Samia to begin six-day tour of Ruvuma 

RUVUMA:  PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan will begin a six-day working visit to Ruvuma Region tomorrow, with a focus on inspecting development projects, visiting historical sites and engaging with local communities.

Ruvuma, known as one of Tanzania’s key food baskets, plays a crucial role in the country’s agricultural production, particularly in Maize, Rice, Cassava, Beans, Sorghum, Finger Millet, Pigeon Peas and Sweet Potatoes production.

Songea District Commissioner Kapenjama Ndile told the Sunday News yesterday in phone interview that President’s visit will kick off from 23 September – 28 September, whereby on the first day will begin with an inspection of Songea Airport, where over 37bn/- has been invested in upgrades to boost the region’s infrastructure and facilitate agricultural exports.

After the airport inspection, President Samia will visit historical sites, including the Heroes’ Grounds, where 67 Ngoni people were executed by German colonial forces and buried in a mass grave.

She will also visit the tomb of Songea Mbano, the town’s founding chief, who was executed by the Germans. His decapitated head remains in Germany, drawing historical importance to the site.

“President Samia will also attend the closing ceremony of the third National Cultural Festival in Songea at Maji Maji Stadium. The festival, which was opened by Minister of Culture, Arts and Sports Damas Ndumbaro on September 20, aims to celebrate Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage and emphasise the importance of national values and ethics,” he said.

Mr Ndile further said from September 24, President Samia will travel to various districts within the Ruvuma Region, including Songea, Mbinga, Nyasa, Namtumbo and Tunduru.

In Songea, which has three administrative councils and constituencies, the Head of State will visit the Songea Municipality, Songea District Council and Madaba.

“The tour will provide an opportunity for the President to visit and inspect development projects that support the region’s agricultural productivity and meet local citizens to discuss their challenges.” Said Mr Ndile.

President Samia will hold three public rallies during her visit: one in Nyasa District on September 26, another in Tunduru on September 27 and the final major rally on September 28 at Majimaji Stadium in Songea Municipality, where she will address the residents of Songea, Ruvuma and the nation.

Ruvuma Regional Commissioner Colonel Ahmed Abbas Ahmed said that the region is fully prepared to welcome President Samia, with security measures in place.

He encouraged residents to turn out in large numbers to greet the President and showcase the renowned hospitality of the region, which is critical to Tanzania’s food security.

Residents of Ruvuma have expressed their gratitude and excitement for the President’s visit. Dotnata Konva, a resident of Peramiho in Songea, said, “We warmly welcome President Samia to the Ruvuma Region and thank her for the various development projects taking place here, including schools, hospitals and roads.”

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Rodrick Luyiga, a Songea resident, added, “Business is thriving because traders have a responsibility to pay taxes and contribute to the country’s development. In terms of education, we are grateful that school fees have been abolished for primary and secondary schools. Any small contributions, such as purchasing uniforms, notebooks and pens, are normal parental duties, not the government’s or schools’ responsibility.”

Hassan Nyoni, another Songea resident, echoed the sentiment, saying, “We warmly welcome our President to Ruvuma and we thank her for the development we are witnessing. As bodaboda riders, we work freely.”

Hassan Mbunda, an elder from Songea, added, “We welcome President Samia and hope she can meet with the elders of Songea because elders are everything and we pray for her health and success.”

In the final day of her tour, she will also feature an internal meeting with Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) women’s wing (UWT).