Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. At the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), the Mwalimu Nyerere Pan-African Institute is using a six-week Summer School to prepare young people not only for employment, but also for leadership, critical thinking and participation in society.

The East African Youth Summer School (EAYSS) Programme 2026, launched on Saturday, September 5, 2016, brings together 50 young people from universities and higher learning institutions across Tanzania.

The programme is being implemented by the Mwalimu Nyerere Pan-African Institute in partnership with the Rosa-Luxemburg Foundation, exposing participants to issues beyond their academic disciplines.

Approach seeks to strengthen confidence, responsibility and constructive civic participation.

The Mwalimu Nyerere Pan-African Institute Chairman, Prof Alexander Makulilo, said the programme was developed after recognising that many young people lack adequate guidance as they navigate an increasingly complex world.

‘Many of them lack guidance, and this can sometimes make them want quick solutions instead of being guided on the right way to achieve their goals,’ he said.

He said the programme seeks to develop young people who can think independently and participate in economic, social, political and environmental affairs.

‘We are trying to prepare people intellectually; people who can think instead of simply making noise, and who can look for answers to problems instead of only complaining,’ said Prof Makulilo.

Unlike short programmes, the EAYSS runs for six weeks, allowing participants to combine classroom learning with practical experiences.

Participants have already visited Parliament, where they interacted with young legislators and learnt about parliamentary processes and political leaders’ personal journeys.

The programme will also expose them to environmental issues, tourism and community experiences, including visits outside Dar es Salaam.

For the director of the Rosa-Luxemburg Foundation Regional Office in Dar es Salaam, Ms Katrin Voss, the partnership is designed to go beyond funding.

‘We are not here only as funders. It is also important for us to contribute content. We sat together and thought about what might be important for the youth of Tanzania and East Africa to learn besides the disciplines they study at their universities,’ she said.

‘Our aim is political education and critical thinking, and this is exactly what we are trying to develop together with UDSM,’ said Ms Voss.

A UDSM student and participant, Mr Aaron Mayala, said the programme was challenging young people to think beyond national boundaries.

‘As a young person who wants to become a leader, I expect to learn how young people should approach leadership, especially from an intellectual perspective,’ he said.

He said the programme was also teaching participants to question information rather than accepting everything they are told.

‘You have to ask questions, challenge ideas, understand and analyse things instead of simply accepting everything you are told,’ he said.

For Prof Makulilo, the answer is not to discourage young people from demanding change, but to equip them with knowledge and critical thinking needed to turn those demands into constructive solutions.

‘We want young people with broad thinking who can look at issues from different perspectives,’ he said.

The Summer School therefore places the Mwalimu Nyerere Chair at the centre of a wider experiment: whether universities can prepare young people not simply to seek jobs, but to understand society, question established ideas and develop solutions to challenges facing their generation.

Dodoma. The government has urged universities to align student admissions with their capacity to provide quality education, warning institutions against increasing enrolment at the expense of academic standards.

Education, Science and Technology Minister, Prof Adolf Mkenda, said universities should focus on producing graduates who meet international standards rather than prioritising the number of students they admit.

‘We have asked them to admit students at a level that will not compromise the quality of education. We need quality education and standards, not large numbers of students who ultimately produce unsatisfactory results,’ said Prof Mkenda.

He was speaking in Dodoma on Saturday, September 5, 2026, during a joint meeting involving the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, university vice chancellors and chairpersons of university councils.

The meeting discussed measures to strengthen the quality of higher education while ensuring student admissions remain within institutions’ capacity.

Prof Mkenda said universities had agreed on a strategy under which each institution would take responsibility for the quality of education it provides and ensure its standards are comparable with international benchmarks.

He said the government was not seeking to prevent universities from admitting students but wanted institutions to ensure enrolment levels did not undermine the quality of teaching and learning.

He said only two universities had not attended the meeting and that the government would engage them before the next joint meeting, which is expected to address other challenges facing the higher education sector.

