PM calls for stronger patriotism

ARUSHA: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has called public education producers and stakeholders to actively disseminate information that promotes patriotism, national pride and a strong sense of responsibility among Tanzanians to protect the country from external influence.

The Premier cautioned against a growing trend in which many young people are easily swayed by individuals whose intentions do not align with the nation’s interests, expressing concern over a decline in patriotism.

Dr Mwigulu made the remarks yesterday in Arusha while officiating the opening of the 110th Conference of public education producers and stakeholders, organised by the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) under the theme: “We Are Tanzania, One Nation, One Goal.”

He said the theme reflects a call for genuine commitment and a renewed pledge of patriotism aimed at strengthening public trust, reinforcing national unity and promoting transparency and accountability for the country’s development.

“Our youths today are easily manipulated, to the extent that one wonders what would have happened during the struggle for independence if such youths existed. Nations that lose direction first lose their sense of nationhood. This theme should therefore inspire us to intensify public education to protect our identity and national resources,” he stressed.

Dr Mwigulu also raised concern over malpractice in the mining sector, noting that some Tanzanians acquire mining licences only to hand them over to foreigners, thereby facilitating tax evasion and mineral smuggling.

“This is not patriotism,” he stressed. He further called on the stakeholders to adopt more innovative approaches in communicating the country’s development progress, the new national vision and government plans for the next 25 years, to ensure citizens remain well informed.

“Public education is essential in building national pride and a sense of ownership among citizens. We must analyse and clearly explain the country’s development trajectory, these are the foundations of national dignity. We have no other country; we must unite all Tanzanians,” he said.

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On TBC, the Prime Minister assured that the government will strengthen oversight of the relevant ministry’s budget to enable the national broadcaster to achieve 100 per cent audiosity both locally and internationally.

He also urged TBC to expand its digital presence in order to effectively engage young people with accurate and appealing content.

In another development, Dr Mwigulu said the government is finalising a procedure that will require all leaders and public servants to be accountable in addressing citizens’ concerns, including submitting monthly performance reports, with strict measures to be taken against non-compliance.

He further expressed his condolences following the death of the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities) and Isimani Member of Parliament, William Lukuvi, who passed away yesterday in Dodoma.

“Just recently, I was with him discussing a regional commissioners’ meeting I was scheduled to officiate today (yesterday). Upon arrival this morning, I was informed his condition had worsened and shortly afterwards, I received news of his passing,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, said the government is committed to increasing TBC’s audiosity from the current 87 per cent to 100 per cent.

He added that plans are underway to position Tanzania as a media hub in Africa, including the establishment of TBC stations in at least 10 countries, among them Kenya, Egypt and South Africa.

“The conference theme seeks to eliminate religious, political and ethnic divisions while reinforcing our shared national identity.