Union of Tanzania Press Clubs

A Visit to Media Club of Kilimanjaro: After visiting the Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner’s office, Ambassador Charlotta Ozaki visited the Media Club of Kilimanjaro (MECKI). During her visit, she met with Press Club leaders and members and she was briefed about the activities that MECKI implement in Kilimanjaro region. The Ambassador was informed that the Media Club of Kilimanjaro has continued to work in close collaboration with the regional government officials in different areas. The Press Club also outlined its participation in events that contribute to the growth of freedom of expression and press freedom, such as the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) at the regional level. Among other things, Ambassador Charlotta wanted to understand the benefits that members receive from being the member of the press Club. One member mentioned that through the press  club, they receive professional training on journalism skills and also support in ensuring the safety of members. Additionally, the Ambassador wanted to know how journalists make their living. It was explained that many journalists are not formally employed and thus rely on transportation fares provided by news sources. Regarding the coming elections in Tanzania, the Ambassador wanted to know the role of the media in elections, whether they are pressured to lean towards one side or if they report with professionalism. It was explained that election reporting often depends heavily on the policies of media outlets. However, journalists expressed their gratitude for the opportunity provided by President Samia, which allows journalists to report freely, unlike in the past when journalists were fearful due to threats and intimidations. The Ambassador also wanted to know what challenges female journalists face while at work. It was explained that one of the major challenges faced by women journalists in Kilimanjaro is sexual harassment. Journalists also wanted to know from the Ambassador what strategies have helped countries like Sweden achieve press freedom and freedom of expression. The Ambassador responded that Sweden respects its constitution, and freedom of expression is a constitutional issue that must be well upheld. Additionally, Sweden has strong organizations that support freedom of expression and media freedom. @SuluhuSamia @wizarahmth @JerrySilaa @SweAmbTZ @SwedeninTZ @unescodar @IMSforfreemedia @ImsTanzania @KSimbaya @deo_nsokolo

“Nawashukuru sana UTPC na THRDC kwa msaada wanaoendelea kutoa kwa waandishi wa habari wanapokumbana na vitisho, unyanyasaji na madhila mbalimbali wakati wa kutekeleza majukumu yao. Kesi yangu ilisimamiwa vizuri sana na UTPC na THRDC mpaka nikashinda kesi hiyo" — Francis Godwin, Mwandishi wa Habari. #IDEI2026

“Jeshi la Polisi lisitegemee taarifa zilizokwishaandaliwa na kusambazwa mitandaoni pekee. Waandishi wanahitaji fursa ya kuuliza maswali, kufuatilia matukio na kuthibitisha taarifa ili wananchi wapate habari sahihi.” — Francis Godwin, Mwandishi wa Habari. #IDEI2026

“Zamani Iringa, waandishi walikuwa wakikutana na makamanda wa polisi kupata na kuthibitisha taarifa. Ni muhimu kurejesha utaratibu huu ili waandishi waweze kuuliza maswali na kupata taarifa moja kwa moja.” — Francis Godwin, Mwandishi wa Habari. #IDEI2026

"Waandishi wa habari ni vyema wakajitambua ikiwemo mazingira wanayofanyia kazi lakini pia kuwepo na sera maalumu kwa waandishi wa habari wanapofanya kazi kwenye mazingira hatarishi" - Egbert Mkoko - University of Dar es Salaam @EgbertMkoko

“Uwajibikaji si jukumu la Serikali pekee. Hata wananchi wana wajibu wa kusimama na waandishi wa habari wanapokamatwa, kunyanyaswa au kufanyiwa vitendo vya ukatili. Uwajibikaji unapaswa kuwepo katika ngazi zote: wananchi, Serikali, Bunge na vyombo vya habari" - Ernest Sungura - Katibu Mtendaji, MCT #IDEI2026

“Usalama wa waandishi wa habari unaanzia kwa mwandishi mwenyewe. Ni muhimu kila mwandishi kupata elimu ya kutambua mazingira anayofanyia kazi, kutathmini hatari zinazoweza kujitokeza na kuchukua hatua za kujilinda.” — @NevilleMeena , Mwenyekiti wa RUJAT. #IDEI2026

“Katika mazingira ya vurugu, koti lenye maandishi ya PRESS linaweza kumtambulisha mwandishi wa habari na kumlinda. Hata hivyo, katika mazingira mengine, utambulisho huo unaweza kumfanya kuwa mlengwa wa mashambulizi.” — @NevilleMeena , Mwenyekiti wa RUJAT. #IDEI2026

“Mwandishi wa habari anapaswa kutathmini mazingira ya usalama kabla ya kuamua kuvaa au kutovaa koti la PRESS. Uamuzi huo usifanywe kwa mazoea, bali kwa kuzingatia hatari zilizopo ili kulinda maisha yake wakati wa kazi.” — @NevilleMeena Mwenyekiti wa RUJAT. #IDEI2026

“Ibara ya 18 ya Katiba inalinda uhuru wa habari, lakini utekelezaji wake unakabiliwa na changamoto za baadhi ya sheria, zikiwemo MSA, Cyber Crimes Act, Access to Information Act, EPOCA, Electronic and Postal Communications, eh, Act pamoja na kanuni zake"- Paul Kisabo #IDEI2026

“Nawahimiza waandishi wa habari kutekeleza majukumu yao kwa maadili, ukweli, usahihi na maslahi ya umma. Tujenge mazingira ambayo Serikali haiogopi kuulizwa maswali, na waandishi hawaogopi kuyauliza kwa kuzingatia sheria.” — Hon. Heri James, RC Iringa #IDEI2026