Kagera residents have been urged to turn the arrival of the 2026 National Uhuru Torch into an opportunity to promote economic empowerment, peace and unity across the region.
Kagera Regional Commissioner, Colonel Yahya Ramadhani Kido, said yesterday that the torch should serve as a catalyst for development by encouraging residents to identify and take advantage of available economic opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
He made the remarks at Nyakabango Village in Muleba District during a ceremony to receive the National Uhuru Torch from Geita Region. Geita Regional Administrative Secretary Mohamed Gombati handed over the torch to his Kagera counterpart, Steven Ndanki.
The 2026 National Uhuru Torch Race Leader, Wazo Michael Mwang’onda, called on procurement institutions and Kagera’s eight councils to comply with the requirement to set aside 30 per cent of procurement opportunities for registered groups of youth, women, elderly people and persons with disabilities.
He said greater access to public procurement would enable the groups to secure business opportunities, loans and capital to establish or expand income-generating activities.
“This is an opportunity for special groups to participate meaningfully in economic activities and improve their livelihoods,” Mr Mwang’onda said.
He also urged residents to use the torch campaign to strengthen unity and development rather than fuel conflicts, saying community challenges should be addressed through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.
Colonel Kido said Kagera had registered 1,455 groups against a target of 1,200, representing 121 per cent achievement, with 54 groups already benefiting from funds set aside through public procurement.
The torch is expected to travel about 1,230 kilometres across Kagera and visit 54 development projects worth a combined Sh23.7 billion.
Of the projects, 25 will have foundation stones laid, five will be officially opened, 11 launched and 13 inspected to assess their implementation and benefits to residents.
The projects cover key sectors including water, health, education, infrastructure, energy, youth empowerment and investment.
Colonel Kido said the campaign was being conducted under the theme: “Tanzania belongs to all of us; let us unite to bring development.”
He said the campaign would also mobilise citizens to fight corruption, malaria, HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, while promoting proper nutrition.
The regional commissioner urged residents to turn out in large numbers to welcome the torch and participate in its activities, saying public involvement was essential to strengthening unity and accelerating development in Kagera.