UKAWA NOMINATION: Slaa: From priesthood to vying for the presidency

 From priesthood to politics. That is the best way of describing Dr Willibrod Peter Slaa, the secretary-general of the opposition Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema).

The former Member of Parliament for Karatu Constituency has risen from politics, priesthood to politics again.

Born on October 29, 1948, Dr Slaa is a holder of various academic qualifications, including a PhD in law from St Urban University in Rome, Italy, in 1977.

The politician previously attended Kipalapala Seminary in Tabora Region, where he obtained certificate in theology in 1977 and Kibosho Seminary School in Kilimanjaro Region, where he got a certificate in philosophy in 1973.

Between 1992 and 1998, Dr Slaa was managing director of the Tanzania Society for the Blind.  From 1985 to 1991, he was secretary-general of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference and between 1982 and 1985, he was director of the Diocese of Mbulu Development.

Dr Slaa was elected Chadema secretary-general 2002. He previously served as Chadema vice-chairman from 1998 to 2002 and Chadema MP for Karatu and member of the party’s National Executive Committee.

Before joining Chadema, Dr Slaa served as the ruling CCM’s branch secretary in Rome between 1980 and 1982. Between 1974 and 1977, he was secretary of TANU’s Youth Union and from 1974 to 1977 he was TANU chairman for Kipalapala

In the 1995 General Election, Dr Slaa’s Chadema won four out of 269 seats in Parliament and 42 civic seats nationwide.

In the 2000 elections, Chadema did not have a presidential candidate, but won five seats in Parliament and scooped 75 civic seats in Kigoma, Karatu and Tarime district councils.

In the 2005 elections, Chadema’s presidential candidate, Mr Freeman Mbowe, finished third among 10 candidates, with 5.88 per cent of the vote.

The party also increased its share of parliamentary seats to 11, thanks to its soaring popularity among the youth in urban areas. The number of councillors elected though the party shot up to 103. Chadema also retained control of  Kigoma, Tarime and Karatu district councils.

In the 2010 General Election, Chadema put on its best performance to date in a presidential election when Dr Slaa gained 27.1 per cent of the vote, a substantial increase on the 5.88 per cent garnered by the Chadema candidate in the 2005 election.

Dr Slaa, who until early 1995 was a CCM member, crossed over to Chadema shortly before the 1995 General Election after failing to win nomination as CCM’s candidate for the Karatu parliamentary seat. He went on to win the seat and successfully defended it in 2000.

Following the victory, Dr Slaa kept ministers on their toes in Parliament with incisive questions on sensitive issues.

He was also famous for his bold attacks on the ruling elite both in and out of Parliament.

Dr Slaa’s profile as an opposition stalwart was boosted further when he released what came to be known as the “List of Shame” during a rally at Mwembe Yanga grounds in Dar es Salaam.

In the list Dr Slaa, named a number of prominent politicians and businessmen and linked them to several grand corruption scandals.