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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s top lady golfers are all set to begin their quest to defend the East and Central Africa All Africa Challenge Trophy (EACAACT) title as the prestigious tournament tees off today at the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort in Naivasha, Kenya.

The Tanzanian contingent comprises Vicky Elias, Neema Olomi, Shufaa Twalib, and Khadija Suleiman — four of the country’s finest talents who have been in top form throughout the season. The team is led by Yasmin Chali, who doubles as the Secretary General of the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU).

Although she will not feature in the main competition, Yasmin will take part in the supporters’ category. Besides Tanzania, the championship has attracted elite lady golfers from Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Madagascar, and Reunion, each fielding their top-ranked players for three days of competitive action on one of East Africa’s most picturesque yet challenging golf courses.

Speaking from Naivasha yesterday, Yasmin said the Tanzanian team has fully acclimatized and completed several practice rounds on the course, which is renowned for its scenic views, rolling fairways, and tricky greens. “Our golfers are in great shape and mentally ready for the challenge ahead.

They’ve had enough time to study the course and adapt to the conditions,” Yasmin told The Citizen. “We know the competition will be stiff, but our team is determined to defend the title and keep the trophy in Tanzania.

The players are focused, confident, and motivated to deliver another outstanding performance,” she added. Tanzania heads into the event as defending champions after clinching the overall team title at the 2023 edition in Kigali, Rwanda.

That memorable victory reinforced Tanzania’s growing dominance in regional women’s golf, as they had previously won the EACAACT crowns in 2009, 2011, and 2019. At last year’s event, Kenya’s Awuor claimed the individual title, while the Tanzanian team collectively displayed remarkable consistency and teamwork to secure the top overall position. The triumph not only showcased the country’s golfing strength but also underscored the impact of consistent development efforts by the TLGU in nurturing women’s talent across the nation.

Since its inception in 2009 in Uganda, the EACAACT has evolved into one of the most prestigious women’s golf tournaments in the region. It serves not only as a platform for competition but also as a celebration of unity, sportsmanship, and the growing participation of women in golf.

Yasmin emphasized that beyond the pursuit of victory, the tournament plays a vital role in building regional ties and advancing women’s golf. “This championship is not just about winning trophies, it’s about empowering women in sport, promoting excellence, and fostering friendships among nations,” she said.

“Every year, we see more young women taking up golf because they are inspired by events like this. That’s the true legacy we aim to build.

” The Great Rift Valley course, overlooking Lake Naivasha, offers a breathtaking yet demanding test for players. With varying elevations, strategically placed bunkers, and sweeping fairways, it promises to challenge every aspect of their game — from precision putting to long-distance drives.

As the tournament begins, all eyes will be on the Tanzanian quartet as they seek to extend their dominance and reinforce their reputation as the queens of regional women’s golf. Their performance in Naivasha could once again set the tone for another successful year in Tanzania’s growing golf story.

“We are proud to represent our country,” Yasmin concluded. “Our goal is to play with passion, discipline, and teamwork and bring the trophy back home.

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Dar es Salaam. With days remaining until Tanzanians head to the polls to elect the President, Members of Parliament, and councillors, political parties are intensifying preparations, training agents and deploying strategies to influence voters ahead of October 29, 2025. Alongside these party-led efforts, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over limited voter education.

Citizens report a lack of clarity on voting procedures, candidate identification, and the importance of participating meaningfully in the electoral process. Parties finalise agent deployment Chama cha Ukombozi wa Umma (Chaumma) says it requires more than 100,000 agents to cover polling stations from ward to constituency level, up to the presidential election.

“Activities are ongoing to ensure we have loyal agents who will monitor and safeguard the votes of our candidates,” said John Mrema, Chaumma’s Director of Public Communications. For ACT-Wazalendo, party leader Dorothy Semu said preparations are progressing swiftly, with candidate teams ensuring every polling station has an assigned agent.

“We aim to win as many constituencies and wards as possible. Every area will have an agent to protect our votes,” she said.

Semu noted delays in issuing oath letters for some agents but stressed the importance of capable and trustworthy personnel to safeguard votes. CUF Public Communications Director Mohamed Ngulangwa confirmed that all agents are being prepared in line with electoral laws.

“We expect all agents to be sworn in by 22 October,” he said. UMD Secretary-General Moshi Kigundula said the party is in the final stages of preparing agent letters for submission to INEC for formal swearing-in.

