Waziri wa maliasili na utalii Mhe. Dkt. Ashatu Kijaji (Mb) leo tarehe 10 julai, 2026 amekutana na bodi ya wakurugenzi mamlaka ya hifadhi ya Ngorongoro katika ofisi za mamlaka hiyo zilizopo Karatu mkoani Arusha na kusisitiza umuhimu wa bodi hiyo kufuatilia kwa karibu shughuli zote za utendaji ili kuanza mwaka mpya wa fedha 2026/2027 kwa kasi na ufanisi.

Mhe. Kijaji amesema  kuwa bajeti ya mwaka mpya wa fedha inaanza na utekelezaji wa dira ya taifa ya maendeleo ya mwaka 2050 hivyo vikao vyake na bodi za taasisi zilizopo chini ya wizara vina lengo la kuanza utekelezaji wa dira, bajeti na ilani ya Chama cha Mapinduzi kwa pamoja.

Ameitaka bodi hiyo kuongeza nguvu katika kuimarisha uhifadhi, kutangaza utalii  na kusimamia maendeleo ya jamii na kusisitiza kuwa jitihada hizo ziendane na kasi ya kukamilisha miundombinu wezeshi ikiwemo barabara kuu ya Loduare hadi Golini, kuimarisha mawasiliano ndani ya eneo lote la hifadhi, kukamilisha mradi wa fensi ya umeme ili kupunguza migongano kati ya wanyamapori na wananchi, kudhibiti ujangili na kuendelea kuimarisha mahusiano ya hifadhi na wananchi wanaoizunguka.

“Tulinde uhifadhi wa Ikolojia ya Ngorongoro kwa wivu mkubwa, tuendelee kubuni mazao mapya ya utalii na kuyatangaza, tujipange kikamilifu kuhakikisha Ngorongoro kama premium destination inawafikia na kuwashawishi wageni watakaohudhuria matukio ya AFCON, mkutano wa umoja wa Mabunge duniani, tuzo za  dunia za utalii na shindano la Miss world ambapo matukio yote yatafanyika Tanzania kati ya mwezi oktoba 2026 na Julai mwaka 2027”  amesisitiza Dkt. Kijaji.

Katibu wa Bodi, ambae ni kamishna wa Uhifadhi Ngorongoro Abdul-Razaq Badru amemueleza Mhe. waziri kuwa, Ngorongoro imepiga hatua ya kimageuzi kwenye mifumo ya kidijitali (ICT Transformation), uhifadhi endelevu kwa kuimarisha doria za kisasa, kuboresha miundombinu hasa barabara ya tabaka gumu kutoka geti la loduare hadi Seneto (km 29.5) kwa gharama ya TZS 80.3 bilioni  

Badru ameongeza kuwa katika mwaka wa fedha 2025/26 eneo la Ngorongoro idadi ya watalii ilifikia 1,061,620 na fedha shilingi 269.5 Bilioni zilikusanywa. Ngorongoro imeendelea na jitihada za kulinda hadhi tatu za kimataifa kutoka UNESCO ambazo ni Urithi wa Dunia (World Heritage Site), Hifadhi ya Biosphere (Man and Biosphere Reserve), na Geopark ya Dunia (Ngorongoro-Lengai Global Geopark) ili ziendelee kuinufaisha nchi yetu.

Kwa upande wake makamu mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya wakurugenzi Ngorongoro Dkt. Harriet Mtae amemueleza Mhe waziri kuwa, katika kipindi cha miezi sita (06) iliyopita bodi ya Ngorongoro imetekeleza majukumu  kwa kuzingatia sheria, kanuni pamoja na maelekezo ya Serikali ili kuhakikisha Mamlaka inatekeleza kikamilifu dhamana yake ya kuhifadhi maliasili za Wanyamapori, malikale na urithi wa dunia, kuendeleza utalii endelevu na kuboresha shughuli za maendeleo ya jamii.

 

Tukio la Ngorongoro kuonesha vivutio vya utalii mubashara kupitia runings kubwa iliyofungwa katika banda la Wizara ya Maliasili na Utalii

limevutia wananchi wengi wanaotembelea  maonesho ya 50 ya biashara ya kimataifa jijini  Dar es Salaam kwa kuoneshwa maajabu yaliyopo Ngorongoro hususan Kreta ya Ngorongoro, makundi ya wanyama mbalimbali ikijumuisha pundamilia, nyumbu, swala, nyati na wanyama adimu kama  faru, simba, tembo na  na  chui na kujihisi kama wapo nyumbani Ngorongoro.

Afisa Uhusiano Mkuu wa Ngorongoro  Walter Mairo ameeleza kuwa  kupitia runinga iliyofungwa viwanja vya maonesho wageni wanaotembelea wanaona wanyama aina mbalimbali ndani ya Kreta, tambarare za Ndutu ambapo maisha ya Nyumbu kuzaliwa, kukua, kusafiri na kurejea na kuanza kizazi kipya kila mwaka

Mairo ameongeza kuwa, matukio mubashara yanaonesha wananchi jinsi teknolojia ya kidigitali na utalii wa asili vinavyoweza kushirikiana kuelimisha, kuburudisha na kuonyesha ushahidi kuwa Ngorongoro si tu hifadhi, bali ni jukwaa la kidunia linalounganisha urithi, biashara na teknolojia sehemu moja.

