SECURITY deployments intensified at the weekend across major urban centres ahead of anticipated nationwide protests to coincide with the climax of the old Sabasaba Day, traditionally the founding of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) and in past few decades with the Dar International Trade Fair.

ACP David Misime, the police force spokesman, issued a strong warning against individuals using social media and other digital platforms to incite unrest and organize unauthorized demonstrations.

Speaking to journalists at the trade fair grounds in Dar es Salaam, he said that security agencies have significantly reinforced operations across the country to ensure stability and protect public order. People need to pursue their normal daily activities as law enforcement organs remain fully alert to any threats that could disrupt peace.

The police, coordinating with other security agencies, are tracking individuals suspected of mobilising illegal demonstrations under the guise of exercising constitutional freedoms, he stated. 

“The planned protests do not meet the legal requirements for public assembly under existing laws governing public order, rendering them unlawful,” he declared, asserting that ongoing investigations have identified individuals spreading messages inciting violence, including calls for attacks on leaders, destruction of property, burning of schools and targeting of security personnel. 

“Some suspects have already been arrested, while investigations are conducted to gather sufficient evidence for prosecution,” he further stated, insisting that any attempt to engage in violence, destroy property or endanger lives would be met with firm action.

Maintaining peace and security remains top priority for the state thus security agencies will not tolerate activities that threaten public safety or national stability.

The police statement came shortly after Home Affairs minister Patrobas Katambi reiterated the government’s position during the weekend launch of a special programme for security, development and support for President Samia in Dar es Salaam. 

All citizens must strictly adhere to the law, as any violations would attract immediate legal consequence, he said, affirming that the government is constitutionally mandated to protect public safety under the 1977 Constitution.

Security agencies are closely monitoring local and international actors suspected of promoting instability, where cooperation with international partners may be solicited where necessary.

As no individual is above the law, including public officials, authorities are pursuing individuals considered to be involved in incitement activities within and outside the country. While freedom of expression is protected, it must be exercised within legal boundaries, and media platforms that facilitate unlawful content dissemination could also be held accountable, he cautioned.

His remarks come amid rising political tensions linked to online mobilisation calling for nationwide protests tomorrow. Heightened security presence was n visible cross the city Dar es Salaam and upcountry cities, with heavily armed police and military personnel deployed at strategic locations.

These include transport hubs, major intersections and shopping lanes in densely populated areas. In the commercial capital, key rapid bus transit terminals such as Kimara and Mbagala had sustained deployments of security personnel and military vehicles.

Similar patrols were noticed Kilwa Road, Ubungo junction, Magomeni, Kariakoo, Mwenge and other critical transport hubs, with residents worried over the presence of armed men in uniform. Some were of the view that increased security provided reassurance and helped them pursue their economic activities. Some small-scale traders in Mbagala saw the situation as enabling business to proceed without disruption.

 In Mwanza, business activities was brisk under police monitoring at key locations such as Kiloleli Market. In Geita, residents reported movements of armed personnel and tactical vehicles in multiple areas, while in Shinyanga authorities confirmed intensified patrols and readiness measures involving support from local militia groups.

In Kahama District, joint deployments of police and military forces have been observed, accompanied by mobile public address systems announcing a 9:00pn curfew. However, calmer conditions were reported in Kigoma Region and Tarime District, where no major tactical deployments were noticed.

In Dodoma, security has been reinforced around key government installations including National Assembly grounds and ministerial offices, with routine patrols across surrounding areas. In Arusha, military and police units strengthened surveillance along the main highway, erecting checkpoints on the Arusha–Moshi route.

Authorities maintain that the increased security deployments are preventive in nature and aimed at ensuring peace, stability and compliance with the law. As the country approaches the planned protest date, officials urged citizens to remain calm and avoid unlawful gatherings, reaffirming that security agencies are fully prepared to respond to any threats to the public order.