Last June, the US vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza to halt civilian casualties, arguing it was not tied to the release of Israeli hostages. Days later, an animal welfare group in the United Kingdom urged the government to provide mandatory financial support for retired…
We arrived in Mererani around noon and caught sight of a Martial Eagle high in the sky over its preferred territory. Eagles are known to rule the skies, each shaped by evolution for a specific form of dominance. It all happened while we were birdwatching. As we walked along the riverbank, we were fortunate to…
The line moves fast till I commit,Then freezes as if proud of it.Someone cuts in “just to ask,”Suddenly patience is a task. I rehearse speeches, none get used,I smile politely, deeply bruised.Justice lives in private thought,While silence keeps the peace I bought. The clerk leaves briefly, returns slow,As if the queue should somehow grow.Time stretches,…
Roses are so beautiful,Lavish, luxuriousA dreamy fragrance that takes you to a faraway place. How it endures,When it is being rained upon,Its petal tender on the cheeks,Breathing of love and joyHow it unfurls and blossoms in the eventideAs the glimpse of moon radiates its love On graves it bows and weeps, white, pink, red,Petals that…
My Sunday mornings in India as a medical student contained many special moments of discourse with a dear friend of mine, Sanjay (currently an interventional cardiologist in the United States). While most students would either be sleeping in or be recovering from hangovers, my friend and I would meet up early for breakfast and discuss…
Two weeks ago, I spent a night at one of the relatively decent accommodation facilities in the fast-growing township of Makambako, which straddles the Iringa–Mbeya–Zambia highway. The town is also a strategic junction connecting to Njombe and Songea and onward to other southern regions. I had arrived at the facility a few minutes before midnight,…
Issa Michuzi’s reel on Instagram has been disturbing most Tanzanian viewers. Le Bucheron , a 1970 song by Franklin Bokaka wails in the background. Franklin Boukaka was a Congolese musician believed to have been murdered by dictator President Mobutu in 1972, aged 31. Le Bucheron questions the reality of African independence (“Dipanda” in Lingala). In…
As the seasons of fasting and reflection—Ramadan and Lent—bring changes in eating patterns, they also coincide with a familiar nuisance: coughs, colds and flu-like illnesses. While modern medicine remains essential for severe infections, there is growing interest in how simple kitchen remedies can support the body especially in the early stages of illness. Three humble…
I have been prompted to write about Air Tanzania following the release of the Controller and Auditor General (CAG)’s report which, among other findings, disclosed a loss of Sh 191.19 billion during the 2024/25 financial year, bringing the accumulated loss to Sh 748 billion. I will not delve into the causes of this loss, as…
In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere—phones, tablets, televisions and computers. While technology has made learning and entertainment more accessible, excessive screen time in children has become a growing concern for both parents and healthcare professionals. Understanding how screen use affects children is essential for promoting healthy development. Young children, especially those under five years…
