ECONOMIC activity slowed across several parts of Tanzania yesterday as concerns over threatened nationwide protests prompted many businesses to close temporarily and some residents to remain indoors, despite authorities reporting that the situation remained peaceful throughout the country.

A survey conducted by The Guardian found that although major cities experienced reduced commercial activity, deserted markets, and fewer public transport services, there were no significant security incidents.

Police maintained a visible presence in key urban centres, reassuring the public and monitoring strategic locations.

Jumanne Muliro,  Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander commended residents for remaining calm and ignoring what he described as misleading messages circulated on social media.

“Overall, the situation is good,” Muliro said, noting that joint security patrols were part of the police force’s constitutional responsibility to maintain peace and public order.

He urged young people not to be influenced by online campaigns that create unnecessary fear, encouraging them instead to focus on opportunities associated with the country's Development Vision 2050.

Despite the calm, commercial activity in parts of the city, including Mwenge, was noticeably affected.

Many retail shops, grocery stores and pharmacies closed early as a precaution, making it difficult for some residents to access essential goods and services.

Public transport services were also reduced, with fewer commuter buses and motorcycle taxis operating, leaving many roads occupied mainly by private vehicles.

Police also dismissed several widely circulated social media posts, saying some accounts had shared outdated footage from previous incidents in an attempt to create the impression of unrest.

In the northern regions, business activity was similarly subdued during the morning hours.

In Arusha and Moshi, intercity bus operators temporarily suspended services between the two municipalities while monitoring the security situation, leaving major transport terminals largely empty.

However, confidence gradually returned as the day progressed.

Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu and Regional Police Commander Simon Maigwa visited Mbuyuni Market in Moshi, where they assured traders that the deployment of police officers, security personnel, and aerial surveillance was purely precautionary.

Their reassurance encouraged many business owners to reopen their shops later in the day.

Elsewhere, security agencies maintained heightened vigilance without disrupting public order.

In Mbeya Region, police officers monitored transport hubs, including Mbalizi, and increased patrols along the TANZAM Highway, while some markets recorded lower customer turnout and a number of shops remained closed.

In Dodoma, security was intensified around Parliament, with anti-riot police, water cannons, and access control measures deployed at major entrances following online calls for demonstrations.

Passenger screening was also strengthened at the Standard Gauge Railway station, although markets and other commercial activities continued operating at reduced levels.

Across the Lake Zone, authorities also reported a peaceful situation despite slower business activity.

Mwanza Regional Police Commander Wilbrod Mutafungwa conducted patrols at motorcycle taxi stands to reassure operators and residents, warning that any attempts to disrupt public order would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

While Mwanza city centre recorded lighter pedestrian traffic and fewer street food vendors than usual, surrounding districts such as Magu continued with normal daily activities.

Similar conditions were observed in Shinyanga Municipality, Kahama, and Ngara District in Kagera Region, where banks, fuel stations, and other essential services remained open. Although some businesses in town centres chose to suspend operations temporarily, residents largely continued with their normal routines under the watch of security agencies and community policing groups.

Authorities maintained that the country's overall security situation remained stable throughout the day and urged citizens to continue with their daily economic and social activities without fear while cooperating with law enforcement agencies to preserve peace and public order.