Mama Lishe and Baba Lishe across Tanzania have been urged to remain united and protect peace as they prepare for a major national conference in Dar es Salaam, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to be the guest of honor.
The call was made on April 20, 2026, by the Chairperson of Umoja wa Mama na Baba Lishe Tanzania (UMALITA), Havijawa Omary, during a press briefing on the upcoming conference that will bring together food vendors from all regions of the country.
Havijawa emphasized that peace and stability remain the foundation of their daily livelihoods, noting that the food vending sector depends heavily on a stable environment to survive and grow.
She urged Tanzanians, especially those in small businesses, to avoid being drawn into divisive political messages or any form of incitement that could disrupt national unity.
She said Mama Lishe and Baba Lishe play an important role in supporting urban communities by providing affordable and accessible food services, especially for workers and low-income earners.
According to her, their contribution to the economy is significant and deserves recognition and continued support.
“Uza chakula chako, uzia wateja wako, na sambaza amani,” she said, urging vendors to focus on their work while promoting peace in their communities. She stressed that without peace, small businesses cannot thrive, expand, or benefit from available economic opportunities.
Havijawa expressed confidence in President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, saying many food vendors believe the government is committed to empowering small entrepreneurs through access to financial support, including loans and improved business systems.
She noted that many Mama Lishe and Baba Lishe have managed to build homes, educate their children, and improve their livelihoods through their daily work.
She added that the upcoming conference is an important platform where food vendors will have the opportunity to engage directly with national leadership, share their challenges, and receive guidance on how to improve and formalize their businesses.
Havijawa also called on Mama Lishe and Baba Lishe from all regions to attend the conference in large numbers, saying their participation will help them better understand government plans and available opportunities for growth.
She encouraged them to use the platform to learn, connect, and strengthen their businesses.
The UMALITA leadership said the gathering is expected to strengthen cooperation between small-scale food vendors and the government, while also opening doors for improved support systems in areas such as financing, training, and access to cleaner cooking energy.
As preparations continue, food vendors have been reminded to remain disciplined, focused on their work, and committed to maintaining peace, which remains central to both national development and the success of their businesses.
