By Adonis Byemelwa
The Chairman of the Youth Wing of Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Kagera, Faris Buruhan (pictured center) has dismissed claims that his party could learn anything from the democratic practices of opposition parties.
Speaking during an exclusive interview on Star TV’s The Big Agenda on December 29, 2024, Buruhan criticized the opposition, particularly Chadema, as lacking direction and riddled with leadership stagnation.
“Let me make it clear: we, as CCM, have nothing to learn from these opposition parties. Our system is transparent and organized. Our leaders serve for a maximum of ten years and pave the way for others. But look at Chadema—its chairman, Freeman Mbowe, has clung to power for over 20 years. That’s not leadership; it’s the stubbornness of an aging monkey unwilling to step aside,” said Buruhan.
He further took a dig at the Civic United Front (CUF), noting that their chairman has been in office for over three decades. "What lessons could we possibly draw from such a model?” he questioned.
Ironically, Buruhan avoided addressing CCM’s history, particularly the extended leadership of Julius Nyerere, who led the party for over two decades. Surprisingly, this apparent contradiction went unchallenged by the program’s host.
Addressing allegations of sycophancy among youth leaders in CCM, Buruhan strongly defended his stance. “Praising the exceptional leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan is not sycophancy; it’s a recognition of her transformative work. Look at the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project—people can now travel from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro in just 90 minutes. The construction of the Bungongo-Busisi Bridge, which spans over three kilometers, is almost complete. We have every reason to celebrate and protect our chairman’s leadership,” he stated emphatically.
On the contentious issue of corruption, Buruhan conceded that completely eradicating it is a challenge but insisted that the situation is under control.
“No society is entirely free of corruption, just as no family is without a wayward child. But the opposition exaggerates the problem. The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) is doing its job well. If corruption were as rampant as they claim, how could such large-scale projects be successfully implemented?” he argued.
Discussing the economic development of Kagera, Buruhan highlighted significant progress despite the region’s historical struggles, including the Tanzania-Uganda war, and a devastating earthquake.
“Kagera has faced immense challenges, but we’re recovering. Agriculture, particularly coffee farming, is flourishing. Today, farmers earn between TZS 5,000 and TZS 6,000 per kilogram of coffee—an incredible leap from the TZS 1,500 they used to get. Smuggling coffee to neighboring countries like Rwanda and Uganda is now unnecessary because local prices are competitive,” he noted.
Burhan also addressed recent controversies surrounding disappearances and kidnappings. He denied claims that state security agencies were involved, suggesting instead that such cases often stem from personal conflicts.
“Some of these incidents are related to personal disputes, like infidelity. Blaming the government or security forces is misguided,” he remarked. He acknowledged delays in the judicial process as a factor eroding public trust but assured that measures are being taken to improve efficiency.
The UVCCM chairman also took pride in his organization’s community-focused initiatives. “Our work goes beyond politics. We visit hospitals, support bereaved families, and assist vulnerable groups. For instance, after the tragic killing of an albino child earlier this year, UVCCM mobilized resources to rebuild the victim’s family home. This is what leadership should look like,” he explained.
In a scathing critique of opposition youth groups, Buruhan questioned their visibility and effectiveness at the grassroots level. “Where are their structures? Take Bavicha, Chadema’s youth wing—do you know its chairperson in Kagera, or even at the ward level? They’re nonexistent. Only their national leaders, like John Pambalu, are visible. How can they claim to represent the people when they’re disconnected from the grassroots?” he asked.
When asked about his political ambitions, Buruhan was noncommittal. “I am fully focused on my role as UVCCM chairman for Kagera until 2027. I’m satisfied with the work our leaders are doing and will discuss plans when the time is right,” he said.
On water scarcity in Kagera, despite the region’s proximity to Lake Victoria, Buruhan attributed the issue to population growth outpacing resource expansion. “As the population grows, so does the demand for essential services. But progress is undeniable—only four villages in Kagera remain without electricity today. Compare this to 2007, when I was in Form One, and most areas had no power at all. This is a remarkable achievement,” he remarked.
Buruhan’s leadership, however, has not been without controversy. Earlier this year, he sparked outrage with a statement suggesting that those who insult President Samia or government officials on social media would face severe consequences. “Their time is up. Let the police deal with them when they disappear,” he declared during a public address in Ngara.
This statement drew sharp criticism from fellow CCM youth members, who demanded a retraction or resignation. Mohamed Ismail, a party cadre, said, “His comments shocked many. While we oppose online insults, advocating for disappearances is a gross violation of human rights. He must apologize or step down.”
Innocent John echoed the sentiment, highlighting that even CCM Secretary General Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi had condemned Buruhan’s remarks. “Dr. Nchimbi called his statement foolish. Yet Buruhan has remained silent. This arrogance reflects poorly on the party, especially as we approach critical elections in 2025,” John said.
Another UVCCM member, Ibrahim Rweyongeza, accused Buruhan of breaching the party’s ethical standards. “Our code of conduct stands on the pillars of unity, morality, and responsibility. Buruhan’s remarks not only violate these principles but also tarnish the image of UVCCM,” he asserted.
As CCM gears up for the crucial 2025 local government elections, calls for Buruhan to address the fallout from his controversial statements have intensified. “If he cannot apologize, he should step down. UVCCM exists to cultivate responsible leaders, not those who risk the party’s reputation with careless rhetoric,” Rweyongeza concluded.
Despite the growing criticism, Buruhan has remained silent on the matter, raising questions about his accountability and long-term viability in CCM. His appearance on The Big Agenda failed to confront these contentious issues, deepening speculation about his role within the party.
Adding to the controversy, Buruhan addressed allegations that UVCCM had directly confronted a former Speaker of the National Assembly, Job Ndugai after he criticized the government for promoting excessive betting. Defending UVCCM’s actions, Buruhan argued that loyalty to the head of state necessitated a robust response.
“When the head of state is attacked or maligned, it’s our duty, particularly as youth leaders, to stand up and defend her. Silence in the face of such assaults would be tantamount to betrayal,” he stated. However, this stance appeared to contradict his earlier claims that the party resolves issues through consultation and internal discussions rather than public disputes.
“Look, UVCCM does not thrive on sycophancy. We are an organization that embraces dialogue. When contentious issues arise, we sit down, debate them thoroughly, and resolve them amicably without resorting to public spats,” Buruhan said during the 30-minute-long interview.
While Buruhan emphasized the importance of unity within the party, his actions and words have left many questioning whether he practices what he preaches. His insistence on internal consultations seems at odds with UVCCM’s vocal criticism of Job Ndugai, which many viewed as a direct attack rather than a reasoned engagement.
As the interview concluded, Buruhan attempted to steer the conversation back to the achievements of UVCCM and its contributions to the nation. “Our focus remains on empowering the youth, supporting the government’s transformative agenda, and ensuring Tanzania continues to progress. Despite the noise, our mission is clear, and our resolve is unshaken,” he remarked with confidence.
While his words may have aimed to project strength and unity, the controversies surrounding his leadership linger. With CCM entering a critical political phase, Buruhan’s ability to navigate the storm and restore faith in his leadership will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping UVCCM’s future and its impact on the party at large.