By Business Insider Reporter
Tanzania has taken a significant step towards preserving the legacy of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, with plans underway to transform the historic Karimjee Hall into a national Union archives and heritage centre.
The initiative follows an agreement between the Vice President’s Office Tanzania and the Dar es Salaam City Council to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will formalise the conversion of the iconic venue into a Union documentation and memorial facility.
Speaking during a technical meeting held on March 31, 2026 in Dar es Salaam, the Director of Union Affairs at the Vice President’s Office, Juma Mohammed Salum, said the agreement is part of implementing directives issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The President had instructed the establishment of Union archives centres on both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar to enhance public understanding of the origins and foundations of the Union.
Dr. Salum emphasised the symbolic and historical importance of Karimjee Hall, noting that it is the very site where the United Republic of Tanzania was formally established in 1964.
“This agreement lays a critical foundation for preserving our national history. Karimjee Hall is not just a building – it is where the Union was born,” he said.
Beyond its symbolic value, the proposed centre is expected to serve as a repository for key Union records and documents, safeguarding them for current and future generations. Officials say the facility will also play an educational role, helping citizens better understand the political, economic and social benefits of the Union.
Drawing international parallels, Dr. Salum pointed to countries such as Germany, where historical archives and heritage institutions play a central role in education and national identity. “We see this as an opportunity to institutionalise our history in a way that informs and inspires future generations,” he added.
On the part of the city authorities, Elihuruma Mabelya, Director of the Dar es Salaam City Council, welcomed the proposal and pledged full institutional support. He noted that the MoU would undergo the required approval processes, including deliberation by the council’s governing bodies, before implementation begins.
“We appreciate this initiative and will ensure it passes through all necessary decision-making stages, including endorsement by the full council, to pave the way for execution,” Mabelya said.
He further proposed the formation of a joint technical committee to fast-track the development of an implementation roadmap, underscoring the need for coordination among stakeholders.
The one-day meeting brought together experts from the Vice President’s Office, the Dar es Salaam City Council, and the National Records and Archives Management Department Tanzania, reflecting a multi-institutional approach to preserving one of Tanzania’s most defining political milestones. The planned Union heritage centre is expected to strengthen historical awareness while positioning Tanzania to leverage its political legacy as part of a broader cultural and educational asset base.
