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Msigwa says medical tests once
limited to Dar es Salaam are now available in regional centers. Photo: File
By
Adonis Byemelwa
Former
Iringa Urban MP (Chadema), Reverend Peter Msigwa, has been making headlines on
social media with a controversial speech that sparked intense reactions.
Critics
like Peter Rukabura, a farmer from Kishao in Karagwe District, have slammed
Msigwa, along with other opposition figures like Godbless Lema, saying they
have nothing new to offer and will never earn respect in their new political
home.
Msigwa,
who recently defected to CCM on June 30, 2024, after spending 20 years in the
opposition, ten of which he served as an MP and seven as the chairman of
Chadema's Nyasa Zone, has now become a vocal advocate for the ruling party.
His recent remarks reflect a significant shift
in his stance, where he dismisses the capabilities of opposition parties,
arguing that they cannot bring development to Tanzania.
Speaking
yesterday at a public rally led by CCM Secretary General Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi
in Karagwe District, Kagera Region, Msigwa emphasized that no political party
in Tanzania, other than CCM, can deliver development and address the needs of the
people. According to him, the ruling party is the only one genuinely engaged
with the issues affecting the citizens.
Msigwa,
in his speech, highlighted the improvements in the healthcare sector, noting
that many hospitals have been built, and medical equipment has been made more
accessible. He pointed out that in the past, certain medical tests could only
be done in Dar es Salaam, but now these services are available in regional
centers.
"I
speak with great confidence, having been in the opposition for 20 years...
within the United Republic of Tanzania, there is no other party capable of
carrying out development projects and maintaining peace and stability like
CCM," Msigwa asserted. "So, walk with your shoulders held high,
knowing that under President Samia Suluhu Hassan and CCM, Tanzania is safe.
Don’t be misled into working with the opposition."
Earlier,
Karagwe MP and Minister of Works, Innocent Bashungwa, reassured the people of
Karagwe that the government is committed to constructing the Karagwe-Kyerwa
road to tarmac standards, and a contractor has already been secured for the
project. "The government recognizes the challenges with roads in our
district, and I assure you that these roads will be built to facilitate your
coffee trade more efficiently," Bashungwa said.
Meanwhile,
Deputy Minister in the President's Office, Regional Administration and Local
Government (PO-RALG), Zainabu Katimba, pointed out that 22% of students who
start school do not finish, urging parents to emphasize the importance of education.
"Let’s
take this issue seriously as parents. The only inheritance you can leave for
your child is education. Let’s ensure we fulfill our responsibility to support
these children," Katimba stated.
CCM's
Secretary for Ideology, Publicity, and Training, Amos Makalla, added that
previously, coffee was smuggled and sold in Uganda, but since the introduction
of the auction system, prices have risen, and no one is now selling coffee
across the border.
"President Samia has strengthened
cooperation with other nations. Kyerwa and Karagwe receive electricity from
Uganda, which is a result of the good relations between our countries,"
Makalla remarked.