By A Special Correspondent, Dodoma
More than 1,000 lawmakers and public servants are expected to take part in the NMB Parliament Bonanza 2026 in Dodoma on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in an initiative aimed at promoting physical fitness, preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and strengthening workplace productivity.
The annual sports event is expanding its reach this year following the participation of additional government institutions invited by Parliament Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu.
The bonanza, to be held at the John Merlini Secondary School grounds, will bring together teams from Parliament, 14 ministries, 10 public institutions and NMB Bank Plc in a day of sporting competition and physical activity.
However, organisers say the event is about more than winning trophies and medals, with health and employee wellbeing at the centre of the initiative.
The chairperson of the Parliament Bonanza and Makete Member of Parliament, Festo Sanga, said the growing participation demonstrates the importance attached to physical exercise and workplace interaction.
He said the main objective was to encourage employees to exercise, strengthen unity and increase awareness of measures to prevent NCDs.
The event has received TSh 210 million in sponsorship from NMB Bank Plc, including sports equipment such as balls, trophies, tracksuits, T-shirts and medals that were handed over today, August 28, 2026.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, NMB Senior Consultant, Government Business, Vicky Bishubo, said the bank’s decision to support the bonanza was driven by the contribution of sports to health, social cohesion and productivity at the workplace.
The partnership places the private sector alongside public institutions in promoting employee wellbeing, while using sport as an accessible platform for encouraging healthier lifestyles.
The programme will begin with a walk involving Members of Parliament from the College of Planning at 6:00 a.m., before participants proceed to the main sporting activities. House Speaker Zungu is expected to be the guest of honour.
While the participating teams are expected to compete strongly for honours, organisers say the wider objective is to create a culture in which physical activity becomes part of everyday working life. With more than 1,000 participants expected this year, the bonanza is increasingly positioning sport as a platform for bringing institutions together while promoting a healthier, more cohesive and productive workforce.
