By Alfred Zacharia
Tanzania’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, has completed this year’s leg of the Uhuru-Torch relay with all development projects inspected across its five districts receiving full approval, a notable achievement in the country’s long-running national initiative.
The Uhuru-Torch, known locally as Mwenge wa Uhuru, passed through Temeke, Kigamboni, Ilala, Kinondoni, and Ubungo between 1 and 5 June.
The national team, led by torch bearer Ismail Ali Ussi, covered more than 357 kilometres, visiting dozens of community projects.
Officials say more than 79 billion Tanzanian shillings (around $30 million) worth of development initiatives were inspected, including health centres, schools, water infrastructure, and youth support schemes, all of which met the required standards.
Speaking at the closing event, Mr Ussi said the torch’s visit to Dar es Salaam demonstrated how local governments were effectively managing public funds and delivering services to citizens.
The Uhuru Torch was first lit in 1961 to symbolise freedom and hope across Tanzania and beyond. Each year, it travels the country promoting peace, unity, and development while holding local leaders accountable.
This year’s relay also carried a civic message ahead of Tanzania’s general elections, encouraging people to “turn out to vote peacefully in the 2025 election.”
In addition, the campaign promoted public awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention, anti-corruption, malaria control, and the fight against drug abuse.
On Thursday, Dar es Salaam’s regional commissioner, Albert Chalamila, formally handed over the torch to officials in the neighbouring Tanga Region, where the next phase of the national journey continues.