Karibu Sabasaba timu yetu yenye wabobezi na watopezi imejipanga kukupa  hadhithi za Ngorongoro zitakazokuduwaza kuwa Ngorongoro sio mahali pa kuangalia tu, bali mahali pa kuelewa, kujifunza na kuishi uzoefu usiosahaulika.

 

Na Mwandishi wa OTR

Kibaha, Pwani. Ofisi ya Msajili wa Hazina (OTR) imejiwekea lengo la kukusanya Sh2 trilioni kama mapato yasiyo ya kodi katika mwaka huu wa fedha 2026/27, ikiwa ni zaidi ya lengo la Sh1.79 trilioni ambalo Serikali imeipa taasisi hiyo.

Akifungua Mkutano wa Pili wa Baraza la Wafanyakazi wa OTR uliofanyika Alhamisi, Julai 9, 2026, wilayani Kibaha, mkoani Pwani, Msajili wa Hazina, Bw. Nehemiah Mchechu, alisema kufikiwa kwa lengo hilo kutategemea kuongeza kasi ya utendaji, ubunifu, ushirikiano na uwajibikaji ndani ya OTR na katika taasisi na kampuni 308 zinazosimamiwa na ofisi hiyo.

"Ili tuweze kufikia lengo letu la kukusanya Sh2 trilioni katika mwaka wa fedha 2026/27, itatubidi tutanue mbavu na kutoa jasho zaidi," alisema Bw. Mchechu.

Alisisitiza kuwa mafanikio hayo yatawezekana ikiwa OTR itaendelea kujenga mazingira bora ya kazi, kuimarisha utamaduni wa taasisi unaovutia na kuhifadhi watumishi wenye uwezo, sambamba na kuhakikisha uwekezaji wa Serikali wenye thamani ya Sh92.3 trilioni unazalisha matokeo yanayoonekana kwa wananchi.

Katika mwaka wa fedha 2025/26, OTR ilikusanya Sh1.327 trilioni kama mapato yasiyo ya kodi, ikiwa ni ongezeko la asilimia 30 kutoka Sh1.028 trilioni zilizokusanywa mwaka 2024/25.

Kati ya kiasi hicho, gawio lilichangia Sh800.5 bilioni, sawa na asilimia 60 ya makusanyo yote; michango ya asilimia 15 ya mapato ghafi kutoka taasisi za umma zisizo za kibiashara ilifikia Sh406 bilioni, sawa na asilimia 30 ya makusanyo; huku mapato mengineyo, yakiwemo faida za uwekezaji na michango mingine inayotokana na umiliki wa Serikali, yakifikia Sh121.5 bilioni, sawa na asilimia 10 ya makusanyo yote.

"Wajibu wetu sasa ni kulinda mafanikio haya na kutoridhika na tulipofika. Tunapaswa kuhakikisha OTR inakuwa taasisi yenye uwezo na utayari wa kutekeleza wajibu wake mkubwa zaidi katika kusimamia uwekezaji wa umma na kuchangia utekelezaji wa Dira 2050," alisema.

Alisema tangu kuanza kwa mwaka mpya wa fedha Julai 1, 2026, matarajio ya Serikali, wananchi na wadau kuhusu mchango wa OTR katika uchumi yameongezeka.

"Ofisi ya Msajili wa Hazina ina ahadi na wajibu mkubwa kwa Serikali wa kuvuka viwango vya sasa vya gawio na michango, kuendelea kuongeza thamani ya uwekezaji wa Serikali na kuhakikisha mapato yasiyo ya kodi yanaendelea kukua," alisema.

Bw. Mchechu alisema azma ya Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mhe. Dkt. Samia Suluhu Hassan, ni kuongeza mchango wa mapato yasiyo ya kodi hadi kufikia asilimia 10 ya mapato yote ya Serikali ifikapo mwaka 2030, kutoka wastani wa sasa wa takribani asilimia tatu.

Alisema kufikia lengo hilo kutahitaji taasisi zinazosimamiwa na OTR kuongeza tija, ufanisi na mapato, kuimarisha nidhamu ya kifedha, kupunguza utegemezi usio wa lazima kwa Serikali, pamoja na OTR yenyewe kuongeza ubora, kasi na ufanisi wa usimamizi wake.

"Hii ni ahadi kubwa, na utekelezaji wake unategemea mchango wa kila mmoja wetu," alisisitiza.

Aliwataka watumishi kuongeza ubunifu katika utekelezaji wa majukumu yao, kufanya kazi kwa kasi, ubora na ufanisi, kutumia teknolojia na takwimu kufanya maamuzi bora, kuimarisha utamaduni wa uwajibikaji na ushirikiano, kuendelea kujifunza na kujenga uwezo, pamoja na kusimamia kwa uadilifu matumizi ya rasilimali za umma.

"Kila mtumishi wa Ofisi ya Msajili wa Hazina anapaswa kuona uhusiano wa moja kwa moja kati ya kazi anayofanya na matokeo yanayotarajiwa na Taifa," alisema.

