Protect country’s reputation: PM

DODOMA: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has called on Tanzanians to continue safeguarding the country’s long-standing reputation as an island of peace and a refuge for many, saying the distinction benefits not only citizens but also people across Africa and the world.

Dr Nchemba made the remarks over the weekend while officiating the 9th Quran memorisation competition in Kondoa District, Dodoma Region, where he urged citizens to uphold unity, moral values and national harmony.

The event brought together various leaders, including Kondoa Member of Parliament Dr Ashatu Kijaji, Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule, religious leaders and members of the Muslim community.

Speaking during the event, the Prime Minister encouraged Tanzanians to use the ongoing fasting period to strengthen love, maintain peace and pray for the nation while rejecting all forms of wrongdoing.

“Leaders, believers and all Tanzanians should use this fasting season and the approaching festive period to increase love, preserve peace and pray for our country and our President while rejecting all acts of evil within our nation,” he said.

He added that Tanzania has earned global recognition as a peaceful nation and a safe haven for many people facing challenges in other parts of the world.

“Tanzania is widely known as an island of peace and a refuge for many. We must continue safeguarding that reputation because it benefits all Tanzanians as well as people across Africa and the world,” Dr Nchemba said.

The Prime Minister said the government recognises the important role played by religious institutions in promoting moral values and pledged continued cooperation to ensure freedom of worship is respected.

He also stressed that platforms such as Quran memorisation competitions should not only promote healthy contest among participants but also nurture love and understanding of the Holy Quran.

Dr Nchemba said the children who participated in the competition demonstrated deep commitment to learning and living according to the teachings of God.

“In competitions like these, there is no loser. All participants are winners because they have learned, carried the Quran in their hearts and shared its teachings before us,” he said.

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He further emphasised that memorising the Quran must go hand in hand with practising its teachings in daily life.

The Prime Minister urged Quran teachers, parents and guardians to guide young people through practical examples so that they grow with godliness, good morals, integrity and values that promote unity in society.

Dr Nchemba also praised religious leaders and residents of Kondoa District for their commitment to faith and community development, while congratulating Dr Kijaji for supporting both development initiatives and religious activities in her constituency.

On her part, Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule expressed admiration for the practice of memorising the Quran by heart, saying it reflects strong commitment to preserving religious teachings.

“When you hear about preservation, you may think of books, television or computers. But these children are preserving the Quran in human hearts and this is something that should be cherished,” she said.

She added that memorising the Quran strengthens faith among young believers and helps them grow into responsible and morally upright members of society.

“These young people will grow up carrying the word of God in their hearts, making them good and righteous members of society because they have divine teachings within them,” she said.

On her part, Dr Kijaji pledged continued support for religious education programmes in her constituency, promising to expand madrasa infrastructure across the district’s 21 wards.

She said the plan is to establish at least one major learning centre in each division to help train religious scholars and youth, noting that the community is committed to raising a generation that fears God, upholds moral values and contributes positively to society.

Meanwhile, Dr Nchemba yesterday inspected the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of Sumbawanga Airport in Rukwa Region, a project aimed at strengthening air transport infrastructure and boosting economic development in the Southern Highlands zone.

The project, which began in the 2023/2024 financial year at a cost of 60.1bn/-, has reached about 96 per cent completion. Once completed, the airport is expected to handle an average of 400 passengers per day, improving the efficiency of air transport services in the region.

Speaking during the inspection, Dr Nchemba congratulated residents of Rukwa for acquiring a modern airport, saying the development reflects significant economic and social transformation taking place in the region.

He said the improvements demonstrate the government’s continued commitment under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan to invest in strategic infrastructure projects that stimulate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of citizens.