02nd Jun 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA’S OPPOSITION LEADER LISSU COURT HEARING TO BROADCAST LIVE
The Judiciary of Tanzania has announced that it will broadcast live the court proceedings involving opposition politician and Chadema national chairman Tundu Lissu. The two criminal cases, No. 8606/2025 and 8607/2025, are scheduled for mention and hearing on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Resident Magistrate’s Court of Dar es Salaam at Kisutu. While Mr. Lissu is expected to appear physically before the court, the Judiciary has urged members of the public to follow the proceedings via a live stream.
According to a public notice issued on June 1, the decision to livestream the session is part of a broader initiative to improve access to justice and strengthen accountability through the use of technology. Mr. Gerard Julius Chami, Head of the Information, Education and Communication Unit at the Judiciary, stated that this initiative is part of the Judiciary’s Strategic Plan, which seeks to enhance transparency, accountability, and the use of modern technology in judicial service delivery. Despite the public interest in the case, physical access to the courtroom will be highly restricted due to limited space.
Source: The Citizen
EAC BORROWS USD 660,960 INTERNALLY TO FINANCE OPERATIONS AMID BUDGET CRISIS
Financial difficulties continue to cripple the East African Community (EAC), with the regional bloc now forced to borrow internally from its institutions to fund essential operations, highlighting a deepening crisis that threatens the credibility of the integration agenda. In a rare move, the EAC Council of Ministers has approved the borrowing of USD 660,960 from five of its institutions to facilitate the processing of the 2025/26 budget and cover supplementary expenditures for the 2024/25 financial year.
This decision follows persistent delays in contributions from several partner states. The borrowing is intended to finance virtual sessions of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), including the General-Purpose Committee and the Budget Plenary session.
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA SET TO IMPLEMENT UNIFIED MOBILE NETWORK FOR SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY
Tanzania is in the process of preparing a framework and legislation to implement a unified mobile network system referred to as National Roaming, aimed at promoting seamless digital communication both locally and across Africa. The development aligns with a broader continental resolution by African ministers responsible for information, communication, and digital technology to establish a single mobile network to boost the continent’s digital economy. Under the unified network model, mobile users will be able to connect to any available network regardless of their original service provider.
For instance, a Tanzanian using a Yas SIM card will still receive network coverage in areas with Airtel, Vodacom, or Halotel towers. Furthermore, the same SIM card will function in other African countries, removing the need to buy new SIM cards when travelling. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 14th African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF), the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology, Mr Mohammed Khamis Abdulla, said Tanzania has already started working towards this.
Source: The Citizen
ECONOMISTS URGE SWIFT ACTION AS CCM PLEDGES COMMITMENT TO LNG PROJECT IN 2025 MANIFESTO
Economists have called for an accelerated pace in implementing the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project to meet national development goals and directly benefit citizens, following the release of the ruling party’s 2025 election manifesto, which reaffirms commitment to kickstarting the multibillion-dollar initiative.
The Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) manifesto outlines key priorities under section 2.1.3.9 titled ‘Strengthening Oil Exploration and the Use of Natural Gas’, promising the launch of the LNG processing and export project while ensuring Tanzanian participation at every stage. The document pledges that any agreements will safeguard broad national interests and be accompanied by legislation to guarantee local content. Economists, however, say that political will must now translate into immediate and practical steps.
Source: The Citizen
APPEAL AGAINST LIFE SENTENCE FOR GANG RAPE CONVICTS BEGINS ON JUNE 3rd, 2025
An appeal against the life imprisonment sentence handed down to four convicts found guilty of gang rape and sodomy of a girl residing in Yombo Dovya, Dar es Salaam, identified in court as “X,” is set to begin hearing tomorrow, June 3rd, 2025. The appellants in the case are former Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) soldier MT 140105 Clinton Damas, popularly known as Nyundo; Prison Officer C.1693 Praygod Mushi; Nickson Jackson (alias Machuche); and Amin Lema, also known as Kindamba.
The four appellants were sentenced to life imprisonment on September 30th, 2024, by the Dodoma Resident Magistrate’s Court after being found guilty of gang-raping and sodomizing the girl. The court proceedings were conducted in private. In addition to the life sentences, the appellants were each ordered to pay the girl TZS 1 million as compensation for the injuries they caused her. The appellants’ lawyer, Godfrey Wasonga, said all appeal procedures have been completed, and the case will begin hearing tomorrow, June 3rd, 2025, at the High Court in Dodoma, before Court of Appeal Judge Amir Mruma.
