A total of 3,432 pupils from 28 regions across Tanzania are expected to take part in the Tanzania Primary Schools Sports and Academic Competition (UMITASHUMTA), which officially begins on June 8, 2026, in Iringa Region.
The national championship will bring together participants from 26 regions of Tanzania Mainland, as well as Unguja and Pemba, making it one of the country’s biggest school sports events focused on nurturing young talent, promoting discipline, and strengthening unity among pupils.
Speaking to The Respondent Online, the Director of Sports Development at the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Yusuf Singo, said preparations for the games are progressing steadily, with all organizing committees fully engaged and working according to the official schedule.
He said the government has ensured that all essential services, including logistics, accommodation, and competition facilities, are being put in place on time to provide a safe and conducive environment for all participants.
“Preparations are going on well, and we expect all confirmed regions to arrive on time and fully participate in all scheduled sporting disciplines,” said Singo.
Singo further noted that this year’s edition will bring added excitement following the introduction of Baseball as an official competition sport, a move aimed at broadening the range of sporting opportunities for pupils with different talents and abilities.
He added that Cricket and Baseball will also be featured as demonstration sports, designed to raise awareness, promote understanding of the games, and allow stakeholders, coaches, and students to explore their potential for long-term development in schools.
According to him, UMITASHUMTA continues to play a vital role in identifying and developing young sporting talent while also promoting teamwork, discipline, and national cohesion among primary school pupils.
The games are expected to attract wide attention from education and sports stakeholders, with Iringa Region Iringa Region set to welcome thousands of participants, officials, and spectators during the championship period.