Akizungumza Juni 30, 2026, wakati wa kupokea gawio na michango ya Sh1.327 trilioni kutoka OTR, Rais Dkt. Samia aliitaka taasisi hiyo kuhakikisha mashirika na taasisi za umma zinaongeza tija, ufanisi na ushindani, huku zikipunguza utegemezi wa ruzuku za Serikali na kuimarisha uwezo wa kujitegemea kifedha.

"Mafanikio haya yasitufanye turidhike. Uwekezaji wa umma ni mkubwa na matarajio ya wananchi ni makubwa zaidi," alisema Rais Samia.

Alionya kuwa taasisi zinazofanya vizuri zisifiche udhaifu wa zile zinazosuasua.

"Kila taasisi iliyokabidhiwa mali za umma inapaswa kujieleza kwa lugha ya matokeo: imezalisha nini, imeongeza thamani kiasi gani, imechangia mapato kiasi gani, na imepunguza kwa kiwango gani utegemezi wake kwa Serikali," alisema.

Kwa upande wake Mkurugenzi wa Mipango, Utafiti na Maendeleo wa OTR, Bw. Emanuel Luvanda, alisema utekelezaji wa Mpango Mkakati wa OTR wa mwaka 2026/27–2030/31 utaweka mkazo katika kuimarisha utawala bora, uongozi na usimamizi wa rasilimali watu, usimamizi wa utendaji, uhamasishaji wa rasilimali, kuboresha uwekezaji, ushirikishwaji wa wadau na kuijengea taasisi uwezo wa kutekeleza majukumu yake kwa ufanisi.

Aliyasema hayo wakati akiwasilisha taarifa ya utekelezaji wa bajeti ya mwaka wa fedha 2025/26 pamoja na vipaumbele vya Mpango Mkakati wa OTR mbele ya Baraza la Wafanyakazi.

Naye Mkurugenzi wa Utawala na Usimamizi wa Rasilimali Watu, Bw. Chacha Marigiri, alisema OTR itaendelea kuwawezesha watumishi kuongeza elimu na ujuzi kupitia mafunzo na kujiendeleza kimasomo ili kuboresha utendaji na kuongeza tija.

"Tutaendelea kutengeneza mazingira rafiki kwa watumishi wetu," alisema, huku akisisitiza kuwa hakutakuwa na nafasi kwa watumishi wavivu na wazembe.

 

mwandishi wetu,Arusha.

Shirika la Kimataifa la watetezi wa haki za binaadamu, Defend Defenders  limeipa Shirika la wanahabari ya kusaidia jamii za asili(MAIPAC) vifaa vya Ofisi ili kurahisisha utendaji kazi kwa kidigitari.

Vifaa hivyo, vipya vya kisasa vimekabidhiwa leo Julai 9,2026 MAIPAC na  Kampuni ya uuzaji wa vifaa vya kidigitari ya Soud& Vision Ltd ya jijini Arusha,baada ya kulipiwa na shirika hilo la kimataifa.

Defend Defenders kabla ya kutoa msaada huo kwa MAIPAC ,lilifanya ukaguzi wa usalama wa TEHAMA kwa mashirika mbalimbali katika ukanda wa Afrika ya Mashariki na hivyo, kubaini MAIPAC kuwa na uhitaji wa vifaa vya kisasa vya ofisi na MAIPAC kuomba msaada huo.

Akizungumza baada ya kukabidhiwa vifaa hivyo, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa MAIPAC, Mussa Juma amesema, vifaa hivyo vitasaidia sana utendaji kazi wa MAIPAC na utunzwaji wa kanzi data kwa muda mrefu.

"Tunawashukuru sana Defend Defenders kwa msaada huu mkubwa, ambao sasa utawezesha MAIPAC kuboresha utendaji kazi na mfumo wa usalama kidigitari ili kutoa huduma bora zaidi kwa wananchi na wanachama wake"amesema

Amesema Defend Defenders ni shirika ambalo limekuwa na mahusiano kwa muda sasa na MAIPAC kwani tayari liliwahi kutoa mafunzo kwa wanahabari kuhusiana na masuala ya Kisaikolojia  na ustawi kwa wanahabari na pia masuala ya matumizi sahihi ya mitandao ya kijamii na masuala ya utafutaji rasilimali kwa Asasi za kiraia.

"Defend Defenders wamekuwa wadau wetu wakubwa na tumekuwa na ushirikiano mzuri tangu, tulipounganishwa na Mtandao wa watetezi wa haki za binaadamu nchini(THRDC),kupitia mafunzo mbali mbali ya uboreshwaji utendaji kazi kwa watetezi wa haki za binaadamu"amesema

Juma alieleza kumshukuru sana Mkurugenzi mtendaji wa shirika hilo, Hassan Shire kwa misaada mbali mbali kwa MAIPAC na mashirika mengine  na kuomba ushirikiano huo kuendelea kuimarishwa zaidi ili kukabiliana na changamoto wanazokabiliana nazo watetezi wa haki za binaadamu.

Kwa upande wake, Meneja Utawala wa MAIPAC, Andrea Ngobole alisema,msaada huo pia utasaidia utunzwaji mzuri wakumbukumbu za wanachama wake ambao ni wanahabari na hivyo, kuwezesha kupatiwa mafunzo mara kwa mara kulingana na mahitaji.

Awali,Msimamizi wa mifumo ya TEHAMA wa Defend Defenders Hillary Kahoza alipotembelea MAIPAC alishauri uboreshwaji wa mifumo wa TEHAMA ili kuhifadhi vyema taarifa na kujilinda na wadukuzi mitandaoni.

