Joseph Isangura
Tanzania will pause this Friday, July 25, to reflect on the sacrifices and legacies of its patriots as the country marks National Heroes Day.
The national ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Heroes Monument in Mtumba, located in the heart of the expanding Government City of Mtumba, Dodoma.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to officiate the commemoration, leading the nation in paying tribute to the men and women who shaped Tanzania’s history through courage, service, and self-sacrifice.
Speaking to the media today, Dr. Doto Biteko — the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy — confirmed that all preparations are complete and the capital is ready to host the event.
“This is a moment for Tanzanians to reflect on the heroes who laid the foundation of our peace and unity. It is not only a remembrance, but a call to uphold their legacy,” said Dr. Biteko during a press briefing.
The day will feature a ceremonial guard of honour by the country’s security and defence forces, a symbolic tradition aimed at showing respect to the nation’s fallen and living heroes.
A midnight Heroes Torch was lit earlier this week by Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule to mark the start of the commemorative period. The flame will be extinguished at the close of the ceremony tomorrow night — a ritual that symbolises the nation’s gratitude.
National Heroes Day is more than a public holiday — it is a day of deep national reflection. Every year on July 25, Tanzanians honour individuals who made exceptional contributions to the country, particularly in the fight for independence, development, and preservation of peace.
Many of those celebrated are former members of the Tanzanian Armed Forces, police, and liberation movements. Others include statesmen, educators, and civil servants whose work continues to shape the country’s trajectory.
“This is about acknowledging the real builders of our nation — those whose efforts weren’t always in the spotlight but changed the course of our history,” Dr. Biteko emphasised.
This year’s ceremony takes on added significance by being held at the Mnara wa Mashujaa (Heroes Monument) in Mtumba. As the country’s administrative hub, Mtumba symbolises the vision of modern governance that rests on the sacrifices of past generations.
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The Heroes Monument serves as a national shrine, drawing thousands of visitors and school groups annually. It not only pays homage to past heroes but also aims to educate future generations on the values of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female head of state, is expected to deliver a keynote speech at the ceremony. Her address will likely reflect on the heroes of the past while inspiring national unity ahead of the October 2025 general elections.
Samia, who assumed office in March 2021, has consistently championed national unity and inclusive governance. Her presence at this year’s event underscores her government’s ongoing commitment to preserving historical memory while steering the country toward progressive development.
Authorities have invited all Tanzanians — both in Dodoma and across the country — to participate in the celebrations, whether physically or via national television broadcasts and live online streams.
Dr. Biteko also called on the media to intensify awareness efforts, particularly among the youth, about the day’s importance.
“It is through understanding our past that we can create a better future. Our young people must know who came before them and the price paid for the freedom they enjoy today,” he said.