NLD Secretary-General Doyo Hassan Doyo confirmed that identification letters for agents have been prepared and are being distributed for swearing-in. Voter education gaps Citizens say this year’s elections differ from previous polls, with voter education limited and campaigns focusing more on participation than the value of voting.

“I still don’t know where I will vote or who the candidates are. Many are unfamiliar and have not appeared on political platforms we know,” said Said Mushi, a Temeke resident.

Emmanuel Kasembo, 63, from Kelege, Bagamoyo, said fears of demonstrations and election-day violence are discouraging turnout. “Many plan to stay home to avoid potential unrest,” he said.

INEC steps up education campaigns INEC regional coordinators said preparations are progressing well and voter education continues. Herman Matemu, coordinator for Geita, said information is being disseminated at markets, bus stations, and through media.

Hussein Moshi, coordinator for Kigoma, reported high public attendance at campaign meetings, while Elihuruma Nyela from Tabora said the voter education process is ongoing with positive reception. INEC Director Ramadhan Kailima said electoral materials have been distributed nationwide, and campaigns are proceeding peacefully.

“Complaints have been minimal, and any minor issues, such as in Kigoma between CCM and ACT-Wazalendo, were resolved,” he said. Candidates outline final campaign plans.

Mr Almas Kisabya (NRA) said remaining campaign days would consolidate earlier efforts. “We are proud to have raised awareness and received strong support during rallies, which suggests voters will make informed choices on 29 October,” he said.

UDP candidate Saum Rashid said the party will use the remaining 13 days to secure success in all areas where they have candidates. Coaster Kibonde (Chama cha Demokrasia Makini) said his party is conducting “peaceful campaigns” in previously unreached groups across the Lake Zone, receiving strong public support.

“Our priorities and promises resonate with citizens. We are confident voters will choose us on 29 October,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. Mining experts said that although the sector remains a key driver of Tanzania’s economy, persistent challenges related to justice, transparency, and community welfare demand urgent attention, calling for an effective resolution framework to ensure sustainability.

They also called for stronger collaboration and shared accountability among the government, investors, and communities to ensure the country’s fast-growing mining industry operates responsibly for the benefit of all stakeholders. The experts made the call in Dar es Salaam during a recent public dialogue dubbed Hoja Yako Mezani, organised by HakiRasilimali under the theme Beneath the Surface: Power, Responsibility, and the Quest for Justice in Extractives.

The discussion brought together policy analysts, human rights advocates, and community representatives from across the country. Speaking during the event, Business and Human Rights Tanzania (BHRT) programme officer, Mr Hussein Mvomvo, said issues surrounding justice, transparency, and community welfare remain rampant in Tanzania’s mining sector.

“The compensation process for citizens whose land has been acquired by mining firms remains complex. At times, the government, which was expected to defend the people, appears to side with investors, making it difficult to safeguard citizens’ rights effectively,” said Mr Mvomvo.

He noted that several similar cases call for stronger cooperation to find sustainable solutions. “Another common challenge arises when landowners are told their land belongs to the government once minerals are discovered.

Due to limited legal awareness, many communities end up frustrated, but we have been working to reach and educate them,” he said. A representative from the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), Mr Damas Monas, said achieving a balance between business and human rights requires wisdom and commitment from all actors.

“Business and human rights frameworks aim to ensure mutual benefits. However, in the extractive industry, human rights often extend beyond legal boundaries,” he said, adding.

“There are moments when common sense should prevail over the law to safeguard communities without discouraging investors.” He further emphasised the need for solidarity among all stakeholders, urging unity and collective responsibility from everyone involved.

A community representative, Mr Mohamed Nguku, shared experiences from mining areas, noting that conflicts often arise with large-scale investors rather than small-scale miners. “Artisanal miners rarely have serious conflicts with residents.

The problems come with big investors on issues such as environmental pollution, land degradation, and human rights violations. We must ensure they are held accountable to protect our communities,” he said.

Data from the Ministry of Minerals show that the mining sector contributes about 10 percent to Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the government targeting an increase to 12 percent by 2025. However, experts stress that economic growth must go hand in hand with transparency, fair compensation, and community participation to ensure equitable sharing of the nation’s mineral wealth. HakiRasilimali reiterated its commitment to continue convening such forums to foster dialogue and promote sustainable and inclusive solutions for the extractive industry.

