‘Twenzetu Butiama’ ride champions peace, unity

DAR ES SALAAM: A CARAVAN of 120 cyclists under the banner of “Twenzetu Butiama” coming from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania has been encouraging Tanzanians to sustain peace and exhibit patriotism.

The group began its journey in Dar es Salaam, passing through Tanga, Arusha, Manyara, Singida, Tabora, Shinyanga and Simiyu, with the final destination set for Butiama in the Mara Region.

While in Simiyu over the weekend, the cyclists donated various supplies to Sima ‘A’ Primary School, which serves children with special needs. They handed over four mobile chairs, 10 walking sticks, 20 beds, 40 blankets and planted 100 trees at the school.

Before heading to Mara, the caravan leader Gabriel Landa emphasised that their ride aims to promote peace, patriotism, unity and solidarity across the nation.

He added that the expedition is also meant to support improvements in healthcare, education and environmental conservation hence the educational supplies, blood donations and tree-planting initiatives.

ALSO READ: Motorcyclists warned against alcohol abuse 

Mr Landa noted that the trek also honours the nation’s founding father, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, who advocated for patriotism, unity, solidarity and peace to unite Tanzanians. “Our main message and primary goal with this ride is to inspire peace in our country. We urge Tanzanians to maintain patriotism, unity and solidarity and to protect our national value Peace,” he stated.

Mr Straton Mchao, Manager for Vodacom’s Tanganyika Region and one of the sponsors, said the event upholds Nyerere’s legacy through action.

He explained that Vodacom Foundation has supported the ride as part of their efforts to assist the government in improving educational services by providing aids to children with special needs. “Additionally, we’ve participated in environmental conservation by planting trees along our entire route including the 100 trees at this school and we’ve donated to enhance healthcare services,” he added.

Ms Deborah Okito from Congo, one of the participants, said Tanzanians should continue valuing peace, as it allows them to go about their activities freely unlike in her home country. She shared that this ride taught her the importance of peace and made her envious of Tanzanians.

“I’m very happy to be part of this trip. Honestly, Tanzanians are hospitable and peaceful; everyone works freely. It’s entirely different from back home in Congo, where you can’t even do something like this ride. Please, protect this peace vigorously,” she urged.