Africa-Press – Tanzania. CHAMA Cha Ukombozi wa Umma (CHAUMMA) presidential candidate Salum Mwalimu has reiterated that his party’s top priorities include improving the agricultural sector and investing in rural infrastructure, particularly feeder roads, to ensure reliable transportation of produce and economic growth.
Addressing campaign rallies over the weekend in Kikatiti, Tengeru and Muriet in Arusha City, Mwalimu said agriculture remains the backbone of Tanzania’s economy and must be transformed into a vehicle for liberation and prosperity.
“If elected, my government will empower farmers by improving rural roads, enabling them to transport their crops to markets efficiently. Agriculture will not only feed us but will drive our national development,” Mr Mwalimu said.
He called on residents of Arusha Region to elect CHAUMMA councillors, Members of Parliament and the president to facilitate smooth implementation of this vision.
Speaking on water challenges, Mr Mwalimu promised to address long-standing shortages in Arumeru East and West, despite the areas being key water catchment zones.
He assured voters that a CHAUMMA government would deliver long-term and sustainable water solutions.
“We cannot accept that people living near water sources still lack clean and safe water. That ends with CHAUMMA,” he stated.
Mr Mwalimu urged Arusha residents not to allow themselves to be manipulated during election cycles and then left to struggle. He said Tanzanians deserve leadership that enables them to benefit from their resources, not just empty promises.
“You must stop complaining and start choosing the right leaders. CHAUMMA stands for justice and true development,” he said.
CHAUMMA’s Arumeru East parliamentary candidate, Ms Jackline Kimambo, who also serves as the party’s Arusha regional secretary, said the region faces major challenges in the health sector that can only be solved by new leadership under CHAUMMA.
Meanwhile, the party’s candidate for Themi Ward Councillor and a former CCM member, Lobora Ndarvoi called on Arusha residents to bring political change to the City Council.
“We need leaders who understand policy, law and the needs of citizens. I am ready to be that voice,” said Ndarvoi.
While campaigning in Babati, Manyara Region, Mr Mwalimu said a CHAUMMAled government would firmly protect national resources, including land and wildlife, for the benefit of Tanzanians.
“Tanzania’s natural wealth is a blessing, not a curse. It must serve Tanzanians first, not outsiders,” he said.
He pledged to promote tourism, improve pasture reserves and ensure equitable land use planning that supports both conservation and community development.
Accompanied by Babati Urban parliamentary candidate Joseph Shayo, Mwalimu said sustainable policies would boost the tourism sector while ensuring citizens directly benefit.
Mr Mwalimu also addressed a campaign rally at Manyema grounds in Moshi District, Kilimanjaro Region, marking the launch of the party’s campaign for the Moshi Urban parliamentary seat.
He stressed the importance of improving infrastructure in agricultural production zones.
“Poor rural roads contribute to high food prices. Transporters charge more due to bad roads, and this cost is pushed to the farmer and consumer,” he said.
He added that CHAUMMA’s government would focus on rural development, including irrigation infrastructure, to diversify and strengthen farmer livelihoods.
The CHAUMMA presidential flag bearer also announced plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Arusha via Moshi, to spur the economy of the Northern Zone through enhanced connectivity for tourism, agriculture and trade.
“We will launch an SGR line to Arusha through Moshi within our first five years in office. And yes, the Lake Zone SGR project will also continue,” he clarified.
During the rally, Mr Mwalimu introduced Mr Patrick Assenga as the party’s candidate for the Moshi Urban parliamentary seat, describing him as an experienced leader who previously served as a councillor in Dar es Salaam.
“Vote for Assenga; he understands both local and national issues and will serve you well in Parliament,” he urged.
The event also featured the unveiling of CHAUMMA councillorship candidates for the Moshi Municipal Council.
Throughout his campaign trail across Arusha, Manyara, and Kilimanjaro regions, Mr Mwalimu called on Tanzanians to embrace change by voting for CHAUMMA, a party he described as grounded in justice, economic transformation, and national pride.
“Tanzanians must no longer be poor in a land blessed with abundance. With CHAUMMA, we will ensure every citizen benefits from our natural wealth,” he said.
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