The Tulia Trust has announced a new approach to this year’s Traditional Dance Festival, with organisers seeking to use the event to strengthen cultural preservation while creating opportunities for young people, artists and local businesses.
The 2026 festival will be held from September 24 to 26 at Gombe Primary School grounds in Uyole Constituency, marking the 10th edition of the annual event since its launch in 2016.
Speaking to journalists on August 21, 2026, Tulia Trust Communications and Public Relations Officer Joshua Mwakanolo said this year’s festival would be held under the theme “Let Us Honour Our Culture” and would form part of celebrations marking the organisation’s 10th anniversary.
“This festival is not only about entertainment. It is also a platform for bringing together citizens and cultural stakeholders, identifying talent and encouraging young people to participate in traditional arts,” Mr Mwakanolo said.
He said the festival would contribute to preserving Tanzania’s customs, traditions and indigenous knowledge by creating an opportunity for different generations to share and learn from one another.
According to Mr Mwakanolo, traditional dances, clothing, musical instruments and other forms of indigenous art will feature prominently during the event, allowing visitors to experience the country’s cultural diversity.
He said the festival would also introduce a special area known as MKEKA WA BIBI, where older people will demonstrate their skills in traditional mat-making.
The initiative, he added, is intended not only to preserve traditional skills but also to create an income-generating opportunity for elderly people by allowing them to sell the mats they make during the festival.
Mbeya Regional Chief Chief Rocket Mwashinga commended Tulia Trust Director, Uyole MP and Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Dr Tulia Ackson for establishing the festival and supporting efforts to preserve traditional dances.
He said cultural events such as the festival were important in ensuring that Tanzania’s traditions remain relevant and are passed on to younger generations.
Meanwhile, Uyole Constituency Bajaj Drivers’ Chairman Joseph Jackson said the festival would provide economic opportunities for residents, particularly those involved in the transport sector.
Mr Jackson said bajaj drivers were prepared to work with the organisers to ensure visitors attending the festival have reliable transport throughout the three-day event.
He said the arrival of visitors and participants was expected to increase economic activity in Uyole, benefiting transport operators, traders, food vendors and other small businesses.
He urged local entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to prepare early and make use of the business opportunities expected to arise from the festival.
The 2026 edition comes as Tulia Trust marks 10 years of activities, with organisers positioning the festival not only as a celebration of Tanzania’s cultural heritage but also as a platform for community participation and local economic activity.
