A Master of Ubuyu Cannot Easily Handle Bungo

 

 Adeladius Makwega–MBAGALA

It was the night of March 10, 2026. Mwanakwetu had just finished eating rice and beans with a slice of dodo mango. He said to himself, Let me go to sleep. He climbed into bed, covered himself well with his blanket, and placed his phone beside him. As he did so, the Facebook page of journalist Robert Okanda opened, and a picture of Rostam Aziz appeared.

Mwanakwetu said silently to himself:

“This Nyamwezi from Tabora, Rostam Aziz—what has he done at this late hour? Or have those trips of ours to take him back to Tabora finally come to an end? Has he spit out the bungo?”

Half asleep, Mwanakwetu decided to read the post written by Robert Okanda, a veteran photographer and well-known journalist:

“Prominent East and Central African businessman Rostam Aziz, through his company Taarifa Ltd, has purchased all the shares previously owned by Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) in the company NPRT Holdings Africa Limited. This move makes him the largest shareholder of Nation Media Group (NMG).”

Mwanakwetu thought to himself, while blaming his colleague Robert Okanda for posting such news at night:

“Why didn’t this wait until tomorrow? I knew the journey to Tabora—to the baobab trees and honey—had arrived.”

Mwanakwetu wrapped himself tightly in his blanket, trying to sleep. But his mind wandered to an old friend with whom he had studied at university. In their third year class of nearly 60 Bachelor of Arts in Journalism students, only two had chosen to specialize in print media—that friend and Mwanakwetu himself.

 

Lying in bed, Mwanakwetu thought:

 “My friend has been working at Mwananchi newspaper for many years. Now Rostam Aziz—the famous ‘spitter of bungo’—has stormed into that field. Will my friend remain safe? Could it be that Rostam Aziz has entered the media industry to slow down independent journalism and instead benefit certain East African politicians, many of whom are his friends and strategic partners?”

Still lying in bed, Mwanakwetu remembered July 11, 2011, when Rostam Aziz, then Member of Parliament for Igunga (CCM), resigned from Parliament only nine months after the 2010 General Election. Around that time, some journalists at TBC Taifa nicknamed him ‘The Master of Spitting Bungo.’

 

For readers unfamiliar with Tanzania’s coastal regions:

“Bungo is a wild fruit found in areas such as Morogoro, Pwani, Dar es Salaam, Lindi, and Mtwara. When ripe, it is cracked open and the seeds are placed in the mouth and chewed slowly. The taste is slightly sour and astringent—similar to ubuyu (baobab candy).”

So, dear reader, understand that Mwanakwetu was lying in bed remembering all these things because of that Facebook post by Robert Okanda. And he concluded in his thoughts:

“Rostam Aziz may be a master of ubuyu, but bungo is another matter.”

Eventually, Mwanakwetu fell asleep.

 

What does Mwanakwetu say today?

Mwanakwetu congratulates his brother Rostam Aziz for making such a large investment in the media industry in East and Central Africa. This is a commendable step and an example for fellow Tanzanians, because it elevates our national standing.

It is undeniable that Aga Khan has done remarkable work for many years—not only in media but also in education and health projects across East Africa, even before independence. In Tanzania, the sister newspapers Mwananchi and The Citizen began operating during the presidency of Benjamin Mkapa, after President Mkapa personally requested Aga Khan to establish them.

However, to our brother Rostam Aziz:

“Our old habit of carrying the ball under our arm like we did in primary school in Nzega must now be set aside. You have elevated us, but Aga Khan’s shoes are heavy—they require great skill and seriousness to serve more than 350 million people.”

Throughout his time in the media business, Aga Khan avoided injecting partisan politics into his outlets. His media houses offered space to all political parties and groups, even during times of deep divisions in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. These media outlets were widely trusted—even when governments occasionally banned them, journalists across the region defended their role.

Indeed, media institutions in East and Central Africa still carry a major responsibility: to hold governments accountable with independence. State-owned media often provide limited space for public opinion and mainly serve as platforms for leaders.

Therefore, Rostam Aziz’s sudden and powerful entry into the industry raises questions. Could this move weaken independent media in the region? That would be unfortunate, especially given his age and status as an elder.

“Baobab candy (ubuyu) and bungo are both fruits. But while baobab candy has been sweetened with different flavors, bungo remains natural—unchanged in taste.

Politics, Mwanakwetu says, is like ubuyu, while journalism is like bungo. Each should remain what it is.”

This is why Rostam Aziz’s full entry into the media industry raises many questions about the future of the profession. Why now? Could his arrival change the natural ‘taste’ of the journalism we know?

 

The remaining question is:

Can Rostam Aziz handle this challenge, or is he simply a master of ubuyu who cannot handle bungo?

Are you there, Mwanakwetu? Remember:

“A Master of Ubuyu Cannot Easily Handle Bungo.”

Have a good day.

makwadeladius@gmail.com
0717649257