Kagera urged to seize govt opportunities, safeguard peace

KAGERA: THE Uhuru Torch Leader, Mr Wazo Michael Mwang’onda, has urged residents in Kagera Region’s eight councils to fully utilise economic opportunities provided by the sixth phase government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to improve their livelihoods.

He also called on wananchi to safeguard peace and unity, stressing that stability remains vital for development.

Mr Mwang’onda made the remarks on Monday as the Uhuru Torch kicked off its race in Bukoba Municipal Council, where it launched, inspected and inaugurated about seven development projects worth 9.6m/-.

“Peace is of paramount importance. All Tanzanians have a duty to protect and maintain it at all costs. We should not allow political or religious differences to divide us,” he said.

He further urged youth and other special groups to seize opportunities available through government empowerment loans by forming and registering groups to qualify for the support.

“The government is committed to empowering youths to improve their lives. They should organise themselves into registered groups to benefit from these loans,” he said.

At Kashai Ward, the Torch launched a youth project—Majengo Vijana Furniture which recently received a 20m/- empowerment loan from Bukoba Municipal Council.

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Bukoba District Commissioner, Mr Erasto Sima, said 164 youth groups have been registered, exceeding the target by reaching 103 per cent.

The Torch was earlier received at Nyakabango Secondary School in Muleba District before starting its journey across the region.

It will pass through Bukoba Municipal Council, Bukoba District Council, Biharamulo, Muleba, Ngara, Karagwe, Kyerwa and Missenyi, covering about 1,230 kilometres.

Mr Sima urged residents to turn out in large numbers to participate in activities planned along the route. In total, the Torch will oversee the launch, inspection and inauguration of 54 development projects worth 23.07bn/- across the region.

The race is expected to conclude on September 6 in Biharamulo District, where the Torch will be handed over to Kigoma Region.

This year’s theme is: “Tanzania belongs to all of us: Let us unite to bring development,” highlighting the role of unity, peace and hard work in achieving sustainable national growth