Security forces across Tanzania were out in large numbers on Tuesday as police and soldiers intensified patrols in major urban centres ahead of opposition-backed demonstrations planned to coincide with independence day.

Despite the preparations, no protests had materialised by midday.

In cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya and Mwanza, residents described an unusually subdued morning, with many choosing to remain at home amid uncertainty over whether the planned actions would go ahead. The calls for demonstrations follow October’s post-election unrest, during which an undisclosed number of people were killed. Officials have acknowledged using force, arguing that some protest groups had attempted to topple the government.

Reporters in Dar es Salaam observed unusually quiet streets on Tuesday, a sharp departure from the city’s normal weekday congestion. The calm, however, came with a palpable sense of unease.

Police spokesperson David Misime issued a statement assuring Tanzanians that they were safe and that their property was protected, noting that the security situation was stable across the country. He also appealed to the public to ignore recycled images and videos circulating online that misleadingly imply protests are underway, saying: “the situation remained calm nationwide.”

Security convoys patrolled major routes and intersections, while officers positioned themselves around vital public facilities. Drivers who ventured out reported repeated stops at roadblocks where authorities asked about their travel plans.

Online, activists continued to encourage supporters to remain vigilant, hinting that any protest activity would likely begin later in the day consistent with patterns seen in previous demonstrations in Tanzania.

The government has not offered detailed remarks on the increased security presence or the expected protests. Authorities have already prohibited the gatherings and called off independence day celebrations, advising the public to stay indoors.