MAONYESHO YA MIAKA 50 YA UHURU IRINGA

Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Iringa Dk, Christine Ishogoma (kulia) alipotembelea banda la maonyesho la chuo cha Tumaini Iringa(picha na Sixtus Bahati)

IMTU student march to Education ministry

Students of International Medical and Technological University yesterday marched to the Education and Vocational Training Ministry to air their grievances over fee payment terms.

The students want the government to state the agreement reached in resolving their crisis including quoting and charging University fees in Tanzanian shillings and not in dollars.

IMTU Students Organization (IMTUSO) President Yared Birage Chacha said they want the government to give a statement on its stance for them to know the conditions agreed upon with the university administration.

“Nothing has changed so far …about 600 students remain suspended from college for the third month and the fees are still being charged in dollars,” he said.

He said that they are still required to pay a medical fee of 100 USD per student while they have health insurance cards which they use for medical services.

“The claims that IMTU has resolved students crisis is not true,” said Chacha

He said the university was using informal means to communicate with parents and guardians regarding the students who were not at the university.

Chacha said that they have presented their demand to the Minister of Education but had not received any response.

Last week, IMTU Vice Chancellor Prof Joseph Shija said a special meeting between the university council and government officials under the chairmanship of Dr Kawambwa met on October 31 to resolve students’ crisis.

He said three main issues were agreed upon as a basis for the resolution of the crisis.

It was agreed that all students not directly involved in the boycott should be invited to rejoin the university and register in accordance with the university council’s directives.

He said those summoned for a disciplinary process would be given another chance for hearing sessions by a disciplinary body.

He urged the students to report to the university and continue registering and sit for examinations as per the amended almanac. Others who have been given a deadline until November 9 will be directed to the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor administration or dean of students for further advice.

Regarding the students already registered and at the campus since the new academic year, which started on October 3, he said the council had approved the formation of an interim students’ organisation of seven members elected by an emergency general assembly held at the campus on October 26 to represent the interests of over 400 registered students.

On fees, he said it was agreed that the Vignan Educational Foundation (VEF) board of trustees, who are owners of the university, would reconsider the modalities of admitting Tanzanian and foreign students and their respective fee structure.

The move is meant to establish a pattern that will be more favourable to Tanzanian students on fee payment in relation to that paid by foreign students in the next academic year.

“We have a local representative of the VEF who participated fully in our meetings. He will present the issue before top management meetings in India,” he stated.

However the VC said it was very expensive to run a university whose major source of income was fees.

“We have a lot of activities such as paying salaries, buying modern equipment, medical services and meeting students’ costs when attending clinical classes. All these need more money as prices have gone up,” he noted.

Clinical classes are conducted at Mirembe Hospital in Dodoma, Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) Muhimbili National Hospital, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Temeke, Amana and Ilala hospitals - all located in Dar es Salaam.

On the issue of options of transfer for students wishing to join other institutions, it was agreed that the TCU assist the process and the IMTU administration facilitate the provision of academic and other relevant information.

Prof Shija urged all returning students and those already at the campus to live and work in harmony.

There are currently over 400 students who have re-registered and continuing with their studies at the university, while over 50 others at still suspended.

posted by sixtus bahati

POLICE ARREST CHADEMA TOP BRASS

Secretary general of Chadema,DrWilbroad Slaa(R)and Singida East MP Tundu Lissu at the Arusha Resident Magistrate Court yestarday.

Police in Arusha Region yesterday arrested Chadema top leaders including Dr Wilbroad Slaa, the party’s secretary general and Singida East MP Tundu Lissu, members and supporters for unlawful assembly and demonstration.

Some of them were later released on bail after appearing before the Arusha Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Before the arrests, the police dispersed Chadema supporters who had spent the night at NMC grounds singing and dancing the entire night, demanding the release of remanded Arusha Urban lawmaker Godbless Lema.

Explosions of tear gas rocked Arusha city’s Unga Limited at around 3.30am, lasting for almost one hour as police using live ammunition, battled to disperse the crowd.

