ACT Wazalendo has mounted a strong challenge against the government's decision to require all Form Six graduates, including those from Zanzibar, to undergo compulsory training at the National Service (JKT), arguing that the move infringes on Zanzibar’s constitutional authority and sidelines its own youth training institution.
The opposition party's position comes days after JKT announced that Form Six graduates from both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar would be required to report to national service camps for training aimed at fostering patriotism and preparing potential recruits for security and defence institutions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, ACT Wazalendo said the inclusion of Zanzibar youth in the programme raises fundamental constitutional and institutional questions, insisting that national service is not a Union matter under the framework of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The party argues that Zanzibar already operates the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Force (JKU), an institution established to provide young people with training in patriotism, discipline, self-reliance and nation-building.
According to ACT Wazalendo, compelling Zanzibar graduates to join JKT undermines the role and status of JKU and encroaches on powers reserved for the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
The party further contends that while amendments have been made to legislation governing national service, such changes cannot alter constitutional provisions that define the division of responsibilities between the Union Government and Zanzibar.
ACT Wazalendo said the historical operation of JKT and JKU as separate institutions demonstrates that national service has never been administered as a Union function.
The party maintained that the existence of JKU reflects Zanzibar’s constitutional mandate to manage matters that do not fall under the Union arrangement.
The statement also took issue with the suggestion that JKT training should serve as a benchmark for patriotism among young Tanzanians.
ACT Wazalendo argued that thousands of Zanzibar youths have for decades undergone similar training through JKU and have contributed to public service and national development through institutions under the Zanzibar Government.
A key concern raised by the opposition party relates to employment opportunities within Union security organs, including the Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF), the Police Force and the Immigration Department.
The party warned that making JKT training a prerequisite for recruitment could place Zanzibar graduates at a disadvantage if qualifications obtained through JKU are not accorded equal recognition.
ACT Wazalendo called on the relevant authorities to formally acknowledge JKU certificates and training as equivalent to those issued by JKT, arguing that equal treatment is necessary to ensure fairness and avoid discrimination against Zanzibar youth seeking careers in Union institutions.
The party also criticised the response of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, saying it had failed to adequately address concerns surrounding the directive and had not done enough to defend the interests of Zanzibar’s institutions.
Particular criticism was directed at President Hussein Mwinyi, whom the party accused of remaining silent on an issue that directly affects the status of JKU and Zanzibar’s constitutional powers.
According to ACT Wazalendo, the President, as the constitutional leader of Zanzibar and commander of its special departments, has a responsibility to protect and promote the authority of Zanzibar institutions.
The party urged the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to issue a clear position safeguarding the role of JKU and assuring young people that patriotic and civic training can continue to be provided through Zanzibar’s own structures.
It also called on JKT to reconsider the mandatory inclusion of Zanzibar Form Six graduates and allow the Isles to manage such programmes independently through JKU.
The controversy has reignited longstanding debates over the scope of Union and non-Union matters and the extent of Zanzibar’s autonomy within the Union framework.
As discussions continue, the issue is expected to draw attention from policymakers, constitutional experts and youth groups, particularly as the government moves forward with plans to expand national service programmes for school leavers across the country.