Hata hivyo, Kahoza alipongeza shirika la MAIPAC kwa kazi nzuri linazofanya hasa katika kutoa elimu kwa wanahabari na wananchi ya jamii za asili kuhusiana na matumizi sahihi ya mitandao na masuala ya usalama katika mitandao na uzingatiaji wa sheria katika matumizi ya mitandao ya kijamii.

Shirika MAIPAC limekuwa na miradi kadhaa ikiwepo mradi wa kulinda na kuhifadhi mazingira kwa maarifa ya asili mradi uliofadhiliwa na shirika la Maendeleo la Umoja wa Mataifa(UNDP) kupitia programu ya miradi midogo ya mfuko wa mazingira duniani(GEF) na Ofisi ya makamu wa Rais(mazingira), Mradi wa kupinga ukeketaji wilayani Longido,Mradi wa utunzaji vyuanzo vya maji kijiji cha Selela wilaya ya Monduli mradi wa ujuzi wa kidigitari kwa wanafunzi wa kike.

Kwa wanahabari MAIPAC imekuwa na mradi wa kufundisha wanahabari uandishi wa habari za amani,mradi kukabiliana na magonjwa ya mlipuko, ,mradi wa kuwafundisha wanahabari 140 nchi nzima uandishi wa mazingira na sheria zake, unofadhiliwa na  Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Elimu,Sayansi na Utamaduni(UNESCO)

MAIPAC pia limekuwa shirika la kwanza nchini, kuandaa Kitabu juu ya umuhimu wa maarifa ya asili katika utunzwaji wa mazingira,kukabiliana na mabadiliko ya tabia nchi  na utunzwaji wa vyanzo vya maji,kitabu ambacho kimesambazwa bure kwa lengo ya kushawishi maarifa ya asili ambayo kila jamii inayo yaunganishwe na maarifa ya kisasa  na kutumiwa na watungaji ya sera kwa manufaa ya taifa.

ARUSHA, TANZANIA – Waziri wa Maliasili na Utalii, Dkt. Ashatu Kijaji (Mb), ametoa maagizo sita makuu kwa Kamishna mpya wa Uhifadhi wa Shirika la Hifadhi za Taifa Tanzania (TANAPA), Massana Gibril Mwishawa, akimtaka kuimarisha utendaji na kuhakikisha sekta ya utalii inaongeza mchango wake katika maendeleo ya uchumi wa taifa.

Waziri Kijaji alitoa maagizo hayo leo Julai 9, 2026, jijini Arusha wakati akiongoza hafla ya uapisho wa Kamishna Mwishawa. Kabla ya uteuzi wake uliofanywa na Rais Dkt. Samia Suluhu Hassan mnamo Julai 2, 2026, Mwishawa alikuwa akihudumu kama Naibu Kamishna wa Uhifadhi wa shirika hilo. Anachukua nafasi ya Kamishna Mstaafu, CPA Musa Nassoro Kuji, ambaye amemaliza muda wake wa utumishi.

Maagizo Sita ya Waziri Kijaji

Katika hotuba yake, Waziri Kijaji alimtaka kiongozi huyo mpya kuelekeza nguvu na weledi katika maeneo yafuatayo:

1. Kusimamia na kuboresha miundombinu ndani ya hifadhi zote nchini.
2. Kuvutia na kuongeza fursa za uwekezaji wa kimkakati.
3. Kubuni na kuanzisha bidhaa mpya za utalii ili kuongeza mnyororo wa thamani.
4. Kusimamia mapato kwa ufanisi mkubwa ili kuzuia upotevu.
5. Kuimarisha uhusiano mwema na jamii zinazozunguka maeneo ya hifadhi.
6. Kusimamia nidhamu, uadilifu, weledi na ustawi wa watumishi, ikiwemo kulipa maslahi yao kwa wakati.

"Ushirikiano na wananchi wanaozunguka hifadhi ni nguzo muhimu sana katika kulinda rasilimali hizi za taifa," alisisitiza Waziri Kijaji.

Kauli ya Bodi ya Wadhamini

Naye Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Wadhamini ya TANAPA, Mkuu wa Majeshi Mstaafu, Jenerali George Waitara, aliahidi kuwa bodi yake itaendelea kutoa ushirikiano na miongozo thabiti kwa menejimenti ili kufikia malengo yaliyowekwa. Jenerali Waitara aligusia pia umuhimu wa uwazi, akitaka utoaji wa mrejesho wa utendaji kazi uhusishe maafisa na askari wa ngazi zote ili kuongeza ufanisi.

Shukrani na Ahadi ya Kamishna Mpya

Akizungumza baada ya kula kiapo, Kamishna wa Uhifadhi, Massana Gibril Mwishawa, alieleza kuwa hifadhi za taifa ni hazina kubwa ya kiikolojia, kiuchumi na kijamii ambayo inachangia kwa kiasi kikubwa kwenye mapato ya serikali na miradi ya kimkakati kama ufuaji wa umeme.

Alimshukuru Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan kwa kumuamini na kumpa dhamana hiyo kubwa, huku akiahidi kuiongoza TANAPA kwa misingi ya uzalendo, uwajibikaji na uadilifu.

