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Kibaha. Out of 30 participants, 10 coaches have successfully passed an internationally recognised Taekwondo coaching course.

The course, held at the Olympafrica Centre in Kibaha, Coast Region, was conducted by Jun Cheol Yoon from the World Taekwondo Federation. Dr Yoon, who also serves as the Chairman of World Taekwondo referees, said he was impressed by the steady improvement in technical skills and tactics among the coaches during the training.

“Passing or failing depends on performance, but I must commend all the coaches for their effort. Each one of them fought hard from day one, even after I warned them about the toughness of the training.

Right now, every graduate is in pain, but it is productive pain. You are not leaving here the same as you came–your technical and tactical levels have improved,” said Dr Yoon.

He added that in the first week he observed that each trainee had unique strengths that could contribute to the development of Taekwondo. Of the participants, 10 coaches managed to pass the entry-level stage of the program, which was organized by the Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC), sponsored by the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Solidarity (OS) and coordinated by the Tanzania Taekwondo Federation (TTF).

TTF President Ramoudh Ally described the achievement as a major boost for the sport’s growth in the country. “If these 10 qualified coaches each establish a Taekwondo club in their areas and recruit 30 players, we will gain 300 new athletes.

That’s a promising start for the development of our sport,” said Ally. He encouraged the coaches to reach out to the Federation for support with training equipment if needed.

Ally said that the ultimate goal is to prepare the next generation of Taekwondo athletes capable of qualifying for the 2032 Olympic Games, through short-, medium- and long-term plans. For those who did not meet the passing grade, Ally assured that arrangements would be made for them to access additional international courses through the World Taekwondo Federation.

“We will issue an update soon, as the goal is to increase the number of certified coaches. Those who passed will be issued national coaching licenses while awaiting approval of licenses from the World Taekwondo Federation,” he said.

Closing the program, TOC Vice Chairman Henry Tandau urged the graduates to apply their knowledge for the betterment of the sport. “We must ask ourselves, where will Taekwondo be 10 years from now? If you have a vision and work towards it, such as preparing for the 2032 Olympics, you can achieve it,” he said.

Tandau, however, cautioned that the success of only 10 coaches is not enough. He urged them to pursue higher levels of qualification.

“You must be ambitious. Whenever I attend major tournaments, I don’t see many Tanzanian coaches or referees.

We must organize ourselves. Without proper planning, you cannot progress,” he stressed.

One of the graduates, Janeth Oscar from Dar es Salaam, expressed appreciation for the training program, which was delivered by Grandmaster Yoon alongside Master David Samson. “The program was transformative.

We will put the skills we have gained into practice, although Taekwondo still faces challenges such as a shortage of equipment and lack of modern training halls,” she said. During the course, Dr.

Yoon highlighted Rashid Yahaya Rashid as a coach who displayed exceptional performance. .

Arusha. The government has reiterated its call for citizens to acquire formal land titles as a means of safeguarding their rights and minimizing ownership disputes.

Speaking yesterday while handing over land title deeds to members of the Police Force through the Usalama wa Raia Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (Ura Saccos), Mr Frank Mlinzikutwe, the Assistant Land Commissioner for the Arusha Region, stated that proper documentation provides legal protection for landowners in the event of conflicts. “When you possess a title deed and a dispute arises, you have a document that proves ownership, rather than just claiming the land as yours.

A title also enables you to access loans and undertake development projects,” he explained. Mr Mlinzikutwe added that title deeds create opportunities for citizens, including access to financing from financial institutions, while reducing common disputes that arise from inadequate documentation.

He encouraged the public to purchase land in planned and surveyed areas to ensure that they can be issued title deeds, which promote legal security and orderly development. “We do not want police officers to abandon their core duty of protecting the country to spend time resolving land ownership paperwork.

With proper titles, they can focus on their work and avoid being defrauded on the streets,” Mr Mlinzikutwe said. He revealed that the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development has digitized the title application process, allowing citizens to apply online and, once all documents are in order, receive their title deed on the same day.

Corporal Chiunda David, the regional manager for Ura Saccos in Arusha, mentioned that the cooperative, which has over 47,000 members nationwide, signed an agreement in April with Tanzanite Crater City to assist members in purchasing surveyed plots at discounted prices. “More than 30 members have already acquired plots, and we are pleased to hand over the first batch of title deeds today,” he said.

Mr Chiunda explained that since its establishment in 2006, Ura Saccos has focused on improving the economic well-being of police officers and their families, enabling them to own properly surveyed and titled plots. Senior Superintendent of Police Alphonce Bandya, representing the Arusha Regional Police Commander and other members, expressed gratitude for the initiative.

“I am pleased to receive these title deeds on behalf of my fellow officers. In the past, it was difficult for many police officers to own property like this.

We are happy to have the opportunity to secure land and build homes,” he said. He added that members are looking forward to benefiting from future projects and pledged to encourage others to participate once more details become available.

Mr Deogratias Michael, Director of Tanzanite Crater City, noted that the project, located in Oljoro Ward of the Arusha District Council, covers more than 1,000 acres and includes plots for residential, mixed-use, commercial, and social services such as schools. He emphasized that the prices were established at affordable rates in consultation with the local authorities.

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Tanga. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged residents of Pangani District to support her re-election bid, promising further development in infrastructure, agriculture, education, and livestock sectors.

Addressing a rally on Monday, September 29, 2025, the CCM presidential candidate highlighted government progress on major projects, including the 95-kilometre PanganiSaadaniMakurunge road, now 50 percent complete, and the 125-metre Pangani Bridge, which is 62 percent complete. Adjoining road works are at 60 percent progress.

“Our promise to the people of Pangani is to complete this road and bridge fully. Once done, it will transform access to services, trade, and tourism,” President Hassan said, noting the bridge will connect remote communities, especially during the rainy season.

On livestock, the President said the government has introduced subsidised vaccination programmes for poultry and larger livestock to meet international standards, opening up export opportunities. “When you prosper, the nation prospers,” she said.

She also highlighted the youth-focused Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) programme, aimed at empowering young people through modern agriculture. Agricultural equipment centres have been established in Mseko, Kipungwe, and Kigurusimba to support youth-led farming initiatives.

CCM parliamentary candidate for Pangani, Jumaa Aweso, lauded President Hassan for transforming the district’s education sector. He noted that while Pangani had only two secondary schools in 2015, 11 new schools have now been built, offering rural youth hope for a brighter future.

Acknowledging health service gaps, President Hassan pledged to expand facilities in underserved areas such as Mikocheni, Sange, and Omkaramo. A master plan is underway to establish new health posts and dispensaries closer to communities.

Tanga Regional CCM Chairman Ostadh Rajab Abdulrahman said the development strides under President Hassan’s leadership are visible and impactful. “There is no reason for Pangani residents to deny her votes.

She only needs more time to complete the transformation,” he said. CCM Secretary-General Dr Asha-Rose Migiro described President Samia as a capable leader whose achievements speak for themselves.

“We ask you to give her another term to continue serving Tanzanians with dignity and commitment,” Dr Migiro urged .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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