Using my business managements skills and journalistic expertise, I do challenge and influence people's ways of thinking and doing things. I am given to looking for new ways of tackling life challenges. My weekly newspaper column - Maswali Magumu (Tough Questions) and my blog (Utakapojua Hujui Ndipo Utakapojua) - both done in Kiswahili (Tanzania's national language) serve as my main analytical tools for change making in my society.
I am very fond of my home and birth place, Kamachumu; where I was nurtured, schooled and taught about life norms and etiquettes. This is a rural ward in Muleba district, Kagera region, North Western Tanzania. It is blessed with beautiful hills and grasslands, large rocks and rare species of birds. Its fertile soil makes it possible for various agricultural products to grow, mainly bananas, coffee, maize, beans, yams and a variety of fruits.
I want to see a free and democratic society led by responsible, patriotic and trustworthy leaders; sustained by informed citizenry. I would like to be part of the process working to bring to an end laws that hinder freedom of speech and association in Tanzania.
Award winning journalist with experience as reporter, editor and media manager; trained in philosophy and business management. Worked with Habari Corporation (1997-2002), Mwananchi Comunications (2002-2004); Consultant with IDEA (2002-todate); Staff for Highway Africa News Agency since 2003; Reporter for Media24 of South Africa (2001-2004); Correspondent for eAfrica Magazine of the South Africa Institute of International Affairs (2003-2004). Winner: Panos/GKP Media Award (2003); Finalist: African ICT Achievers Award - Excellence in ICT Journalism (2007). Fellowship winner for: National Press Foundation Fellowship (USA); The 4th IAS Conference in Sydney, Australia, July 2007; Kaiser Foundation Fellowship (USA): The xvi international HIV/AIDS conference in Toronto, Canada, August 2006; World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva, Switzerland (2003), Tunis, Tunisia (2005); World Bank Institute Fellowship (USA): The 3rd World Water Forum in Kyoto, Japan (2003).
