SUMBAWANGA: THE Minister for Youth Development Joel Nanauka has said the 2026 Uhuru Torch Race continued to encourage Tanzanians to safeguard peace, maintain national unity and participate in development activities.
Speaking at the climax of the annual race held today at Mandela Memorial Stadium in Sumbawanga, Rukwa Region, Nanauka said the Uhuru Torch had also urged citizens to respect the country’s institutions and protect national resources.
He said the torch had visited a total of 1,337 development projects worth more than TSh 1 trillion, covering sectors including health, water, roads, industries, agriculture, good governance and youth empowerment.
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Nanauka added that this year’s theme, “Tanzania Belongs to All of Us: Let Us Unite to Bring Development,” aimed to strengthen national solidarity. Citizens were also sensitised on combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and drug abuse, as well as protecting the environment.
He congratulated the six young people who led this year’s race under the leadership of Wazo Michael Mngonda for carrying the Uhuru Torch across 24,876.7 kilometres, covering 115 regions and local government authorities across the country.
Nanauka said that during the 195-day race, citizens were encouraged to protect peace and the environment, with more than 23 million trees planted through cooperation between the public and the government.