The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Tanzania, His Excellency Mr. Wiebe de Boer, made an official visit to the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC) premises in Dodoma.

The main purpose of Ambassador De Boer’s visit was to expand his understanding of the activities conducted by UTPC and its Press Clubs, as well as the working conditions for journalists in the country, particularly at the regional level.

The Ambassador was briefed in detail about UTPC’s activities through its Strategic Plan for 2023–2025, which has five main objectives. Among other things, he was informed about various efforts UTPC has been making to improve the protection and security of journalists in collaboration with other media institutions in the country, including Tanzania Police Force.

Apart from that, Ambassador De Boer was also updated on UTPC’s initiatives involving youths and young journalists through Freedom of Expression and Access to Information dialogues that stimulate discussions on social media on various topical issues.

However, the Ambassador was pleased with the various plans that UTPC has put in place to ensure that journalists acquire skills in areas of need, especially as we approach local and general elections in Tanzania. This includes skill development in Multi-Content Journalism and the use of technology for young journalists, Investigative Reporting, election reporting, and community journalism.

Lastly, ambassador also commended UTPC and its entire leadership for their ongoing work, acknowledging that there is still a significant amount of work to be done to strengthen the media industry, a task that requires substantial cooperation to make progress. He also appreciate the Tanzanian government’s cooperation in creating space and addressing some of the barriers hindering the development of the media industry.

The Kilimanjaro Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Mr. Kiseo Yusuph Nzowa, welcomed Swedish Ambassador Her Excellence Charlotta Ozaki during her visit to the Kilimanjaro Regional Press Club. 

In his opening remarks, Mr. Nzowa shared that upon his arrival in Moshi, he was eager to understand the relationship between the regional government and the journalists. He expressed his satisfaction with the positive rapport and commended the journalists for maintaining it, urging that these good relations be sustained.

Mr. Nzowa also highlighted the importance of providing training for journalists in the Kilimanjaro region to enhance their professionalism and distinguish skilled journalists from those less experienced.

Ambassador Ozaki thanked Mr. Nzowa for the warm welcome and explained that a key objective of her visit was to observe the activities of the Press Clubs and their journalists. She emphasized that freedom of expression is a critical area supported by the Swedish Embassy to improve press freedom.

Additionally, the Swedish government is supporting various other projects in Tanzania, including initiatives like Clean Cooking, EP4R, TASSAF to mention the few. 

Ambassador Charlotta will visit other two Press Clubs of Arusha and Manyara.

Following her visit to the Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner’s office, Ambassador Charlotta Ozaki visited the Media Club of Kilimanjaro (MECKI). She met with Press Club leaders and members, who briefed her on MECKI’s regional activities. The Ambassador learned that MECKI works closely with regional government officials and participates in events like World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), promoting freedom of expression and press freedom.

Ambassador Ozaki was interested in understanding the benefits MECKI members receive. It was noted that members gain professional journalism training and safety support. She also inquired about journalists’ livelihoods and learned that many are not formally employed, relying instead on transportation fares provided by news sources.

The Ambassador wanted to know the media’s role in the upcoming Tanzanian elections, questioning whether journalists face pressure and lean toward specific sides or report professionally. It was explained that election coverage often reflects the policies of individual media outlets.
Journalists expressed appreciation for President Samia’s support, which has improved their ability to report freely compared to previous periods marked by threats and intimidation.

The Ambassador also asked about challenges faced by female journalists. It was reported that sexual harassment is a significant issue for women journalists in Kilimanjaro.
Journalists were curious about Sweden’s approach to press freedom. The Ambassador explained that Sweden upholds freedom of expression as a constitutional right and has strong organizations dedicated to supporting media freedom and expression.

Residents of Kigoma Region, on June 12, 2024, have resolved to implement various important measures to ensure that freedom of expression is maintained in the region, from the family level to the national level.

These measures include the establishment of hashtag#FreedomOfExpression clubs in primary and secondary schools to enhance citizens' ability to express themselves from a young age.

These resolutions were made today by various stakeholders in the region during a community seminar aimed at promoting freedom of expression. The seminar was organized by the Kigoma Regional Press Club (KGPC) in collaboration with the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC).

Speaking at the opening of the community seminar, the guest of honor, Acting Regional Administrative Secretary of Kigoma, responsible for industry and trade, Mr. Deogratius Sangu, who represented the Regional Commissioner of Kigoma, Thobias Andengenye, said it is important for citizens and leaders to utilize this freedom of expression for the development of Kigoma Region.

UTPC President and Chairman of the Kigoma Regional Press Club, Mr. Deogratius Nsokolo, said that gaining freedom of expression is crucial as it forms the foundation for acquiring all other rights.

