Africa-Press – Tanzania. UNITED Democratic Party (UDP) presidential candidate, Ms Saum Hussein Rashid has launched an ambitious development agenda aimed at transforming Tanzania’s economy, empowering citizens and prioritising national selfreliance.
Speaking at the official launch of the UDP election campaign held yesterday in Magu, Mwanza Region, Ms Rashid unveiled her party’s flagship policy: “kuwajaza wananchi mapesa”, loosely translating putting money in people’s pockets.
“Our mission is simple, to uplift the lives of Tanzanians by ensuring they have access to reliable income sources, quality services and economic opportunities,” said Ms Rashid.
Ms Rashid said that agriculture will be the cornerstone of UDP’s economic strategy, citing it as both a livelihood and a path to national progress.
“The majority of our people depend on farming, yet poverty persists due to outdated tools, poor investment and limited market access,” she said.
She pointed to Tanzania’s abundant fertile land as an underutilised resource, stressing that with political will and strategic investment, agriculture could become an engine of sustainable growth.
Industrialisation and Job Creation In line with its agricultural agenda, the UDP plans to invest in processing industries across the country — particularly in regions that produce commercial crops — to add value to raw materials and reduce export of unprocessed goods.
“We will establish industries in every region to increase local production, create jobs and reduce dependency on imports,” she noted.
On healthcare, Ms Rashid announced UDP’s plan to implement universal health insurance, guaranteeing access to treatment for all Tanzanians regardless of income or pre-existing conditions.
“No Tanzanian will be denied treatment because they can’t afford it,” she said, adding that the party will also invest in disease research and preparedness to improve public health outcomes.
Ms Rashid reaffirmed the party’s commitment to quality education and economic empowerment, ensuring that education translates into real opportunities for Tanzanians to better their lives.
Addressing the water crisis, she pledged that within the first two months of her administration, a nationwide water programme would be launched, focusing on the construction of large dams to provide sustainable water for domestic and agricultural use.
Ms Rashid said the UDP will tap into tourism as a key source of foreign revenue and job creation, highlighting the sector’s untapped potential.
She also promised to expand ICT infrastructure, strengthen digital safety laws and curb the misuse of online platforms.
In the fight against corruption, UDP will launch nationwide education campaigns and strengthen the independence of anti-corruption institutions.
“We will build a public service system that is fair, transparent and free from bribery, favoritism and intimidation,” she declared.
Ms Rashid’s campaign message focused on inclusive development, grassroots empowerment and restoring dignity through access to opportunity — a vision she says will move Tanzania forward.
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