The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) executive secretary, Prof Charles Kihampa, said student admissions and education quality were central to the discussions.

Prof Kihampa said the agreed approach was intended to give universities greater clarity while protecting the interests of both students and institutions.

‘We have looked at protecting the interests of students and universities in order to avoid conflicts,’ he said.

The focus on admissions comes as universities balance growing demand for higher education with the resources available to teach and support students.

Prof Kihampa said the discussions were intended to ensure universities understood their responsibilities and maintained academic standards while managing student admissions.

Teofilo Kisanji University (TEKU) council chairman Aggrey Mlimuka said the strategy could also encourage greater competition among universities based on the quality of education they provide.

He said the labour market would play an important role in determining which institutions attract students and gain recognition from employers.

Employers, he said, would increasingly seek graduates from universities with a reputation for producing competent professionals.

‘If a university cannot produce quality professionals, it will eventually be shunned and will have to reassess itself,’ said Mr Mlimuka.

The government is expected to continue discussions with universities as part of efforts to establish a common approach to admissions and quality assurance across the higher education sector.

Morogoro. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock has directed the management of Mkulazi Sugar Factory and the Sugar Board of Tanzania (SBT) to construct a police station at the facility to strengthen security for the investment and surrounding communities.

Speaking on behalf of committee members visiting the factory on Sunday, September 6, 2026, Vice Chairperson, Ms Mariam Ditopile, expressed satisfaction with production progress, but stressed that security must be prioritised.

She noted that establishing a police station near the factory is crucial given the massive scale of investment and its strategic role in boosting national sugar production.

The committee also urged the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Works, and the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura) to upgrade feeder roads connecting smallholder outgrowers to the factory.

“Improved roads will ease transport of sugarcane, seeds and farm inputs from fields to the factory, thereby enhancing smallholder productivity,” said Ms Ditopile.

She emphasised that while production remains steady, greater creative branding is required to boost the market visibility of Mkulazi sugar.

“The factory is performing well, and demand exists, but the product lacks sufficient visibility; management and the Sugar Board must innovate their marketing,” she noted.

Agriculture Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr Athumani Kilundumya, acknowledged that constructing a police post on-site is an urgent priority.

“Reports confirm significant distance to the nearest station, making an on-site post vital to safeguard operations, staff and surrounding residents,” said Mr Kilundumya.

He stated that the government and shareholders have invested over Sh354 billion in the factory, plantations and supporting infrastructure, requiring rigorous security safeguards.

Consequently, he directed the SBT Director General to collaborate with factory management to establish an execution framework.

SBT Director General, Prof Kenneth Bengesi, pledged to address all parliamentary recommendations to elevate operational efficiency and maximise socio-economic benefits.

Prof Bengesi added that Mkulazi Sugar Factory remains central to national efforts aimed at eliminating the domestic sugar deficit for household and industrial consumption.

Presenting the progress report, Mkulazi CEO, Ms Selestina Some, noted that the holding company was established on September 6, 2016, to plug the national sugar deficit.

She stated that the venture is co-owned by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) at 96 percent and the Tanzania Prisons Service (TPS) at four percent, managing plantations alongside the factory at Mbigiri in Kilosa District.

Lindi. A new classroom handed over by Knauf to Makangaga Primary School in Kiranjeranje Ward, Lindi Region, is expected to ease congestion and improve learning conditions for pupils.

The facility was handed over during a ceremony attended by Knauf officials, local government leaders, school administrators, teachers, parents and pupils.

The project formed part of Knauf’s community development initiatives in areas surrounding its mining operations.

Speaking during the handover, Knauf Legal Counsel and External and Government Affairs Manager Flora Erasto said the company remained committed to supporting communities around its operations.

‘We are pleased to hand over this new classroom to Makangaga Primary School as part of our continued commitment to improving communities,’ she said.