On his part, UTPC Executive Director Mr. Kenneth Simbaya said that development is not an individual's responsibility alone; we must see how we contribute to development by hashtag#PromotingFreedomOfExpression to provide equal opportunities for all.

This community seminar to promote freedom of expression included various stakeholders such as journalists, representatives from civil society organizations, lawyers, people with disabilities, special groups including youth, Government leaders, political party representatives, and religious leaders.

This is the second community seminar to promote freedom of expression, the first of which was held in Shinyanga Region. After Kigoma, it will proceed to Katavi and Rukwa regions.
hashtag#FreedomOfExpression hashtag#CommunitySeminar

For the 1st time in Arusha today, a ground-breaking meeting was convened to assess the state of the media sector, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Information Technology and key media stakeholders. During this historic gathering, various strategies aimed at fostering the growth of the media industry in Tanzania were presented.

Under the leadership of Hon. Nape Moses Nnauye, the Minister for Information, Communications, and Information Technology, congratulated the media stakeholders representing diverse media organizations across the country as they presented their plans to bolster the development of the media landscape in Tanzania.

In his address, Mr. Deo Nsokolo @deo_nsokolo The president of The Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC), expressed his gratitude to the Government for its efforts in enhancing the working conditions for journalists. However, he underscored the importance of sustained efforts in key areas such as ensuring the safety and security of journalists, amending Media Services Act 2016, and enhancing the welfare of journalists, since they are critical factors that could hinder the growth curve of the media sector in Tanzania.

Furthermore, Mr. Nsokolo requested for Minister Nape Nnauye to expedite the release of the report from the media economy assessment committee. This, he stressed, would enable stakeholders to promptly address the recommendations outlined in the report, thereby fostering continuous improvement within the industry.

In a final call to action, Mr. Nsokolo urged stakeholders, particularly the Government, to leverage the availability of Press Clubs across the nation as effective channels for disseminating information swiftly and efficiently to the public.

Also in his speech, the General Secretary for the Media Council of Tanzania, Mr. Ernest Sungura, outlined areas in which the MCT will collaborate with the Ministry of Information Communication and Information Technology; These include assisting in the development of good media laws and policies, conveying journalistic opinions on the National Vision 2050, promoting access to information, and overseeing journalistic ethics.

Rev. Lazaro of Evangelistic Assemblies of God Tanzania, Babati, issued a statement during the journalists' safety and security dialogue organized by the Union of Tanzania Press Club in collaboration with the Manyara Press Club.

He emphasized that the successful advocacy for the safety and security of journalists requires collaboration among religious leaders.

"Once religious leaders unite in advocating for the safety and security of journalists, we will be successful," Rev. Lazaro stated.

He advised the continuation of safety dialogues, emphasizing their pivotal role in creating a media-friendly operational environment.

The Regional Police Commander of Manyara, SACP. George Katabazi, affirmed that the police force in the region provides security to journalists to enable them to collect, write, and disseminate information to the public in a safe environment.

Speaking on the impact of the dialogues, Katabazi recalled that during the first quarter, there were no incidents of journalist arrests or any inhumane actions against them recorded in the region. He pledged the sustainability of this situation, as the force is improving by providing training to the police to adopt a peaceful approach towards journalists.

Manyara Press Club and UTPC conducted the fourth journalists' safety and security dialogue this week, bringing together the Police force, religious leaders, political leaders, lawyers, and common citizens. This move of involving other stakeholders aims to expand the advocacy efforts for the safety and security of journalists.

#SaferyOfJournalists

#FreedomOfExpression

The four-day International Conference on Early Childhood Care and Development for the East African region was inaugurated yesterday, March 11, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, with the Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Children, Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, representing President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC), through its leading journalists from 26 Press Clubs across mainland Tanzania, participated in the conference by showcasing their activities in informing the public and promoting accountability in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) through articles published in various media outlets from January 2022 to December 2023.

Furthermore, the articles by these journalists have significantly promoted accountability in various areas including Education, Health, Responsive Caregiving, Nutrition, and Child Protection and Safety.

Under the coordination and supervision of UTPC, these champion journalists reporting on ECD, have published over 1,400 articles promoting accountability and investment in the Nurturing Care of children aged 0-8, among them 293 are radio programs aired between Sept 2021 to Dec 2023, leading to the following outcomes; Medical charges for children under the age of five have been eliminated, Health centers and preschools have been built in various areas, Creches supporting breastfeeding with their infants established in engaged in small-scale businesses & local markets (e.g. in case study of Arusha) and Fathers have begun accompanying their spouses to pre and post natal clinics visits.

In addition to these presentations, other activities at the conference included the presentation of various topics related to Early Childhood Care and Development such as policies and plans from countries including Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Eritrea.

#earc2024 C2024