Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office for Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities, Palamagamba Kabudi has said Tanzania has successfully evolved into a strong and united nation over the past six decades, stressing that it is not merely a collection of tribes.
He made the remarks on Saturday, May 16, 2026, during a university students’ conference held at Ubungo Plaza in Dar es Salaam under the theme “Never Again: Let Us Love, Protect and Defend Our Country,” organised by TAHLISO.
Prof Kabudi said Tanzania’s unity is built on strong foundations of national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and shared identity among its citizens despite ethnic and religious diversity.
He noted that Tanzania is home to about 120 ethnic groups and people of different religious backgrounds who continue to live together in peace and mutual respect.
He further emphasized that Tanzania stands out in Africa as one of the countries with strong religious tolerance and social harmony, where citizens freely practice their faith while remaining united under one national identity.
According to him, the country’s Constitution affirms the principles of democracy and secular governance, ensuring that Tanzania remains a democratic state without an official religion.
“Tanzania is a democratic country without a state religion, but its people have faith and live peacefully with their different beliefs,” he said.
Prof Kabudi said the “Never Again” message reflects the commitment of Tanzanians, especially young people, to protect the nation from any attempts to divide it or reverse the progress achieved in national unity and peace.
He warned against any efforts aimed at undermining cohesion, stressing that such attempts must never be allowed to return.
“Tanzania is a nation that has been willing to sacrifice even its limited resources to liberate others who were oppressed,” he said.
He added that Tanzania’s greatest achievement is its ability to build a nation rather than remain a fragmented society divided along ethnic lines.
“When we say ‘Never Again’, we are saying no one should ever try to take us back. Tanzania is undeniably a nation, not a collection of tribes,” he said.
The conference brought together students from higher learning institutions across the country to discuss patriotism, unity, and the role of youth in safeguarding peace and national stability under the “Never Again” campaign.
