Union of Tanzania Press Clubs, UTPC - 2016-2020

There were notable system changes within the organization during the strategy period 2016 -2020. 1. New press clubs were opened up in new announced regions by the government between 2016 and 2017. Some of these are Geita, Songwe and Manyara. UTPC deliberately took meausres to install new leadership, train them and equip clubs with systems. The additions of the club completed UTPC vision of having press club offices in each region in Tanzania 2. UTPC embarked on succession plan design one of the organizational strategy that many partners are hesistant to go in. The succession plan started by UTPC board approval, followed by internal annoucement in UPTC head office and later commuicated to Embassy of Sweden. UTPC decided to intentionally groom internal talents and also head hunt outside as mitigation for any changing external environment which might influence type of competence required. The process went on from 2018 and in 2022 a new person was appointed to lead UTPC. One of the reason to extend UTPC strategy from 2020 -2022 was to allow a smooth transition of power. 3. Learning from daily operations, UTPC improved the uncoordinated manner press clubs were managed in order to advance accountability. Up to 2016, Press clubs (who are natural members to UTPC) had no clear mandate and obligation to report to Head office where all their funds are coming from. The board and UTPC after a length of processes, MOUs were establised and signed with all press clubs between 2018 and 2019 as operational standards within which all press clubs were required to abide. 4. UTPC realized its 3 years leadership cycle for all press club leaders did not nurture enough learning and growth. A decision was made to lauch a five years term of leadership with ambition that the leaders will have enough time to orient with office, learn, delearn in a strategic manner. This process was well welcome by the members and has marked a huge difference in press club management. 5. UTPC in 2017 conducted press clubs capacity assessment which resulted in to various recommendations which have shaped UTPC operations to date. The MOU establishment was one outcome of the assessment. The capacity assessment multiplied to a number of capacity building initiatives to improve financial management, assets recording, communication, leadership and investment. The level of capacity of press club leaders today is commendable compared to 2016 when the new support to UTPC started. Program wise; There are good examples of achievements or results. 1. UTPC launched what it called 'Tujadiliane show' literally translated 'Discussion live TV Show' with star TV one of the national televevision station. The show started in 2017 to 2019 aimed at ctalyzing development through an open discussion with government authorities. The shows not just braodened UTPC visibility at a higher magnitude but also performed its mandate to steer development and accountability. 2. Women leadership program that was championed by UTPC resulted in raising awareness to members and participated in competing for leadership positions. There were no women leaders in press clubs until from 2020 where there are more than 10 women in different press club positions. 3. Over the strategy period UTPC has grown from being just a member based organization to a network. UTPC had increased engagements across the borders and established partnership with other CSOs and bodies such as internet governance forum, CSOs litigation group in the country, Reporters without borders and Amnesty International. Uch kind of engagements were not there beforer 2016. 4. Press clubs have launced sutainability initiatives to increase their chances to engage even after donors phasing out. From 2016 to 2020, various press clubs have established different income generation projects for organization internal usage ranging between 200 -300m TZSH. 5. Almost all press clubs have welcomed innovations postively in their operations, From 2019 all press clubs established blogs and online TV to promote their content without much dependence to mainstream media. 6. UTPC has broadened its funding base reducing reliance from Sweden. IMS, Chidren in cross fire, and IREX have come on board to fund UTPC for various activities to promote freedom of expression. It is an organizational success as well as program operations.

The overarching Goal is to see "A democratic Tanzania fully embracing a free, independent and strong media." The Immediate objective is to have "Press Clubs promoting right of information and regional development". The Objectives are: 1) Women journalists acquiring professional and leadership capacity; 2) Public/Investigative journalism catalyzing citizens participation in development process; and 4) Press Clubs operating efficiently and effectively.