The Acting Principal of the Sokoine University of Agriculture—Mizengo Pinda Campus, Professor Anna Sikira, along with the Acting Head of the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Mr. Joseph Ruboha, and the Acting Planning Officer for Mizengo Pinda Campus, Mr. Rasuli Kalokola, recently visited Mpimbwe Radio to discuss the achievements and benefits of the university’s presence in Katavi Region.
During the discussion, Professor Sikira highlighted the history of SUA and the various academic programs offered at the Mizengo Pinda Campus. She also announced the university’s plans to introduce additional courses in the 2025/2026 academic year, encouraging qualified youth to take advantage of the educational opportunities available in the Katavi Region.
Infrastructure Development at Mizengo Pinda Campus
Professor Sikira elaborated on ongoing infrastructure improvements, including the construction of a hostel with a capacity to accommodate 400 students and a new academic building that will house lecture halls and administrative offices. This construction is being funded under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project.
Additionally, she spoke about the establishment of a small honey processing plant. This facility will be used to process honey harvested from the university’s demonstration farm in Vilolo village and will provide modern honey processing training to beekeepers in Katavi and neighbouring regions such as Rukwa, Tabora, and Kigoma.
Another significant development is the construction of a modern carpentry workshop dedicated to training students in the fabrication of advanced beehives. This initiative is being funded by the Tanzania Forest Fund (TaFF) with an investment of 100 million Tanzanian shillings.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
Professor Sikira expressed her gratitude to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for supporting the establishment of strategic higher education institutions in remote regions to stimulate local development. She also thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for facilitating compensation payments to Kibaoni residents to allow for the university’s expansion, noting that the compensation process is ongoing.
She extended her appreciation to the Katavi Regional Commissioner, Hon. Mwanamvua Hoza Mrindoko, for her continued support of the university’s mission. Special thanks were also given to the Mlele District Commissioner, Hon. Alhaji Majid Mwanga, for his collaboration with the university.
Further acknowledgements went to the Director of Mpimbwe District Council, Ms. Shamimu Mwariko, for her efforts in promoting the university through Mpimbwe FM Radio, and to the Member of Parliament for Kavuu Constituency, Hon. Geofrey Pinda, for his dedication to the development of the region.
Lastly, Professor Sikira recognized the significant contributions of retired Prime Minister, Hon. Mizengo Pinda, whose donation of buildings to the government has enabled the establishment of the SUA-Mizengo Pinda Campus, thereby fostering educational and economic growth in the Katavi Region and beyond.
SUA remains committed to academic excellence, research, and community engagement to drive sustainable development in Tanzania.