"Nitaingiza nguvu mpya kwa kushirikiana kwa karibu na watumishi wote wa TANAPA ili kuendeleza na kuimarisha mafanikio ya taasisi yetu," alisema Kamishna Mwishawa.

Hafla hiyo ilihudhuriwa na viongozi mbalimbali wa serikali, viongozi wa dini, wadau wa utalii, pamoja na wakuu wa taasisi nyingine za uhifadhi nchini.

 

Katika Viwanja vya Sabasaba, timu ya Mamlaka ya Hifadhi ya Ngorongoro ikiongozwa na Kamishna wa Uhifadhi Abdul-Razaq Badru tarehe 6 June, 2026 ilivifunika viwanja hivyo huku macho na masikio ya wananchi waliotembelea yakijielekeza kwenye Kampeni ya Ngorongoro inayojulikana kama Karibu Nyumbani.

Akizungumza na Waandishi wa Habari katika siku maalum ya Ngorongoro, Kamishna Badru amewaeleza kuwa umuhimu wa kampeni hiyo inatokana na historia kwa kuainisha wazi kuwa binadamu wa kale kutembea kwa miguu miwili historia yake alipatikana ndani ya hifadhi ya Ngorongoro.

Ameeleza kuwa ushahidi uliopo wa zaidi ya miaka milioni 3.6 unaonesha binadamu huyo aliweza kutembea na kufanya shughuli zake kwa kutumia zana za miaka hiyo, kuyatawala mazingira na kuishi bila shida yoyote.

Mhifadhi Mambokale wa Ngorongoro Ladislaus Kashaija akitoa maelezo kuhusu kwanini Ngorongoro inajivunia historia hiyo ameeleza kuwa inatokana na ushahidi wa wanazuoni duniani kote kuitaja Ngorongoro kama sehemu yenye ushahidi wa kutosha kuhusu historia ya binadamu.

Mchezaji wa timu ya soka ya Simba Shomari Kapombe amesema kuwa atakuwa chachu ya luwashawishi wanasoka wenzie kuitangaza Ngorongoro kuwa chanzo cha mpira wa miguu kwa kuwa historia ya binadamu kutembea kwa miguu miwili imeanzia hapo.

Mamlaka ya hifadhi ya Ngorongoro imeshiriki tukio la siku ya Ngorongoro (Ngorongoro Day) katika viwanja vya sabasaba kwa kuhamasisha washiriki warudi Nyumbani Ngorongoro kwani mwenda kwao si mtumwa.

 

The tourism and art sectors in Tanzania are poised for a significant economic boost this October following the announcement of the upcoming Arts and Crafts Festival. This major event is specifically designed to stimulate the creative economy and showcase the country’s unique cultural heritage. Through this strategic platform, local artisans will gain exclusive opportunities to access new commercial markets both domestically and internationally.

Preparations for the festival are being spearheaded by the Tanzania International Tourism Festival (TITF) in collaboration with the Tanzania Federation of Crafts and Arts (TASFA). This strategic partnership aims to bring together sculptors, painters, fashion designers, jewelers, and potters from various regions across the country. This collective gathering of artisans will create a unified force to showcase the rich tapestry of Tanzania’s cultural legacy.

The Director of TITF, Ibrahim Jamal, officially announced the event during a press briefing held at the Grand Melia Hotel in Arusha. In his remarks, Jamal emphasized that the festival is built on a vision to integrate the art and tourism sectors. The primary goal of this strategy is to add tangible value to local creative works and provide sustainable economic opportunities for artists.

Beyond conventional product exhibitions, the festival will feature specialized capacity-building sessions driven by professional training. Attending artists will receive expert guidance on how to enhance the value and quality of their products to compete effectively in the global marketplace. Additionally, they will be trained on intellectual property rights protection and modern marketing strategies to penetrate foreign markets via the tourism sector.

Jamal added that the festival will serve as a dynamic, live platform where artisans can display and sell their products on the spot. This will provide an excellent opportunity for them to exchange experiences, learn innovative production techniques, and strengthen the creative economy value chain. The event is highly anticipated to inspire a renewed commitment to high-quality, productive manufacturing among local creators.

The festival itinerary is set to be highly engaging, featuring live art production demonstrations. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience professional workshops, business training, strategic networking sessions, and traditional music and dance performances. These business-to-business (B2B) meetings will connect artists directly with high-profile buyers and investors from diverse corporate sectors.

Furthermore, Joseph Rumanyika from TITF noted that the platform is expected to attract key stakeholders in art, tourism, and culture from both within Tanzania and abroad. 

The presence of international participants will position this festival as a vital bridge for promoting Tanzania globally through its unique handicrafts. Rumanyika believes that artistic heritage plays a pivotal role in boosting the country's cultural tourism brand.

Representing the artist community, Simon Venance commended the initiative, stating that the festival continues to build essential business and entrepreneurial skills among local creators. 

He concluded by highlighting that art is a reliable source of employment and income, and this festival will help them secure new markets to elevate their livelihoods. Venance firmly believes that creative works will carry the true identity and economic progress of Tanzanian artisans.

