By Prosper Makene
Geita Regional Commissioner, Mr Martin Shigela will officiate this year’s national World Donkey Day celebrations on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Mgusu Ward in Geita Municipal Council.
The United Republic of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, is hosting the event to highlight the vital role donkeys play in rural livelihoods. The announcement was made yesterday by the Ministry in Dodoma through an official public notice, emphasizing the government’s commitment to animal welfare and rural development.
Caring for Donkeys is Our Collective Responsibility
This year’s theme underscores the economic and social value of donkeys across Tanzania and Africa. The theme was adopted following the African Union Heads of State Summit held in Dar es Salaam in October 2022. During that summit, 32 African nations officially recognized donkeys as critical to the continent’s transport, agriculture, and household economies, and pledged to strengthen protections against mistreatment and illegal trade.
As guest of honor, Mr Shigela is expected to address farmers, livestock keepers, school children, and development partners on the importance of humane treatment and sustainable use of donkeys.
Week of Free Clinics and Training
To ensure the day delivers real impact, the Ministry has organized pre-event activities from May 5 to May 7. Mobile veterinary clinics will operate in three locations: Mgusu, Magema, and Geita Municipal.
The clinics will provide free medical checkups, deworming, wound treatment, and hoof care for approximately 700 donkeys. Veterinary officers will also train owners on proper feeding, safe loading practices, and how to avoid harmful traditional methods that cause long-term injury.
Beyond animal treatment, the campaign targets people. A total of 3,870 donkey owners, users, and school pupils will receive education on animal welfare. The Ministry is placing special focus on youth, aiming to build a new generation that values and protects working animals. Sessions will cover basic first aid for donkeys, the economic loss caused by sick or injured animals, and alternatives to overworking them.
Why May 8?
World Donkey Day was formally established in 2018 to raise global awareness of the contributions donkeys make to human development. Often called “beasts of burden,” donkeys transport water, firewood, crops, and goods in areas where vehicles cannot reach. They are especially important for women and smallholder farmers in rural Tanzania.
East Africa began commemorating the day in 2024, and Tanzania has since adopted May 8 as an annual date to review progress and challenges in donkey welfare.
*A Continental Commitment*
The Dar es Salaam AU declaration in 2022 marked a turning point. African leaders agreed that protecting donkeys is not just an animal rights issue — it is a poverty reduction strategy. In many Tanzanian villages, a healthy donkey means children get to school, families access markets, and households earn income.
The Ministry is calling on all citizens, NGOs, and local leaders to attend the Geita event and participate in the education sessions.
Ends
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