Bishop Minde urges youths to protect peace
KILIMANJARO: THE Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, His Eminence Ludovick Joseph Minde, has urged Tanzanians, especially the youth, to prioritise protecting peace in the country to ensure that ongoing development benefits all citizens.
Bishop Minde delivered this message recently in Moshi while addressing motorcycle (bodaboda) and tricycle operators in Moshi Municipality.
He stated that the current development progress in Tanzania is rooted in the prevailing peace, which creates opportunities for people to engage in various growth activities.
“The youth are the strength of the nation. To serve the nation well, your priority should be to safeguard the peace that allows you to carry out your daily activities in a safe and productive environment,” he said.
He also called on young people to live free of discrimination, emphasising that Tanzania’s foundation has always been unity despite differences.
“Although we come from different religions, sects, tribes and even colours, these differences should never be used as grounds for discrimination,” he stressed.
During the meeting at Christ the King Cathedral, Father Dr Aidan Msafiri advised the ‘bodaboda’ and tricycle operators to value and protect their own lives as well as those of their passengers.
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In his talk titled “My Life and Responsibility as a Bodaboda and Bajaj Attendant in Valuing, Caring and Protecting the Gift of Life,” Fr Msafiri described life as a precious gift from Almighty God that must be safeguarded.
Meanwhile, Dr Titus Msoka from KCMC University revealed sobering statistics on road safety.
He disclosed that between 2019 and 2023, there were 10,174 bodaboda-related accidents nationwide, averaging about 2,025 accidents annually, with approximately 53 per cent resulting in deaths or injuries.
Dr Msoka attributed most accidents to excessive alcohol consumption and poor adherence to traffic laws.
“To prevent these tragedies, people should avoid alcohol and those entering the transport sector must undergo proper training,” he advised.
The Chairman of the motorcycle (bodaboda) and tricycle Operators Association in Moshi District, Mr Omar Bendera, said the association has already begun implementing educational programmes aimed at reducing frequent accidents.
Father Prosper Siayako, Chief Priest of Christ the King Parish, explained that the Bishop’s meeting with the transport operators is a routine part of his efforts to engage with various community groups to foster mutual understanding and discuss local development.