 

Usemi usemao hakuna marefu yasiyokuwa na ncha umetimia leo ambapo jumla ya maafisa na Askari 29 kutoka Mamlaka ya Hifadhi ya Ngorongoro na Mamlaka ya Usimamizi Wanyamapori Tanzania (TAWA) wamehitimu mafunzo ya mabadiliko ya kimuundo leo tarehe 20 Juni, 2026 katika Kituo cha Mafunzo ya Jeshi la Uhifadhi kilichopo Mlele mkoani Katavi.

Akifunga mafunzo hayo Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Wakurugenzi TAWA Meja Jenerali (Mstaafu) Hamis Semfuko amewataka wahitimu kuzingatia taratibu na sheria na amri zote za Jeshi la Uhifadhi

“Mmepata mafunzo ya kubadilika kimuundo kutoka raia kuwa Jeshi, matumaini yangu ni kuwa kila mmoja wetu hapa mtabadilika na kufanya kazi kwa juhudi na maarifa katika kusimamia uhifadhi na rasilimali za nchi”,alisema Meja Jenerali (Mst) Semfuko.

Mkuu wa wilaya ya Mlele  Majid Mwanga amewapongeza wahitimu hao na kuwataka kuwa mfano mwema wa uzalendo, maadili na ujasiri katika utendaji kazi.

Kwa upande wake Kamishna wa Uhifadhi wa Mamlaka ya Hifadhi ya Ngorongoro Abdul-Razaq Badru amewahimiza wahitimu hao kutumia mafunzo waliyoyapata kuimarisha uhifadhi, utalii na maendeleo ya jamii.

Kaimu Kamishna wa Mamlaka ya Usimamizi Wanyamapori Tanzania (TAWA) Mlage Kabange amesema ushirikiano uliooneshwa kati ya TAWA na Ngorongoro katika kusimamia mafunzo hayo unaonesha kuimarika kwa Jeshi la Uhifadhi nchini na ari ya kusimamia rasilimali za Wanyamapori na Misitu.

Akitoa taarifa kuhusu mafunzo hayo mkuu wa mafunzo Meja Breyman Rulenguka amesema Jumla wa watumishi 29 wamefaulu na kupata alama za kuridhisha ambapo mwanafunzi mmoja pekee hakuweza kuhitimu kutokana na sababu za kiafya.

Mafunzo hayo ni mwendelezo wa mafunzo yanayotolewa katika kituo hicho kwa lengo la kuimarisha Jeshi la Uhifadhi na utendaji kazi wake.

 

By Grace Macha, Arusha

In a strategic move to ease the financial burden on host nations, all member state parliaments of the East African Community (EAC) will now share the operational costs for the 16th Inter-Parliamentary Games (IPGs), with a guiding budget expected before June 26, 2026. This decision follows an intervention by the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), which agreed to step in as the alternative host for the regional tournaments, scheduled to take place in Arusha in December 2026.

The decision stems from sudden hosting changes triggered by a congested national calendar in Tanzania, alongside the withdrawal of South Sudan, which is currently redirecting its resources toward preparing for its first general election since gaining independence.

Context and Administrative Challenges

During a Special Meeting of the Bureau of EAC Speakers held at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha—chaired by the Speaker of the Senate of Kenya, Amason Jeffah Kingi—the leaders resolved that financial cooperation is the only way to save the games. Under this new cost-sharing framework, the hosting burden will not fall solely on EALA.

Beyond the financial agreement, the leaders discussed and approved several major resolutions:

• Digital System: The introduction of a new paperless electronic registration system, developed by Amos Kimanthi from the Parliament of Kenya, to manage registration, schedules, and match results.
• EAC Financial Crunch: The Bureau addressed the severe funding shortage facing the EAC Secretariat due to member states delaying their statutory contributions. To mitigate the crisis, it was noted that starting December 2027, EALA members will receive their salaries from their respective national parliaments, leaving the EAC budget responsible only for allowances.

The meeting also welcomed new members to the Bureau, including the Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, Mussa Azzan Zungu; the Speaker of the Parliament of South Sudan, Joseph Ngere Paciko; and the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Jacob Markson Oboth. The Bureau of Speakers is scheduled to reconvene in Arusha between late August and early September 2026 to conduct a final review of their Rules of Procedure.

ARUSHA, TANZANIA – The East African Community (EAC) has significantly reinforced its regional health security network by signing a major cooperation agreement with the Government of Germany. 

Aimed at combating the urgent regional threats of Mpox and Ebola, the landmark partnership secures a total funding package of €11 million (approximately Tanzanian Shillings 33 billion) to upgrade laboratory infrastructure and procure essential medical countermeasures.

Under the framework of this agreement, which was signed at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, €5 million (TSh 15 billion) has been allocated through the KfW Development Bank to specifically address the Mpox outbreak and enhance laboratory capacities.

Concurrently, the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development has committed an additional €3 million (TSh 9 billion) to bolster immediate Ebola response efforts, alongside a donation of 500 complete sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to safeguard frontline healthcare workers.

Speaking during the high-level signing ceremony, the Secretary General of the EAC, Amb. Stephen  Mbundi, assured development partners that the regional bloc has aggressively scaled up its defense strategies against highly infectious diseases.

"I would like to assure you that the EAC has intensified regional coordination in response to current public health threats. This includes strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing laboratory capacity, and mobilizing technical expertise across Partner States," stated Amb. Mbundi.