Confirming the incident Acting Arusha Police Commander Akili Mpwapwa said 20 people were arrested including Chadema secretary general Dr Wilbroad Slaa, and Singida East MP Tundu Lissu.

“They have been arrested because they have assembled and demonstrated unlawfully,” 

                           Posted by Sixtus Bahati

EXIM BENKI YALETA HUDUMA TUMAINI.....

Benki ya exim yasogeza huduma za kifedha kwa wanafunzi na wafanyakazi chuo cha Tumaini Iringa.
(photo by Sixtus Bahati)

Germany government denote Tanzania 60 mil Euro

By Elisha Magolanga 

The 60 mil Euro have denoted by The German government to support the development projects to Public Private Partnership (PPPs) in Tanzania.

The word was spoken by the German ambassador in country Mrs Gisela Habel when launching the Partnership Landscape Analysis report done by German International Development Agency or Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

Gisela said that the German government works hand to hand with Tanzania to provide international corporation service for sustainable development of Tanzania country.

Early on July 2010 the GIZ conducted the Partnership Landscape Analysis on behalf of the German Ministry for Economic Corporation and Development (BMZ) with the aim of providing an overview of the policy and the regulatory frame work for the partnership involving the private sector in Tanzania.

“The study also looks at the potential for strengthening development partnership with an assessment of possible entry points and useful experiences as well as opportunities and challenges of such partnerships” said the ambassador.

Remarking on the launching of the report, the GIZ Country Director Dr. Axel Doerken said that the report aims at exploring the enabling environment for partnerships between different stakeholders in Tanzania by providing an overview of the policy and regulatory frame work for partnership involving the private sector in Tanzania.       

  

The GIZ Country Director added that the most important among them is the Development Bank (KFW) which provides the so called financial cooperation.

He added that Besides the German government, GIZ receive also commissions by other clients, international organization (EU, World Bank), international NGOs (Bill MELINDA Gates Foundation) or directly by partner countries.

Dr. Doerken said that the priority areas of German Development Corporation in the bilateral support to Tanzania include health and HIV/AIDS, water, local governance, corporation with East African Community (EAC) in Arusha to support the East African integration process, and supporting the humanitarian refugees’ operations in UNHCR/BMZ Partnership program in Kigoma and Rukwa regions.

Commenting on water program he said GIZ has based on institutional and legal reform, regulation of water supply and sanitation authorities (EWURA), pro poor water supply in urban areas, capacity development (WMDI) and climate change, and water resources management.

Giving final remarks and closing the function, The Director, Private Sector Development, Investment and Empowerment Division, Prime Minister’s office Madam Juliana Lema said that the private sector participation can make contribution to development in various ways through core business activities as well as investment activities hence appreciate the GIZ report.

Madam Lema added that as acknowledge in the report, Tanzania is not exceptional. The government approved the Public Private Partnerships Policy in November, 2009 where by the PPPs lays out the required legal, regulatory and institutional framework for effective implementation of PPPs.

“It is on these grounds that I concur with the recommendations of the study that we need capacity building to put in place systems for PPPs as well as imparting necessary skills. Also the need for change of mindset across all sectors, awareness building and enhancing PPPs opportunities in various sectors are also important. The study has also pointed many useful recommendations in the process of developing PPSs in the health and water sector” said Madam Lema.

David Cameron quote J.K.Nyerere statement, "who controls money also controls politics."


By Frank Kimaro


David Cameron giving his speech in london(photo from internet)

 

When Mwalimu Nyerere addressed attendants at the President’s Forum in Claremonton California in early 1999 he said: “Unless this (economic liberation) is done, our political independence will always be in danger – who controls money, they say, also controls politics.”

The remarks made by UK Prime Minister David Cameron last week that all recipients of aid from Britain should respect gay rights prove that what Mwalimu Nyerere was right- he who controls money controls politics.

In Tanzania homosexuality is a criminal offence according to Article 9 section 1 and 3 of the Constitution. Ironically, the law was inherited from the country’s former colony master, Britain, which today asks Tanzania to remove the same law.