Ms Erasto said Knauf had previously supported the village through the provision of desks, chairs, a water well and other assistance.

‘We do not measure what we do because this is Knauf’s commitment. Today, we are happy to hand over this new classroom, and this is a sign that we are ready to do even more,’ she said.

Makangaga Primary School headteacher Frank Theobard said the new classroom would help address shortages of learning space and improve attendance.

He said the facility would also create a better environment for pupils to pursue their academic goals.

‘This contribution will support the development of the village, the country and Africa as a whole. We sincerely thank Knauf for this initiative,’ Mr Theobard said.

Kiranjeranje Village Chairman Seleman Mnonya said the classroom was among several interventions by the company to support the community.

He said Knauf had also provided desks, water wells and other assistance, expressing hope that more development projects would follow.

Kiranjeranje Ward Executive Officer Hasnati Haule, who represented the Kilwa District Director’s Office, thanked Knauf for its continued support to schools in the area.

She said the company had previously donated desks and chairs to primary and secondary schools in the ward, helping improve education infrastructure.

Assistant Mining Inspector from the Office of the Resident Mines Officer in Lindi Region, Haji Suleiman, also commended the initiative and called on other development partners to support communities in need.

For the pupils, the new classroom offered more than additional learning space.

Grade Six pupil Nurat Hassan said the handover had inspired her to work harder in her studies, while fellow pupil Daivat Abdallah thanked Knauf for the facility and pledged to improve his academic performance.

The classroom was officially opened through a ribbon-cutting ceremony involving Knauf officials, school leaders and local government representatives before the facility was handed over to the school.

Mwanza. Mwanza Regional Police Command has suspended the driving licence of Obadia bus company driver, Mr Sabatho Emmanuel, 32, for six months after he was caught driving a bus while chatting on a mobile phone.

A statement issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026, by Mwanza Regional Police Commander Wilbrod Mutafungwa said the driver’s licence had been suspended effective today, while he is expected to be taken to court for further legal action.

‘Initial measures have already been taken, including suspending his driving licence for six months effective today, September 6, 2026, and he will be taken to court for further legal action,’ he said.

The driver, a resident of Buswelu in Ilemela District, was driving a passenger bus operating between Mwanza and Nyamongo in Mara Region while sending and receiving messages.

The regional police chief said passengers voiced their concern about the driver’s conduct, but he responded by telling them not to teach him his job.

Commander Mutafungwa said the driver was arrested on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 12.40 pm in Isangijo, Magu District, along the Mwanza-Musoma road, while travelling from Nyamongo to Mwanza.

He said the driver started using the phone around Lamadi in Simiyu Region and continued chatting while driving the bus towards Mwanza.

‘Despite some passengers seated near him warning him and asking him to stop the conduct that was endangering their lives, the suspect responded with abusive and offensive language,’ said Commander Mutafungwa.

He said the Police Force took swift action and arrested the driver, who remains in custody for questioning and other legal procedures.

The commander said the action against the driver was part of the Police Force’s efforts to ensure drivers comply with road safety laws, regulations and procedures.

He said the driver’s arrest was also a result of public education provided by the Police Force, particularly to passengers using public transport, on the importance of reporting drivers who endanger their lives.

‘The arrest of this driver is a positive outcome of the continuous education provided by the Police Force to the public, particularly passengers using public transport, encouraging them to speak out and report drivers who fail to comply with road safety laws, regulations and procedures,’ he said.

He urged all drivers to stop using mobile phones while driving, stressing that strict legal action would continue to be taken against those who endanger the lives of citizens.

A Mwanza resident, Mr Philbert Jovin, said many drivers, including commuter (daladala) drivers, had developed a habit of chatting while driving and sometimes talking on the phone for long periods without considering passengers’ safety.

‘For example, daladala drivers could wait until they reach bus stands or major stops where their conductors look for passengers. They could chat as much as they want and talk on the phone, but once it is time to drive, they should keep their attention off the phone,’ he said.