Amb. Mbundi further highlighted that, through Germany's enduring financial support, the EAC has successfully deployed ten mobile laboratories across seven Partner States, namely Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. He noted that this network has already delivered exceptional diagnostic results during major public health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 Ebola outbreak in Uganda, and the 2023 Marburg outbreak in Tanzania's Kagera region.

On his part, the Chargé d'Affaires of the German Embassy in Tanzania, Manuel Mueller, commended the EAC's proactive leadership, emphasizing that this long-standing partnership has consistently delivered tangible impacts across East Africa since 2016.

"The East African Community does an excellent work in terms of regional integration, and Germany is a long-standing partner of the East African Community to continue to support the work, the very valuable work of the EAC," Manuel Mueller remarked.

Reflecting on his previous tenure as the German Ambassador to South Sudan during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019-2020, Manuel Mueller recalled how German-funded mobile laboratories equipped with PCR diagnostic machines enabled rapid case detection. He emphasized that the program's true strength lies in sustainable human resource development, as it goes beyond material donations to provide standardized, top-tier training for all EAC laboratory technicians at the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany.

"Now, coming back again to a time where, in some of the EAC member states, an imminent outbreak could be detected, and it's good that, due to the excellent work of EAC, there are already structures to work on that. The German government has decided to give an additional support of 3 million euros to this project with the mobile labs, and also for protective material for these EAC countries," the Chargé d'Affaires concluded.

This coordinated intervention is projected to streamline regulatory frameworks and accelerate approval mechanisms for critical vaccines and therapeutics, effectively securing a safer and more resilient health environment for all East African citizens.

ARUSHA, Tanzania – Tanzanian long-distance running star and international athletics icon Alphonce Simbu has used the Karibu-KiliFair tourism exhibition in Arusha to promote Mount Kilimanjaro and Tanzania’s tourism attractions by participating in the exciting Summit Run Challenge.

The event, held at the Prisons Grounds in Arusha, attracted hundreds of participants and visitors who gathered to witness Simbu take part in the challenge alongside Karibu-KiliFair Director Tom Kunkler and other tourism stakeholders.

Organized by Karibu-KiliFair in partnership with leading tour operator Zara Tanzania Adventures, the challenge forms part of efforts to promote sports tourism and create greater awareness of Tanzania’s world-famous attractions, particularly Mount Kilimanjaro.

Speaking during the event, Zara Tanzania Adventures Marketing Officer Nancy Ngotea praised the Summit Run Challenge, describing it as an innovative initiative that successfully combines sports and tourism promotion.

She said the challenge has attracted significant interest from both local and international visitors while providing an effective platform to showcase Mount Kilimanjaro and Tanzania’s tourism potential to the world.

Ngotea also commended the government's efforts under President Samia Suluhu Hassan in strengthening tourism promotion both domestically and internationally, noting that the sector continues to record positive growth.

The challenge has generated considerable excitement throughout the Karibu-KiliFair exhibition, with many visitors competing to conquer a replica Mount Kilimanjaro installation. Winners are expected to be announced on June 7, the final day of the exhibition.

Participants are competing for attractive cash prizes, including TSh 1 million for the winner, TSh 500,000 for second place and TSh 250,000 for third place.

The event also provided Simbu with an opportunity to officially introduce his new campaign, “Run with Simbu,” which forms part of his preparations for the prestigious TCS Sydney Marathon scheduled for August 30, 2026, in Australia.

Addressing participants and visitors, Simbu emphasized the importance of using sports as a tool to market Tanzania internationally.

“Sports deliver messages to the world faster than almost anything else. When sports and tourism work together, they become a powerful force in promoting our country's attractions globally,” he said.

Simbu also took the opportunity to remind international audiences that Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, is located in Tanzania, urging people around the world to visit the country and experience its unique tourism attractions.

The athlete noted that his international achievements have helped raise awareness about Tanzania, with many people abroad becoming interested in learning more about the country after following his sporting career.

Speaking about his preparations for the Sydney Marathon, Simbu said elite marathon training requires substantial support and teamwork. He currently trains in Arusha with a group of between 10 and 15 athletes who assist him as pacemakers during training sessions along the Namanga Road corridor to Oldonyosambu.

“You cannot achieve great success alone. Marathon running requires teamwork and support from many people,” he said.

Through the upcoming “Run with Simbu” campaign, the athlete is calling on Tanzanians, companies and development partners to support athletics development and help nurture the next generation of talented runners.

The Summit Run Challenge has emerged as one of the major highlights of this year’s Karibu-KiliFair, demonstrating how sports and tourism can work together to enhance Tanzania’s visibility and attract more visitors from around the world.

 

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has ordered the government of Tanzania to urgently remove all legal provisions imposing the mandatory death penalty and abolish execution by hanging, ruling that these practices violate the right to life and human dignity.

This landmark judgment was delivered and read on June 5, 2026, in Arusha by a panel of eight judges led by the President of the Court, Justice Blaise Tchikaya, in the consolidated matter of Chacha Jeremiah and Two Others v. United Republic of Tanzania.

The case originated from applications filed by three Tanzanian nationals—Chacha Jeremiah, Methew Jeremiah Daud, and Paschal Ligoye Mashiku. At the time of filing, they were incarcerated at Butimba Central Prison in Mwanza, having been convicted of murder and sentenced to death by hanging.

