Uhuru Torch leader drums for patriotism, support for development

RUKWA: THE leader of the 2024 National Uhuru Torch race, Mr Godfrey Mzava, has urged Rukwa citizens and all Tanzanians to maintain their patriotism and support the government in executing development projects.

Mr Mzava made these remarks at various events during the Uhuru Torch race in Sumbawanga and Kalambo districts of Rukwa Region.

“I call upon Tanzanians from all walks of life to support the government’s development efforts. It is essential for everyone to be patriotic and nationalistic,” he emphasised.

He further assured that the government remains committed to funding various development projects to ensure the sustainability of health, education and water services for citizens.

“I encourage citizens to continue trusting the government, as it is actively working on implementing various development schemes to sustain social services,” he noted.

Mr Mzava also urged residents of Rukwa Region to properly manage the development projects in their areas.

“The government is securing funds for projects that will greatly benefit the people. I urge everyone to take good care of these projects,” he stressed.

The Uhuru Torch race that began its journey through four councils in Rukwa Region on September 5 will end its race in the region today.

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During its tour, the torch inspected, launched and laid foundations for 32 development projects valued at over 16.85bn/-.

The race covered a distance of 520.2 kilometres in the region.

The Uhuru Torch is a national symbol in Tanzania, representing freedom, equality, integrity, respect for human dignity, peace, hope and the unity between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

It was first lit on National Independence Day, December 9, 1961, by Tanzania’s first President, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and later taken to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro as a symbol of national illumination.

The torch aims to promote nationalism, illuminate the nation and combat poverty, inequality, illiteracy, diseases, ethnicity and racialism.

Since its inception, the torch has been carried across the country annually from March to October, passing through all districts to enhance development activities.

The government allocates a budget for the nationwide run under the President’s Office, which also appoints the torch-running team and its leaders.