Tanzania’s representative at Miss World 2026, Latricia Ian Sawe, has made the Top 40 at the global beauty pageant in Vietnam, marking a notable achievement for the country at the 75th-anniversary edition of the competition.

Ian, 24, was among 111 contestants competing for the coveted Miss World crown at the grand finale held in Vietnam on Saturday.

The Dar es Salaam beauty queen advanced to the Top 40 but did not progress to the next stage, ending Tanzania’s hopes of taking home the global title this year. Although she fell short of the Top 20, Ian’s performance gives Tanzania a reason to celebrate, particularly as the country prepares to host the Miss World Festival in 2027.

Ian made history in April when she was crowned the inaugural Miss World Tanzania after emerging victorious among 20 contestants at The Super Dome in Masaki, Dar es Salaam. She also won the Talent Award and People’s Choice Award during the national competition.

In Vietnam, Ian represented Tanzania beyond the traditional beauty pageant spotlight, using the international platform to champion inclusive education and autism awareness.

Her Beauty With a Purpose project, Nuru ya Elimu, focuses on empowering young people through education beyond the classroom. Her advocacy has also sought to raise awareness of autism and promote support for children with special needs and their families.

Before heading to Vietnam, Ian made her mark on the international fashion scene, representing Tanzania at South Africa Fashion Week shortly after winning the national crown.

Her Top 40 finish comes at a significant time for Tanzania, which is set to host the 74th Miss World Festival in 2027, bringing the global pageant to the country for the first time.

Ian’s achievement also adds to Tanzania’s history at Miss World. The country’s best performance remains Nancy Sumari’s Top 6 finish in 2006, when she was also crowned Miss World Africa.

While Ian’s campaign for the 2026 crown has come to an end, her Top 40 finish has added a new chapter to Tanzania’s pageant story, with the spotlight now turning to the country as it prepares to welcome Miss World in 2027.

Yanga SC moved a step closer to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after Seleman Mwalimu struck in stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw against Gaborone United in the first leg of their opening-round tie in Botswana today, September 5, 2026.

Mwalimu’s 90+5th-minute equaliser rescued Yanga from what looked like a damaging defeat and gave the Tanzanian champions a valuable result ahead of the return leg in Dar es Salaam.

Gaborone United took the lead in the 33rd minute through Namibia forward Aubrey Amseb, who produced a powerful free-kick that beat Yanga goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. The hosts appeared set to hold on to their advantage after spending much of the second half defending their lead, but Yanga continued to push forward in search of an equaliser.

Their persistence finally paid off deep into stoppage time when Mwalimu, who came on in the 81st minute for Peter Shalulile, found the decisive goal to level the contest.

The result puts Yanga in a strong position heading into the second leg, with the Tanzanian champions needing either a goalless draw or a victory to advance to the next preliminary round.

A 1-1 draw in the return leg would take the tie to a penalty shootout, while any draw with two or more goals would see Gaborone United advance on away goals if that competition rule applies. Yanga, therefore, will be keen to avoid conceding and complete the job in front of their home fans.

The second leg will be played on September 12 at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, where Yanga will look to build on Mwalimu’s late intervention and secure their place in the next round.

The result also extends Yanga’s strong run in the CAF Champions League in recent seasons.

The Jangwani-based club’s last first-round exit came in the 2021/22 season when they were eliminated by Nigeria’s Rivers United 2-0 on aggregate. Yanga lost the first leg 1-0 on September 12, 2021, before suffering another 1-0 defeat in the return leg in Nigeria a week later.

Since that disappointment, Yanga have established themselves as regular contenders in the latter stages of the competition, making their latest result in Botswana an encouraging start to this campaign.

For Gaborone United, the draw continues their recent encounters with Tanzanian opposition. The Botswana side faced Simba in the CAF Champions League first round last season, drawing 1-1 in Dar es Salaam before losing 1-0 at home to exit the competition.

Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) has won the President’s Manufacturer of the Year Award in the Alcoholic Beverages-Large Scale Category at the 19th President’s Manufacturer of the Year Awards (PMAYA).

The awards, organised by the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), recognise manufacturers contributing to Tanzania’s industrial development. This year’s edition was held under the theme ‘Green Elegance – Celebrating Sustainable Manufacturing Practices’.

SBL’s award comes as the company continues to focus on local sourcing, resource efficiency and sustainability across its operations. The brewer sources agricultural raw materials, including sorghum, barley and maize, from local producers. The company says the sourcing supports demand for locally produced crops and links agriculture with domestic manufacturing.

SBL has also invested in technology and operational improvements aimed at improving the use of energy, water and other production inputs while reducing waste.

The company said it also promotes health and safety in its workplaces and supports skills development for employees, including opportunities for women and young people.

Its community programmes include initiatives focused on access to clean water, vocational and hospitality skills development and agricultural livelihoods.

Commenting on the award, SBL Managing Director Obinna Anyalebechi said the recognition reflected the contribution of employees and partners to the company’s operations.

‘This recognition belongs to our people and partners, whose commitment continues to drive how we grow our business responsibly. For us, sustainable manufacturing goes beyond our breweries. It is about strengthening local value chains, investing in our people, protecting our environment and creating lasting value for the communities where we live, work, source and sell. We are proud of this recognition, but even more determined to keep raising the bar for sustainable manufacturing in Tanzania.’

The PMAYA awards are part of CTI’s efforts to promote manufacturing and recognise companies supporting Tanzania’s industrialisation agenda.

SBL said it would continue investing in technology, local partnerships and sustainability as it expands its manufacturing operations in Tanzania.

A fire that broke out in the Kikerelwa area of Kilimanjaro National Park on Thursday, September 3, 2026, has been contained by more than 90 percent, with firefighting teams working to put out the remaining flames, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, has said.

The fire broke out at around 3:30 pm near the park’s boundary with Rombo District in Kilimanjaro Region, prompting the Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa) to deploy a firefighting team from its Conservation Force.

The operation has involved Tanapa, the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), the Fire and Rescue Force, tourism companies and residents of neighbouring villages, whilst helicopters have been used to support teams fighting the fire at higher elevations. Dr Kijaji made the remarks on Saturday, September 5, 2026, after inspecting the affected area, saying the changing wind direction had also helped firefighters contain the blaze.

‘As of this morning, we had managed to contain more than 90 percent of the fire, with the remaining 10 percent still being tackled,’ she said.

She said authorities expected to contain up to 99 percent of the fire by the end of the day, with the remaining challenge involving burning tree stumps, particularly in valleys.

‘We are first fighting the fire that is spreading across the remaining 10 percent so that we can eventually return to deal with the tree stumps, particularly in the valleys where the fire has moved,’ said Dr Kijaji.

She said the cause of the fire had not yet been established as authorities were prioritising efforts to extinguish it.

‘Once we have extinguished the fire 100 percent, we will conduct an assessment to establish what caused it and determine the extent of the damage,’ she said.

Dr Kijaji said human activity could not be ruled out because the fire started higher up the mountain during the dry season, when vegetation is dry.

‘It is possible that it could have been caused by people who were there taking tourists up the mountain, or something else could have happened. As you know, this is the dry season and the vegetation is dry, so anything could have happened,’ she said.

She said the government had prepared for fires during the dry season by positioning trained firefighting teams near areas where such incidents commonly occur.

Dr Kijaji also said helicopters had been deployed to assist conservation officers and that the government had directed Tanapa to acquire its own helicopter.

‘We have started the procurement process, and once Tanapa gets its own helicopter, it will be much easier to detect such incidents early, or as soon as signs of smoke begin to appear, so that we can extinguish them,’ she said.

Despite the fire, Dr Kijaji said tourism activities were continuing normally and no human casualties had been reported.