In its assessment, the Court noted that the mandatory imposition of the death penalty deprives trial judges of their judicial discretion. This prevents them from considering the specific circumstances of the accused and the offence during sentencing, which constitutes a violation of due process.

Furthermore, the panel of judges rejected Tanzania’s preliminary objection regarding the Court's jurisdiction. The Court emphasized that Tanzania’s November 2019 withdrawal of its Declaration allowing individuals to directly file cases (Article 34(6)) did not affect this matter. This is because the withdrawal took effect in November 2020, whereas this application had already been filed earlier in August 2019.

Beyond the order to amend domestic laws, the Court directed the government to vacate the death sentences of the applicants and remove them from death row. It ordered that their cases be reheard strictly for re-sentencing through a procedure that permits judicial discretion. Additionally, the Court ordered the state to pay each applicant Tanzanian Shillings One Hundred Thousand (TZS 100,000) as compensation for the moral prejudice and psychological suffering endured.

The government must now publish this judgment on the official websites of the Judiciary of Tanzania and the Ministry for Constitutional and Legal Affairs within three months. The publication must remain accessible to the public for a minimum period of one year.

Breakdown of Separate Judgments and Opinions

The final decision included several individual opinions from the panel:

Justice Rafaâ Ben Achour (Dissenting Opinion): Disagreed with the majority's finding on the right to be tried within a reasonable time, arguing that the pre-trial delay was unreasonable.

Justice Modibo Sacko (Partial Dissenting Opinion): Contested the specific financial amount granted to the applicants for moral damages.

Justice Dennis D. Adjei (Separate Opinion): Provided detailed analysis on the calculation of reasonable trial time, the legal consequences when a death sentence is commuted to life imprisonment, and how reparations for moral damages should be determined.

Justice Blaise Tchikaya and Justice Dumisa B. Ntsebeza (Declarations): Issued formal individual statements focusing specifically on the legal and human rights issues surrounding the death penalty.

The East African Legislative Assembly has officially received and adopted the proposed East African Community budget of USD 110,863,576 for the 2026/2027 financial year. Tabled by Rebecca Kadaga, the Chairperson of the Council of EAC Ministers, the budget estimates were immediately forwarded to the General-Purpose Committee for detailed scrutiny. This fiscal plan was previously approved during the 60th Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers held from May 18 to May 22, 2026.

The 2026/2027 budget allocates funding across nine distinct regional organs and institutions to sustain operations and development programmes. The EAC Secretariat receives the largest share at USD 59.7 million, followed by the East African Legislative Assembly at USD 19.2 million and the Inter-University Council for East Africa at USD 9.3 million. The Lake Victoria Basin Commission gets USD 7.0 million, the East African Court of Justice receives USD 5.0 million, and the East African Science and Technology Commission is allocated USD 2.7 million. The remaining funds are divided among the East African Health Research Commission at USD 2.3 million, the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization at USD 2.2 million, and the East Africa Kiswahili Commission at USD 1.6 million.

Financing for this annual budget relies on a mixed structure designed to reflect both regional ownership and international backing. Partner States will directly contribute the majority share of the funds, amounting to USD 62.77 million. Development partners will complement this regional funding by providing USD 46.10 million. Additional resources required to balance the budget will be drawn from institutional reserves and other internal income streams.

Alongside the main budget, a Supplementary Budget of USD 4,794,593 was approved for the 2025/2026 financial year to address urgent financing gaps. This extra allocation builds upon the previously approved 2025/2026 base budget of approximately USD 109.05 million. The EAC Secretariat takes the largest portion of these supplementary funds at USD 2.31 million, while the remainder goes to the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization, the East African Science and Technology Commission, and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission.

The supplementary funds are strictly targeted toward high-impact interventions and emergency regional priorities. Key areas of focus include strengthening pandemic preparedness, advancing sexual and reproductive health programmes, and upgrading institutional ICT infrastructure. The money will also support governance and peace-building capacities, climate resilience projects in the Lake Victoria Basin, fisheries management, food security, and innovation initiatives for women and youth.

Legally, these financial allocations are anchored within the framework of the EAC Appropriation Act, 2026, and the Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2026. Both instruments have been presented to the General-Purpose Committee to ensure all spending complies with proper governance procedures. The House has adjourned its sessions to allow the committee sufficient time to scrutinize the figures and report back before the June 30 deadline.

The assembly also reshuffled its standing committees following recent vacancies created by legislative changes in Uganda and South Sudan. James Kakooza and Dennis Namara left to join the Parliament of Uganda, while Luke Thompson departed after being appointed Minister of Health in South Sudan. Consequently, Paul Musamali joined the Committee on General Purpose, Gai Deng shifted to the Committee on General Purpose, and Sadia James moved to the Committee on Accounts.

Furthermore, the session included the administration of oaths for a new ex-officio member and three new legislators from Tanzania. 

EAC Secretary General Patrick Bundi was sworn in as an ex-officio member of the assembly. 

Additionally, Fatuma Abdallah Kange, 

Cosato David Chumi, and

Kambarage Masato Wasira took their oaths of allegiance to replace Ng’waru Maghembe Jumaine, James Millya, and Angela Kizigha, who were elected to the Tanzania National Parliament.