UDP presidential candidate promises free education, clean water, jobs

Geita. The United Democratic Party (UDP) presidential candidate, Ms Saumu Rashid, said his party is committed to addressing Tanzania’s major challenges by ensuring access to clean and safe water, free education up to university, affordable healthcare, and productive investment in the country’s resources.

Speaking on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at a campaign rally in Nyankumbu Ward, Geita Municipality, Ms Rashid said the region’s residents have long been neglected despite abundant resources, including minerals and water from Lake Victoria.

“It is unacceptable that Geita residents live near Lake Victoria yet still struggle with access to clean and safe water,” she told a rally.

“A UDP government will implement deep-well drilling, rainwater harvesting, and lake water extraction to ensure every household has clean and safe water. Our goal is to lift women from the burden of searching for clean and safe water,” she added.

On education, Ms Rashid said UDP is determined to provide free schooling from primary to university, removing fees that weigh on parents.

“We aim for effective education that equips young people with skills and produces sufficient professionals to drive economic development,” she added.

In healthcare, she promised significant investment in primary services, including affordable insurance for all citizens, while ensuring children under five receive quality care without obstacles.

He said the party also intends to empower women economically by making council loans more accessible and involving them directly in mineral-based projects.

Small-scale miners will receive equipment and designated mining areas to improve livelihoods, he added.

Additionally, Ms Rashid pledged that every region would host a factory aligned with local resources to create youth employment and stimulate the economy.

“With local processing of our products, we will create more jobs and income for citizens. On October 29, vote UDP so we can deliver development,” emphasised Ms Rashid.

On agriculture, Ms Rashid stated that farmers will receive adequate subsidies and access to markets for commercial crops, boosting income and food security.

She also promised affordable loans for entrepreneurs and fair council lending.

On tackling corruption, she said a UDP government will implement robust measures to ensure citizens obtain services without obstruction, stressing that a corruption-free Tanzania is achievable.

UDP running mate, Mr Juma Hamis Faki, urged citizens to vote peacefully, noting that elections are not war but a democratic exercise.

“I kindly ask citizens: this is your chance to choose the leader you want. Let us vote peacefully and wait at home for the results. Elections are not war; they are democracy,” he said.

Meanwhile, UDP parliamentary candidate for Nyang’hwale, Malendeja Patrick, pledged that if elected, he will advocate for water projects, the construction of a tarmac road from Geita to Nyang’hwale, and the protection of small-scale miners’ designated areas.

During the rally, Ms Rashid also inaugurated the UDP branch in Nyankumbu Ward.