Tanzania has tightened security ahead of planned anti-government protests on independence day. Police and military patrol major cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza. By midday local time, no protests had started, and streets were unusually empty. Residents chose to stay home amid uncertainty. The protests were called to demand political reforms after post-election unrest in October which caused deaths. Authorities said they used force claiming some wanted to overthrow the government. Police spokesperson David Misime said the situation was calm and safe nationwide. He also told people to ignore old photos and videos falsely showing protests happening. Security forces guarded key spots and stopped motorists at roadblocks to ask where they were going. Activists on social media urged followers to be ready but suggested protests might begin later in the day. One Arusha resident told BBC, "We will move out, it is our right to protest... wait, you will see what will happen." Meanwhile, a Mwanza resident expressed fear, "I am scared for my children... protesters should call off plans to move to the streets, we need to live in peace." The government banned the protests and cancelled independence day celebrations, telling citizens to stay indoors. In Nairobi, Kenya, several activists were arrested during a solidarity protest outside the Tanzanian high commission.