Kigoma – The CCM presidential candidate, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who also serves as the party’s national chairperson, has concluded the first leg of her campaign tour in Kigoma Region with a major rally in Kigoma Urban constituency.
The event, held yesterday morning, drew thousands of residents from Kigoma Ujiji District.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Samia presented CCM’s vision and commitments for the next five years, urging the people of Kigoma to elect her alongside CCM parliamentary and council candidates.
Kigoma as a Regional Trade Hub
“The era of Kigoma being known as the end of the railway is over,” Dr. Samia declared. “With the pace of current development, Kigoma is fast becoming a hub for regional trade and economic activity.”
She explained that the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extends beyond Kigoma to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Recalling her 2022 visits to Kakonko and Kibondo, she cited the commissioning of the Kabingo–Nyakanazi road, water projects, and a district hospital as proof of her government’s commitment.
Transport and Infrastructure Development
Dr. Samia urged Kigoma residents to place their trust in CCM to continue transforming the region into a key transport hub.
She highlighted ongoing projects, including the expansion of Kigoma Airport, modernization of Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), and the construction of the SGR from Tabora to Kigoma and from Uvinza to Msongati in Burundi.
She noted that her government had purchased three new train locomotives, 22 passenger coaches, and 44 freight wagons, alongside the rehabilitation of more than 350 freight wagons and 33 passenger coaches.
Efforts to improve Kigoma’s ports—Ujiji, Kibirizi, and Kabwe—were also underway.
The government is building four new vessels at Kalema Port, with one completed and three nearing completion, while refurbishing older ships.
At the Katabe shipyard, two new cargo vessels, including a 3,500-tonne Lake Tanganyika vessel designed to receive SGR freight, are under construction.
On road infrastructure, Dr. Samia reaffirmed plans to complete the Manyovu–border road and ensure rural roads are improved with gravel where tarmac is not yet possible.
Energy and Investment Opportunities
Dr. Samia pledged that if re-elected, her administration would finalize the 46MW Malagarasi hydropower project, with the Kidagwe substation distributing electricity across Kigoma. Stable power, she stressed, will attract more investors. She cited Kasulu Sugar Factory, which has employed 500 youths and reduced sugar prices, as well as a cement plant and youth-focused industrial zones, as key investment drivers.
Assurance on Compensation for Airport Project
The CCM candidate reassured residents affected by the Kigoma Airport expansion project that they would be compensated once assessments are complete. She stressed that her government does not exploit its citizens.
Agriculture and Palm Oil Production
Focusing on the mainstay of Kigoma’s economy, Dr. Samia promised to expand palm oil farming to make Tanzania self-sufficient in edible oils. She said her government has provided subsidized seedlings and extension services, with plans to scale up raw material production for processing industries. With Burundi and DRC as major markets, she said, palm oil could elevate Kigoma’s position as a regional trade hub.
Social Services: Health and Education
The CCM candidate underscored her government’s achievements in health and education, citing the construction of 65 dispensaries, new health centers, and district hospitals across Kigoma. She also pointed to significant improvements in the education sector. If re-elected, she vowed to continue strengthening these services, promising free education for every child and quality healthcare for all citizens.
Support for Farmers, Fishers, and Pastoralists
Dr. Samia pledged continued support for livestock keepers through the construction of cattle dips, dams, and vaccination centers, alongside improved slaughter facilities. In the fisheries sector, she said, government programs were providing credit for boats and cages while promoting aquaculture through fishpond construction.
Youth, Women, and Special Groups
Dr. Samia announced that her government will allocate TSh200 billion to support women, youth, and persons with disabilities in accessing startup capital. She further promised improved trading spaces, including upgraded stalls for small traders at Kibirizi Market.
Addressing Flooding Challenges
The CCM presidential candidate assured residents of Matibuka Ward that her administration would continue addressing the recurring problem of floods. She said initial interventions were already in place and appealed to citizens to re-elect her and CCM candidates to strengthen these efforts.