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA GOVERNMENT DEREGISTERS BISHOP GWAJIMA’S CHURCH OVER POLITICAL SERMONS AND THREAT TO PUBLIC ORDER
Registrar of Civil Societies, Mr. Emmanuel Kihampa, has officially deregistered the Glory of Christ Church (Ufufuo na Uzima), which is owned by Kawe Member of Parliament and Bishop, Josephat Gwajima. The decision comes just one day after the bishop publicly declared that he would continue condemning abductions and disappearances in the country. Mr. Kihampa stated that the church had violated the Societies Act, Chapter 337, by delivering politically motivated sermons that allegedly aimed to turn the public against the government.
In a statement issued today, Monday, 2nd June 2025, Mr. Kihampa warned that Bishop Gwajima’s conduct could endanger peace and national stability. Mr. Kihampa said in an official letter, which was also copied to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Camillius Wambura, that “by the powers granted to me, the Office of the Registrar of Civil Societies has today, 2nd June 2025, revoked the registration of the Glory of Christ Church (Ufufuo na Uzima). All church operations must cease immediately.”
This government action follows a press conference held by Bishop Gwajima last week, where he criticised acts of abduction, remarks that triggered backlash from members of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). On Sunday, 1st June 2025, during a church service, Bishop Gwajima announced a seven-day prayer campaign, beginning today, across more than 2,000 branches of his church, calling for justice and peace in Tanzania.
03rd Jun 2025
Source: The Citizen
MALIAN JUDGE SUCCEEDS TANZANIAN COUNTERPART AS NEW PRESIDENT OF THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COURT
Justice Modibo Sacko of the Republic of Mali has been elected as the new President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR), taking over from outgoing Tanzanian judge, Justice Imani Daud Aboud, whose term has officially come to an end. The announcement was made on Monday, June 2nd, during the 77th Ordinary Session of the Court held in Arusha, Tanzania, where all 11 judges cast secret ballots to select the new leadership of the continent’s principal human rights judicial body.
Justice Sacko had been serving as Vice President of the Court since 2023, working under the stewardship of Justice Aboud, who held the presidency for two consecutive terms over a four-year period. She is widely credited for strengthening the Court’s profile and advancing its mandate across Africa. Algerian judge, Lady Justice Bensaoula Chafika, was elected as the new Vice President of the Court, succeeding Justice Sacko in that role. The AfCHPR, which was established in 2006, is a continental court established by African countries to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights in the continent.
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA TO DEVELOP MODERN SATELLITE CITY IN THE CAPITAL CITY AT DODOMA
Plans are underway to establish a modern satellite city in Hombolo Ward, Dodoma, near the shores of Hombolo Dam, as part of efforts to promote investment, tourism, and diplomatic accommodation in Tanzania’s administrative capital. The proposed development, announced by Dodoma City Council, will feature upscale residential zones to accommodate diplomats, alongside tourist-class hotels, international schools, recreational facilities, and designated areas for strategic investment. It will complement the ongoing transformation of Dodoma into a full-fledged capital city. The satellite town will also be situated near the Magufuli Government zone in Mtumba, the Chamwino State House, Msalato International Airport, and the outer ring road.
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIAN FIRM AWARDED BUS RAPID TRANSIT PHASE II OPERATIONS SET TO DEPLOY 255 BUSES
The Dar Rapid Transit Agency (DART) has awarded a 12-year contract to a local firm, Mofat Company Limited, to operate Phase II of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which runs from Gerezani to Mbagala. The company is expected to introduce 255 gas-powered buses by August 2025. The development comes as the government moves to transfer operations of both the first and second phases of the BRT system to the private sector, in an effort to enhance efficiency and address longstanding commuter concerns in Dar es Salaam.
DART Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Athuman Kihamia, confirmed the contract yesterday in a telephone interview from abroad. He noted that, while he could not disclose ownership details, the firm is locally owned and has secured the necessary capital and operational guarantees. He said this marks a major milestone in our effort to deliver reliable and efficient transport services to city residents. The company has committed to deploying the buses within the agreed timeframe.
The shift towards local operators was echoed on Monday by Treasury Registrar, Nehemiah Mchechu, who told editors in Dar es Salaam that DART is now focusing on attracting more investors, particularly as construction of Phases I and II is complete, with Phase III expected to be finalised by year-end. Under the new framework, the BRT system will be operated by between four and six service providers, replacing the current single-operator model led by UDA Rapid Transit (UDART).
