Ifakara Health Institute is set to participate in this year’s Uhuru Torch race, scheduled for April 26th when it arrives in Ifakara Town. This participation follows an invitation extended by Kilombero District Commissioner (DC), Danstan Kyobya, during a recent 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.

While extending the invitation, the Kilombero DC, emphasized the importance of Ifakara's staff's full participation in receiving and chasing the Uhuru Torch upon its arrival in Ifakara Town. He added that their involvement presents an opportunity for the Institute to showcase its research work and projects, aligning with the thematic focus of this year's event.

The theme of the 2024 Uhuru Torch race is "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)." The torch commenced its journey in Morogoro region on April 20th, coming from Tanga Region, and is scheduled to be raced around the region for a duration of nine days.

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.