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Kampala. Ugandan police on Wednesday revised down the death toll from a major bus crash on one of the country’s busiest highways, saying it had killed 46 people whereas before they had given a toll of 63. The crash happened just after midnight on the highway between the capital Kampala and the northern city of Gulu.

Initial investigations suggest it was caused by two buses coming from opposite directions trying to overtake other vehicles, a lorry and a sport utility vehicle (SUV). The two buses collided head-on.

The Uganda Police Force said in a statement that they had mistakenly given a higher death toll earlier in the day because some victims had been found unconscious at the scene, meaning they were erroneously included in the initial toll. President Yoweri Museveni sent condolences to the victims while campaigning for January’s general election not far from the place the accident happened.

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Dar es Salaam. The CCM presidential candidate, Samia Suluhu Hassan, yesterday unveiled a plan aimed at eradicating the commuting challenges that have long plagued Dar es Salaam.

The city’s heavy traffic congestion forces residents to spend hours travelling to and from work, costing the economy in fuel consumption, lost productivity and rising stress levels. Addressing supporters at the Leaders Club grounds in Kinondoni, President Hassan detailed how, if re-elected, she plans to complete ongoing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects, expand and build new roads, construct flyovers at major junctions and protect the city against floods by directing water to the ocean through upgraded infrastructure.

“Dar es Salaam is not just a city; it is Tanzania’s heartbeat,” she told the crowd. “Our goal is to make it a place where every Tanzanian can live decently, do business easily and access quality services, from healthcare and education to water and transport.

” With 95 kilometres of BRT already constructed and several areas still under development, commuting remains a nightmare. President Hassan said all remaining phases would be completed within five years.

Problems to end in January 2026 “Residents will start seeing significant improvements from January 2026,” she said. She further added that ENG will provide 177 buses for the first BRT phase along Morogoro Road, while Mofat has already supplied 255 buses for the second phase on Kilwa Road.

YG Link is expected to add 166 buses soon, with Metro Link City bringing in 334 buses when construction of the remaining lanes is completed. The President also highlighted improvements in city hospitals, including congestion at Muhimbili National Hospital, achieved through expansion and new facilities.

She reiterated her plan to roll out universal health insurance to ensure no family is denied treatment or dignity due to financial constraints. “We are implementing universal health coverage so that no Tanzanian will be denied medical care or the right to bury their loved ones due to hospital debts,” she said.

On water supply, President Hassan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the Kidunda Dam project, which is expected to benefit residents of Dar es Salaam, Coast, and Morogoro regions. “The Kidunda Dam will ensure safe and reliable water for our people,” she said.

She also promised to address land conflicts and housing shortages through the ‘Samia Housing Project’, which aims to provide safe, affordable homes to thousands of residents. “In addition to the East African Trade Centre that has already created thousands of jobs, we will build more modern markets to empower small traders,” she said, announcing plans for a large Machinga Complex in Ubungo to provide a dignified business environment.

Warns against voting day protests Turning to security ahead of the elections, President Hassan warned against any attempts to disrupt peace on polling day. “I am speaking to you as the Commander-in-Chief,” she declared.

“On October 29, the only demonstrations allowed are those of Tanzanians walking to polling stations to vote. Anything else will be handled accordingly.

” Her remarks follow reports of social media mobilisation by groups calling for protests on election day, which the government has condemned as attempts to undermine democracy and public safety. Earlier, Water Minister Jumaa Aweso praised President Hassan for transforming Dar es Salaam’s water supply, noting that the city now enjoys stable access thanks to major government investment.

“President Samia has invested over Sh1 trillion to ensure residents get safe and clean water,” he said, adding that the Kidunda Dam alone is worth over Sh336 billion. Construction Minister Abdallah Ulega also commended her for directing more than Sh1.7 trillion towards addressing city congestion and flooding.

“You expanded the UbungoKimara road and approved the BRT extension to Mbagala. These are visible changes, and the people of Dar es Salaam are ready to vote for you again,” said Mr Ulega.

Kinondoni parliamentary candidate Abbas Tarimba lauded President Hassan for tackling long-standing infrastructure challenges, including the Ng’ombe River drainage project and the Msimbazi Basin flood control plan worth over Sh3.1 trillion. “People of Kinondoni are ready for October 29. They know the progress is real and the future is bright under your leadership,” he said.

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