Source: The Citizen
DAR ES SALAAM KARIAKOO MARKET OPENS ELECTRONIC BIDDING FOR STALLS FROM 5th TO 11th JUNE 2025
The management of Kariakoo Market has announced the commencement of an open bidding process for business stalls, to be conducted from 5th to 11th June 2025 via the TAUSI Portal electronic system. In a statement issued today, 3rd June 2025, Kariakoo Market Corporation Director, Mr Ashraph Abdulkarim, invited traders and interested members of the public to register through the official website www.tausi.tamisemi.go.tz in order to participate in the bidding process. Applicants must have a National Identification Number (NIDA), a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), a valid email address, and a mobile phone number to register and take part in the auction.
The Corporation urged traders to take full advantage of this opportunity by adhering to the stated procedures to secure quality trading spaces within the market. This auction marks a significant milestone in the restoration of the iconic market, which suffered extensive damage due to a fire in July 2021. Renovation works, financed at a cost of TZS 28 billion, began in early 2022. The announcement follows months of concern raised by traders over delays and a lack of clarity regarding the market’s reopening.
04th Jun 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIAN GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS BLOCKING OF X (TWITTER) OVER PORNOGRAPHIC CONTENT
The Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Hon. Mr. Jerry Silaa, has confirmed that the government has blocked access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) due to its hosting of pornographic content, which contravenes Tanzanian laws. Speaking during a televised interview with a local broadcaster, Minister Silaa stated that the restriction was a deliberate government measure aimed at enforcing national regulations.
He explained that the platform’s allowance of content that breaches the country’s legal and moral standards necessitated the move. Mr. Silaa underscored the government’s responsibility in regulating digital spaces, highlighting the influence of online platforms. He cited the Online Content Regulations of 2000, specifically Regulation 16, which outlines the types of permissible online content. According to the minister, changes made to X’s content policies in May 2024, following its 2023 rebranding from Twitter, introduced material that is not in line with these regulations.
He stated that since X updated its content policies, it has permitted explicit sexual material, including same-sex pornographic content, which directly contradicts Section 16 of the national online ethics guidelines. He added that such material is not only illegal under Tanzanian law but also undermines the country’s traditions, values, and cultural norms.
Source: The Citizen
EMINEM SUES META FOR USD 109 MILLION OVER COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
A legal battle is unfolding between Eminem’s music publisher, Eight Mile Style, and tech giant Meta Platforms Inc., over the alleged unauthorised use of the rapper’s songs. Eight Mile Style, which owns the rights to many of Eminem’s biggest hits, has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, accusing it of using the catalogue without proper licensing.
Filed last Friday in the United States, the lawsuit claims Meta has made at least 243 songs under Eight Mile Style’s control available in its music libraries, enabling users to add them to posts, stories, and reels without permission. The publisher alleges that although Meta was aware it needed a licence to use the tracks legally, it proceeded without securing one. Back in 2020, Meta signed a licensing deal with digital royalty collection firm Audiam, but negotiations with Eight Mile Style reportedly broke down, leaving the songs unlicensed.
The suit accuses Meta of direct inducement, contributory, and vicarious copyright infringement, asserting that the company knowingly continued to make the tracks available despite stalled negotiations. Eight Mile Style is seeking statutory damages of up to USD 109,000 for each infringed song on each Meta platform, along with a court order to block any further unauthorised use.
05th Jun 2025
Source: The Citizen
ZANZIBAR SETS TZS 6.5 TRILLION REVENUE TARGET AS GOVERNMENT EXPANDS TAX BASE AND BORROWING
The Zanzibar Ministry of Finance and Planning has unveiled 10 strategic priorities alongside an ambitious revenue target of TZS 6.527 trillion for the 2025/26 financial year, marking a 33% increase from the current projection of TZS 4.9 trillion. Presenting the ministry’s revenue and expenditure estimates before the House of Representatives on 4th June, Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Saada Mkuya stated that the rise in collections would be driven by the expansion of domestic revenue sources, enhanced tax administration, and increased domestic borrowing to support development programmes.
