strengthening healthcare and creating opportunities for healthier communities. We are honoured to support this important initiative and hope our contribution helps bring hope and quality medical care to many families,” she said.

The fundraising campaign was launched as Benjamin Mkapa Hospital marks its 10th anniversary and seeks to expand specialised treatment services that were previously unavailable in the country.

Speaking after receiving the donation, South Regional Commissioner Hamida Mussa Khamis said the campaign is being coordinated nationally by the Tanzania Women’s Organisation (UWT), while Regional and District Commissioners are mobilising support in their respective areas.

She said the specialised services offered at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital now benefit both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar residents, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.

“We are encouraging individuals, companies and investors to contribute towards this important cause. We are grateful that Floton Africa has joined hands with us by donating Sh30 million, and we call upon other investors in the region to support this initiative,” she said.

The Regional Commissioner noted that the fundraising drive will continue until July 11, when a national fundraising gala will be held in Dodoma.

Floton Africa, which has investments in Zanzibar’s Paje area, said the donation forms part of its broader corporate social responsibility programme focusing on healthcare, education, environmental sustainability and community development.

The company said it remains committed to partnering with government and other stakeholders on projects that create lasting social impact while contributing to Tanzania’s sustainable development.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) president Eng. Hersi Said and vice-president Arafat Ally Haji are on course to retain their positions after emerging as the sole candidates for the club’s top leadership posts in the 2026 general election.

The election committee has released the list of aspirants who collected and returned nomination forms, showing that Hersi is the only candidate seeking the presidency, while Arafat is unopposed in the race for vice-president. With no challengers for the two top positions, the pair are widely expected to secure another four-year mandate when club members vote on August 2.

The list also features 16 candidates vying for committee membership. They are Julius John Koyi, Saady Mohammed Khimji, Fredy Stanley Mahembe, Munir Said Seleman, Mshindo Hamza Msolla, Issa Ally Mangungu, Mustapha Salumu Himba, Alexander Francis Ngai, Gerald John Kihinga, Yanga Evarist Makaga, Fahd Ahmed Afif, Rodgers Hemedi Gumbo, Seif Khamis Gulumali, Mohamed Ally Mwenda, Mzee Yussuf Mwinyi and Prisca Josephate Kishamba. Hersi and Arafat have overseen one of the club’s most successful periods since taking office in 2022, with Yanga winning multiple domestic league titles, Federation Cup crowns and establishing themselves among Africa’s leading clubs through consistent CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup campaigns. Under their leadership, the club has also strengthened its commercial partnerships and expanded its international profile. ([Wikipedia][1])

According to the election timetable released by the Yanga Election Committee, the nomination process closed on June 29, while preliminary scrutiny of candidates was conducted between June 30 and July 1.

The provisional list of qualified candidates was published on July 2 before a three-day period for objections and appeals from July 3 to July 5. Verification of objections follows between July 6 and July 8, with the final list of approved candidates scheduled to be published on July 9 and 10.

Any disciplinary matters will be handled by the club’s Ethics Committee between July 11 and July 13, while appeals to the TFF Election Appeals Committee are set for July 14 to July 16. Appeals will then be heard from July 17 to July 21, followed by the announcement of final candidates on July 24.

Official campaigning will run from July 25 to August 1 before Yanga members head to the polls on August 2, when the club will elect its president, vice-president and executive committee members for the next term.

The absence of challengers for the presidency and vice-presidency means Hersi and Arafat are poised to continue leading the Jangwani Street giants into another chapter.