‘At the moment, our tourists are safe. The tour guides are safe. Our officers and rangers are safe. We have not recorded any harm to human beings,’ she said.

Tanapa Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Corporate Communication, Ms Catherine Mbena, thanked conservation forces, the Fire and Rescue Force, tourism companies and residents of neighbouring villages for supporting the operation.

‘We would like to thank all stakeholders who have come forward to join us in ensuring that we contain this fire,’ said Ms Mbena.

She also urged journalists to provide accurate information about the incident.

‘My appeal is that we should continue providing accurate information for the benefit of our country because we depend heavily on these natural resources and we have no other country. This is our country, and we should continue protecting it jealously,’ she said.

Tanapa Conservation Commissioner, Mr Masana Mwishawa, said the firefighting operation had entered its third day and was difficult because of the mountainous terrain.

‘Firefighting in the mountains is different from fighting fires in savannah areas. There are gorges and steep slopes, which make the operation difficult,’ said Mr Mwishawa.

He said the fire could affect vegetation, insects, smaller animals, soil and water sources, although larger animals could move away from approaching fire.

‘Fire cannot start by itself; it is started by human beings, but we are the ones who suffer the consequences,’ he said.

Mr Mwishawa said tourism had not been affected, with tourists continuing to use the Rongai route because the fire was far from it.

‘Tourists are continuing to climb the mountain and camping activities are continuing. Tourism is proceeding as normal,’ he said.

Exactly 6,809 citizens in the North Unguja and Urban West regions received specialist eye screening and treatment services during a seven-day medical camp.

The initiative, resulting from a collaboration between the Zanzibar First Vice President’s Office, Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), and Qatar Charity, aimed to reduce avoidable visual impairment.

According to a report issued on Friday, September 4, 2026, by the MNH director-general, Dr Delilah Kimambo, during the closure of the at the Sebleni Health Centre, 6,809 citizens were screened across both regions.

“In North Unguja Region, 971 citizens received medical treatment, with 136 patients undergoing eye surgery,” stated Dr Kimambo.

“The response was even larger in Urban West Region, where approximately 4,536 people turned up for services, and 254 among them underwent surgery,” she added.

Dr Kimambo noted that 373 patients underwent cataract surgery, whilst 446 were diagnosed with the condition.

Furthermore, she mentioned that 3,830 citizens received various treatments, including spectacles, medication, and professional advice.

The Council for People with Disabilities executive secretary, Mr Ussi Khamis Debe, said eye health forms the foundation of education, employment, and productivity.

“Diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic complications can be detected early and treated before causing permanent disability,” he said.

He cited 2022 census figures showing visual impairments feature among disability types holding high percentages nationally.

The Qatar Charity country director, Mr Amjad Al Tahan, called the camp one of their most successful campaigns ever conducted.

He promised that given the evident high demand, the organisation is considering expanding these services to Pemba Island and broadening community healthcare reach.

The Urban West Regional Commissioner, Mr Mohamed Ali Abdallah, who served as chief guest, requested stakeholders consider offering targeted services for schoolchildren, alongside boosting screening for other diseases like cancer and abdominal issues amongst women.

“What occurred here is momentous; truly, our people face numerous health challenges, as demonstrated by this immense public turnout,” he said.

Some citizens receiving services expressed gratitude, stating they would have spent heavily on treatment, making the camp a lifesaver.

One patient from Magomeni, Mr Maulidi Haji Tigizi, explained that the service he received was excellent and hassle-free.

Mr Tigizi noted he had never visited a hospital for his eye issue previously, but decided to attend Sebleni upon hearing experts had arrived offering free services, subsequently receiving surgery.

For her part, a resident of Mwera Mtofaani, Ms Fatma Fadhil Machano, extended special thanks for bringing these free services closer to the people.

“The eye is a vital organ providing life’s light, and without government efforts offering free care, many citizens could not afford treatment costs,” said Ms Machano.