Nevertheless, earlier this year, the country, through the Tanzania Film Censorship Board under the Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, HYPERLINK "http://allafrica.com/stories/201104290191.html" barred 'Mtoto wa Mama' film amongst other five local films from public showing, explaining that the films were promoting homosexuality, which is a criminal offence in Tanzania.

Premier Cameron’s remarks attracted furious reaction from various individuals, including religious leaders, academicians and government officials from aid recipient countries. Here are just some:

Prof. Mwesiga Baregu (Political Science and Public Administration lecturer at Saint Augustine University):

The statement made by British Prime Minister Cameron reveals either his naivete or outright unfitness for the position he holds. It was blatantly arrogant, offensive and inflammatory.

This can only be counterproductive politically, in terms of damaging the Commonwealth and diplomatically in terms of souring relations with African and other non-western countries. Nevertheless it is a timely and unfortunately badly needed rude wake-up call for all African leaders who have adopted begging as part of the regular diplomatic agenda.

Even resource rich countries such as Tanzania spend lots of time and energy honing and fine-tuning their begging skills instead of fortifying and sharpening their negotiation skills. I hope that lesson will not be lost on all of us; for it proves, once again, the old adage - he who pays the piper calls the tune! Aid is AIDS. Wake up Africa, you are being ....!! 

Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Bernard Membe

“Tanzania is ready to end diplomatic ties with Britain if it imposes conditions on the assistance it provides to pressurize for adoption of laws that recognize homosexuality.

The UK’s demands are contrary to Tanzania’s cultural traditions and laws. We cannot be directed by the United Kingdom to do things that are against our set laws, culture and regulations.

We are guided by our tradition. We have families of a mother, a father and children. What Cameron is doing might lead to the collapse of the Commonwealth”

Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohammed Shein

“The condition of accepting homosexuality conflicts Zanzibar’s ideals and Islamic religion thus it is simply not acceptable. To us here in Zanzibar that is next to impossible.

We can not compromise our deeply rooted culture or doing something which completely against our religion…… Let them cut off aid.”

Polycarp Cardinal Pengo (Archbishop of Dar es Salaam in the Catholic Church)

Homosexuality is a curse before God and as a religious leader, there is no way I can support the practice.

This country is rich in natural resources such that there is no point to be bulldozed and culturally distorted for the sake of aid. If the available resources would be well managed and utilized, we can sufficiently meet the country’s financial needs.

Archbishop Valentino Mokiwa, head of Anglican Church

“Homosexuality is an unacceptable practice among African societies.”

Archbishop Dr Alex Malasusa, head of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT)

“Allowing homosexuality is like justifying Sodom and Gomorra that were both wiped out by God, according to the Bible.

Mufti Issa bin Shaaban Simba

“We Africans, just like any other human beings, have our own culture and tradition as well as our own religions and beliefs which we are entitled to respect and protect them as well.”

UK High Commissioner to Tanzania Diane Louise Corner

‘I think the Prime Minister’s words have been taken out of context. The UK will not enforce such conditionality in Tanzania nor will it suspend development aid to the country.

The assessment on aid eligibility is done on other aspects as well, such as government’s commitment to poverty reduction and reaching other millennium goals, improving public welfare, and the accountability to the citizens it serves.

“Now, in regard to such criteria, Tanzania is doing ‘pretty good’ that it doesn’t make sense to simply say UK would cut the aid for just one unfulfilled aspect. Even other indexes such as that of Mo Ibrahim, shows Tanzania is doing very well on human rights.”

Uganda’s Ugandan presidential adviser, John Nagenda to BBC’s newshour programme

“UK is showing some “bullying mentality. Uganda is, if you remember, a sovereign state and we are tired of being given these lectures by other people.”

If they must take their money, so be it. Ugandans are tired of these lectures and should not be treated like children.

Ghanaian President John Atta Mills

“Mr Cameron was entitled to his views, but he did not have the right to direct other sovereign nations as to what they should do.

Ghana's societal norms differ from those of the UK, and as the country’s president, I will never initiate or support any attempt to legalize homosexuality in Ghana.

Accra State House communications chief, Koku Anyidoho, supported his boss saying: “The government would not compromise its morals for money.”