Ifakara Health Institute took in this year’s Uhuru Torch race on April 26th when it arrived in Ifakara Town. This participation followed an invitation extended by Kilombero District Commissioner (DC), Danstan Kyobya, during a visit to the institute's branch offices on April 19, 2024.

Over the years, Ifakara has actively engaged in the Uhuru Torch races, notably in Bagamoyo in 2019, and 2022 and in Ifakara in 2023, collaborating with local government district officials and residents for these events.

The race offered an opportunity for the Institute to showcase its research work and projects, aligning with the theme of the 2024 "Take care of the environment and participate in local government elections for the construction of a sustainable nation (Tunza mazingira na shiriki uchaguzi wa Serikali za Mitaa kwa ujenzi wa Taifa endelevu)."

Kilombero celebrations

Ifakara staff took part in the he Uhuru Torch celebrations at Mang’ula, Kilombero, where the Vector Sphere research facility team based at the Ifakara branch showcased the institute's research activities and conducted free malaria testing for the community members.

Pwani celebrations

Ifakara's Vector Control and Product Testing unit based in Bagamoyo participated in the Chalinze celebrations, exhibiting various research projects. The event, attended by district council leaders, provided an opportunity for networking and knowledge exchange for possible future collaboration with the Chalinze District Council.

About the Uhuru Torch
The Uhuru Torch, known as Mwenge wa Uhuru in Swahili, is one of the national symbols of Tanzania. It has the design of a kerosene torch, which symbolizes freedom and light.

The Uhuru Torch was raised at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro on December 9, 1961, by the hero Brigadier Alexander Nyirenda, symbolizing the enlightenment of the nation transcending borders to bring hope amidst despair, love where there is enmity and respect amid hatred. Brigadier Nyirenda's gesture aimed to instill pride in the nation and nurture a spirit of unity among Tanzanians, emphasizing the values of perseverance, mutual affection, respect, and collaboration.

Annually, the Uhuru Torch race is organized, spanning various locations across the nation in commemoration of this historic event.