The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Philip Mpango, has said the Uhuru Torch continues to illuminate the nation’s path toward unity, patriotism, and progress values that have defined Tanzania since independence.
Speaking during the climax of the 2025 Uhuru Torch Race at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya, which coincided with the commemoration of the late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, and the National Youth Week celebrations, Dr Mpango said the Torch’s enduring message of peace, love and solidarity remains vital for Tanzania’s continued growth.
“The philosophy of the Uhuru Torch has been a moral compass that promotes integrity, courage, and national unity,” said Dr Mpango. “It reminds us to reject discrimination, corruption, and hatred, and instead build a nation founded on justice and hard work.”
He said the Uhuru Torch, first lit shortly after independence, was meant to show the world the meaning of true freedom and the ability of a people to govern themselves without external interference.
Dr Mpango used the occasion to urge Tanzanians to participate actively in the ongoing General Election campaigns and to turn out in large numbers on election day to choose responsible leaders who will steer the country over the next five years.
“This year’s Uhuru Torch Race carries a message that encourages all citizens to embrace democracy by exercising their right to vote,” he said.
Marking 26 years since the passing of Mwalimu Nyerere, the Vice President reminded Tanzanians of the enduring principles the nation’s founder left behind freedom, unity, peace, justice, and hard work.
“We must preserve our unity and protect the peace we enjoy. We must also strengthen moral values, particularly among the youth, who represent both the present and the future of our nation,” Dr Mpango said.
He also emphasized the importance of environmental protection, urging citizens to conserve water sources, plant trees, and maintain cleanliness, noting that Mwalimu Nyerere himself was a model of environmental stewardship.
Concluding the 2025 National Youth Week, Dr Mpango encouraged young people to use their energy, creativity, and knowledge to drive economic growth.
He said the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan continues to invest in education, innovation, technology, and culture to empower youth to seize opportunities in a changing economy.
“The government believes in the potential of young people and will continue to support them,” said the Vice President.
“The CCM 2025–2030 Election Manifesto aims to establish youth empowerment centers in all regions and create 8.5 million jobs by 2030.”he added
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, who was also present, said President Samia’s administration continues to advance Mwalimu Nyerere’s vision by strengthening the economy, promoting Tanzania’s image globally, and safeguarding peace and unity.
“Every Tanzanian has a duty to uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and selfless service that Mwalimu stood for,” Mr Majaliwa said.
“We must continue to fight poverty, ignorance, and disease the very challenges he dedicated his life to eliminating.”he added
Presenting the final Uhuru Torch Race report, National Torch Leader Ismail Ali Ussi commended President Samia for expanding access to clean water through drilling machines and for improving public servants’ welfare by increasing salaries, which he said had enhanced motivation and service delivery.
He said the 2025 Uhuru Torch Race had inspected youth projects supported by the 10 percent local government loan scheme, where beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the capital support that enabled them to start and expand businesses.
He also highlighted the government’s efforts to establish vocational schools and strengthen VETA centers to equip youth with practical skills for self-employment, especially in science, technology, and production.
During the celebrations, a special book titled “60 Years of the Uhuru Torch Race” was launched, chronicling the historic journey, achievements, and national significance of the Torch as a symbol of unity, patriotism, and progress.
The publication reflects on how the Uhuru Torch continues to unite Tanzanians of all faiths, ethnicities, and political beliefs shining as a beacon of hope, freedom, and resilience in the spirit of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.