Opposition party ACT Wazalendo has unveiled a new Shadow Cabinet for the period following the 2025 General Election, pledging to strengthen public accountability and provide alternative policy oversight as opposition representation in Parliament remains limited.
Addressing journalists on Monday, the party leadership said the newly appointed team will play a greater role in monitoring government performance, scrutinising public spending and raising citizens’ concerns both inside and outside Parliament.
The party said the Shadow Cabinet was formed under a 2022 resolution of its National Executive Committee, which authorised the party leader to establish an alternative oversight structure aimed at promoting issue-based politics and ensuring continued public engagement on governance matters.
According to the statement, the latest team is the third Shadow Cabinet formed since the resolution was adopted.
ACT Wazalendo said the previous Shadow Cabinets contributed to national debates by highlighting governance challenges, questioning government decisions and advocating policy reforms affecting ordinary Tanzanians.
The party noted that this year’s structure has been expanded to include both experienced party members from outside Parliament and legislators currently serving in the National Assembly in an effort to widen oversight capacity and improve coordination.
Ndg. Isihaka Rashid Mchinjita was appointed Shadow Prime Minister, while Ndg. Luhaga Joelson Mpina was named Deputy Shadow Prime Minister and Shadow Minister for Energy and Minerals.
Ndg. Idrisa Abdul Kweweta will serve as Shadow Chief Secretary.
Among key appointments, Ndg. Nagy Kaboyoka was named spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament and Coordination, while Ndg. Ado Shaibu Ado will oversee Planning, Finance and Social Protection issues.
Ndg. Pavu Abdallah Juma was appointed spokesperson for Public Service and Good Governance, assisted by deputy spokesperson Ndg. Samson Chacha Marwa.
Ndg. Kulthum Jumanne Mchuchuli will oversee Regional Administration, Local Government and Rural Development, deputised by Ndg. Shingo Bakari Bakari.
Other appointments include Ndg. Said Ali Mbarouk for Environment and Union Affairs, Ndg. Rashid Habib Ali for Defence, Home Affairs and Public Security, and Ndg. Peter Madeleka for Constitutional and Legal Affairs.
The party also appointed Ndg. Fatma A. Fereji for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr. Elizabeth Sanga for Health and Social Welfare, and Ndg. Kiza Hussein Mayeye for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development.
In the agriculture sector, Ndg. Bazililo Kapunda Mbwilo was appointed spokesperson for Agriculture, Irrigation and Cooperative Development, assisted by Ndg. Frank Ruhasha.
Ndg. Riziki Shahari Ngwali was named spokesperson for Education, Science and Technology, while Ndg. Said Ibrahim Mzimba will serve as deputy spokesperson.
Other sectors covered in the appointments include infrastructure, youth and employment, water, climate change, communication and technology, trade, industry, tourism, sports and community development.
The party said gender representation was considered in the appointments, with women occupying 11 out of 23 full spokesperson positions, representing 47 percent of the cabinet.
ACT Wazalendo directed the new Shadow Cabinet to prioritise accountability, transparency and protection of citizens’ rights, arguing that stronger oversight is needed in the management of public resources and delivery of services.
The party also cited findings from reports by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG), saying concerns over public expenditure, unresolved governance issues and transparency in state institutions require closer scrutiny.
The leadership urged the newly appointed team to remain active in monitoring government performance and ensuring public interests remain at the centre of national discussions.
