MWANZA: President Samia Suluhu Hassan received the Uhuru Torch from this year’s race leader, Godfrey Eliakim Mnzava, at the climax of the 2024 Uhuru Torch race held at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.
During the event, the President Samia highlighted key issues, including the importance of registering to vote in the upcoming local government elections, stressing that electoral participation is a true reflection of the freedom that the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and other national heroes fought for.
As Tanzanians commemorate the 25th anniversary of the passing of the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, President Samia urged the nation to take this opportunity to reflect on and appreciate his monumental contributions to building the nation.
She noted Mwalimu Nyerere’s role was not only in uniting over 120 ethnic groups in Tanzania but also in leading liberation struggles in Southern Africa, where many nations are now celebrating their independence.
President Samia also launched the book The Philosophy of Uhuru Torch, authored by Job Lusinde and edited by Dr. Bashiru Ally.
She encouraged Tanzanians to read the book, which delves into the history of the Uhuru Torch and the principles it represents.
“The history of the Uhuru Torch is inseparable from the legacy of Mwalimu Nyerere,” President Samia remarked.
Presenting the report at the event, Ridhiwan Kikwete, from the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Empowerment, and People with Disabilities), revealed that a total of 1,595 projects, valued at 11 tr/- were inspected during the race.
Some of these projects saw the laying of foundation stones, while others were officially inaugurated.
However, 16 projects worth 8.6bn/- were rejected due to irregularities and forwarded to the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) for further investigation.
The ceremony concluded with President Samia handing over the National Flag and the Uhuru Torch to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Jacob Mkunda,, marking the next phase of the torch’s journey, which will culminate in its symbolic ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Earlier in the day, President Samia led a memorial service for Mwalimu Nyerere at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish, Nyakahoja, in Mwanza.
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