It’s official: Gambo, Makonda to battle for Arusha Urban parliamentary seat
What you need to know:
- His move follows that of Mr Makonda, who picked up his forms a day earlier, signalling a high-stakes internal contest in one of the country’s most politically watched constituencies.
Arusha. It is now official—former Arusha Urban MP Mrisho Gambo and ex-Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda are set to go head-to-head in the race for the Arusha Urban parliamentary seat under the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Mr Gambo collected nomination forms on Saturday, June 29, 2025, as he seeks a second term in office. His move follows that of Mr Makonda, who picked up his forms a day earlier, signalling a high-stakes internal contest in one of the country’s most politically watched constituencies.
The two are among at least six CCM members who have so far collected nomination forms at the party’s Arusha Urban District office.
Other aspirants include businessman Swalehe Kiluvia, Ally Mohamed Salum, and Hussein Gonga.
Gambo first won the Arusha Urban seat in 2020, defeating Chadema’s Godbless Lema. His candidacy this time around sets up a significant showdown with Makonda, a high-profile figure who previously served as Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner before being posted to Arusha.
Arusha District CCM Secretary Timoth Sanga confirmed the growing interest in the seat and said more names would be released as the nomination process progresses.
“There are still many calls and submissions coming in, so we will announce the full list of aspirants on the third day, two days before the exercise officially closes,” he said.
The nomination window for parliamentary, councillorship and special seats runs until July 2, ahead of CCM’s internal vetting and primaries for the October 2025 General Election
