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Mpina on his quest for the presidency and why he quit CCM

ACT-Wazalendo presidential aspirant Luhaga Mpina speaks during his meeting with media editors at the party’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam on August 14, 2025. PHOTO | MICHAEL MATEMANGA

What you need to know:

  • Mpina said that he quit Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) after stark differences with party leader

Dar es Salaam. Former lawmaker Luhaga Mpina on Thursday explained why he believes he is suited to lead Tanzania, highlighting a track record of two decades of public service and concrete achievements that he says make him a true servant of the nation.

Mr Mpina, who represented Kisesa Constituency in Parliament for 20 years, described his patriotism as “unquestionable,” citing active participation in seven parliamentary committees and a broad array of oversight responsibilities.

“The different positions I have held give me the capability to handle the task at hand,” he said.

He added that he quit Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) after stark differences with party leaders.

“I fought for reforms inside CCM and realised it is impossible. ACT-Wazalendo is where I can continue this fight for the people,” he told journalists, framing his defection as a pivotal moment for the party and its supporters.

Two decades of service

Addressing reporters at the party’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam, Mr Mpina thanked the people of Kisesa for their support over two decades of parliamentary representation.

He recalled his active involvement in law-making, budget discussions, committee meetings, seminars, tours and debates both inside and outside Parliament.

“I take pride in the achievements I attained in representing citizens in the National Assembly,” he said, noting that proposals he initially raised—sometimes opposed by some leaders—were later validated by parliamentary committees, government agencies and oversight authorities such as the Controller and Auditor General (CAG), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA).

During his tenure, Mr Mpina said he oversaw extensive development projects in Kisesa.

He led the construction of 16 secondary schools, several primary schools and five satellite schools, complete with classrooms, laboratories, teacher housing, libraries, hostels, ICT equipment and desks.

He said during his tenure, he supervised the establishment of 15 dispensaries, expansion of Mwandoya Health Centre for surgical services and construction of Mwasengela Health Centre. On water supply, he implemented eight new piped water projects, rehabilitated shallow wells and distributed 1,150 pumps.

He also spearheaded major infrastructure improvements, upgrading 861 kilometres of roads, constructing 37 bridges and 909 culverts, connecting all wards and villages and ensuring roads are accessible year-round. To boost communication, he oversaw the construction of 20 telecommunications towers across the constituency, significantly improving connectivity.

Championing accountability

Mr Mpina stated that he has been a vocal advocate against corruption and mismanagement of public resources.

He cited his work on projects such as the Mwalimu Nyerere Dam, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and his involvement in investigating the Tegeta Escrow scandal, where it is believed some Sh306 billion was misappropriated.

As Chairperson of the Parliamentary standing committee on issues pertaining to economy, industry and trade, he said he worked alongside colleagues to scrutinise major contracts like IPTL and Songas, pushing for accountability and recovery of stolen public funds.

“I understand in depth the current challenges, needs and aspirations of the people,” he said. “Instead of merely advising, I have decided to take action to implement what I have been recommending and what citizens themselves want.”

A vision for Tanzania

Outlining his presidential agenda, Mr Mpina focused on reforms aimed at strengthening governance, the economy and social services.

His priorities include ending abuse of power, protecting citizens from abduction, killings and persecution, halting the looting of public funds, rebuilding the economy to prevent fluctuations in middle-income status and addressing long-standing Union issues.

He also pledged to end bad contracts, stop foreign domination of jobs and prevent the country from becoming a dumping ground for counterfeit goods.

On social services, he vowed to strengthen medical services, ensuring free treatment for pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, people with disabilities and patients with chronic illnesses.

In education, he promises improved infrastructure, prioritised research and practical training for university graduates, alongside job opportunities in both government and private sectors.