Dr. Mkuya said the government plans to widen its fiscal space by adopting innovative financing mechanisms such as Sukuk (Islamic bonds) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), while also strengthening the mobilisation of development aid. The Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) is projected to collect TZS 1.257 trillion in 2025/26, a sharp 49% increase from the current year’s target of TZS 846 billion. This surge follows recent government reforms mandating ZRA to collect all non-tax revenues from ministries, departments, and agencies.
To bolster ZRA’s operations, the government has allocated TZS 30.1 billion in subsidies for salaries and administrative costs. Meanwhile, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), for its operations in Zanzibar, is expected to collect TZS 825.8 billion during the same period, up from TZS 600 billion in the previous financial year.
Source: The Citizen
EAC APPROVES LANDMARK CROSS-BORDER PAYMENT MASTERPLAN TO TRANSFORM REGIONAL TRADE
The East African Community (EAC) has taken a significant step towards financial integration by endorsing a landmark Cross-border Payment System Masterplan, an ambitious five-year initiative designed to make regional transactions faster, more affordable, and more secure. Approved during the 28th Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Monetary Affairs Committee (MAC) in May 2025, the Masterplan aims to dismantle one of the region’s most persistent trade barriers: inefficient and costly cross-border payments.
Hailed by regional experts as a potential game-changer, the Masterplan lays out a comprehensive framework to address longstanding obstacles faced by businesses and individuals transferring money across borders. Yet, questions remain: will this initiative truly reset the region’s financial landscape and establish a “new normal” for East Africa’s payment systems? The blueprint is anchored on four key pillars: policy and regulatory harmonisation, infrastructure development, financial market deepening, and capacity building. These components directly target the structural gaps that have long hindered seamless intra-regional transactions.
Currently, fragmented regulations complicate operations for payment service providers, suppress innovation, and inflate costs. High transaction fees, settlement delays, and a heavy reliance on the US dollar continue to impede the flow of trade within the bloc. If implemented effectively, the Masterplan could pave the way for a more integrated, resilient, and efficient financial ecosystem across East Africa.
Source: The Citizen
DAR ES SALAAM POSITIONED AS AFRICA’S COMMAND POST IN GLOBAL METALS TRADE
Global logistics giant DP World has entered into a strategic agreement with China Metal Storage and Transport Company (CMST) and the UK-based Henry Bath & Sons Ltd to channel international metals trade through the Port of Dar es Salaam. According to the Director General of the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Mr Plasduce Mbosa, the move is anticipated to significantly bolster Tanzania’s status as a pivotal regional centre for the warehousing and trade of strategic minerals.
The agreement builds upon DP World’s 30-year concession, secured in 2023, to operate and modernise the port’s infrastructure. Mr Mbosa emphasised that the initiative extends well beyond conventional cargo operations. He said, “This is not merely about cargo; it is about transforming Tanzania into a hub for storing, trading, and financing critical minerals such as copper and cobalt.” As the global demand for green minerals escalates, Dar es Salaam is no longer simply a corridor; it is becoming a command post in the global energy transition.
06th Jun 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA APPROVES ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR MKUJU RIVER URANIUM MINING
The government has announced the completion of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Mkuju River uranium project in the Ruvuma Region, paving the way for mining operations to begin in the near future. This development follows just weeks after President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed the Ministry of Energy and the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) to facilitate the commencement of uranium extraction.
Issued on 24th May, the directive forms part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources, including the pursuit of nuclear energy. The Mkuju River project, operated by Mantra Tanzania, hosts one of the country’s largest known uranium deposits, estimated at TZS 182.1 million tonnes of ore with a uranium grade of 0.025%. Although the project received environmental approval in 2012, it faced significant delays due to volatile uranium prices, infrastructure limitations, and environmental concerns. These challenges were heightened by the project’s location within the Mwalimu Nyerere National Park, formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve.
Source: The Citizen
INDIANA HEADS BACK TO ARBITRATION DESPITE USD 90 MILLION SETTLEMENT BY TANZANIA
Australian mining firm Indiana Resources Limited has reignited legal proceedings against the Government of Tanzania, citing an alleged breach of a USD 90 million settlement agreement signed in July 2024. The renewed dispute follows the issuance of a “Notice of Jeopardy Assessment” by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) through its Lindi regional office a move Indiana claims violates the settlement’s terms, which explicitly barred any tax claims on the compensation amount.
TRA Commissioner General Yusuf Mwenda confirmed the existence of the tax dispute but expressed a willingness to resolve it through dialogue. The Office of the Solicitor General had not issued a comment by the time of going to press.
