Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on August 12, 2025.

CHADEMA Youths Mark International Youth Day Online Amid Suspended Party Activities: ‘No Retreat’

In what appears as an unwavering stance against the current political climate, youths from the opposition party CHADEMA on Tuesday were compelled to celebrate International Youth Day online, reaffirming their determination to continue fighting for “justice” and “democracy” in Tanzania.

On June 10, 2025, the High Court barred CHADEMA from conducting any political activities and from utilising its assets. This followed a case filed before the court by former leaders of the party’s Zanzibar wing, who alleged unfair distribution of resources between Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

One of the immediate consequences of the court order is that CHADEMA can no longer hold political rallies. This forced the party to abruptly suspend its nationwide ‘No Reforms, No Election’ tour, which aimed to push for crucial electoral reforms in the country.

Bound by these same restrictions, CHADEMA’s youth wing had to commemorate International Youth Day through a virtual event, unable to join the global celebrations with a physical rally as it used to do in the past.

In remarks to CHADEMA youth commemorating International Youth Day on August 12th, BAVICHA national chairperson Deogratias Mahinyila asserted that the movement would not be slowed by current restrictions, calling on members to maintain their pursuit of democratic reforms.

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Tanzania’s Elites Gather at CCM Fundraiser, Sh 86.3 Billion Raised Ahead of the Polls

A cross-section of Tanzania’s wealthy individuals gathered on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, alongside party supporters, leaders, and members at Mlimani City Hall in Dar es Salaam for a fundraising gala dinner organized by the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

The event raised a total of TSh 86.3 billion, of which TSh 56 billion was collected in cash, while TSh 30 billion was pledged.

The largest individual contribution came from Ghalib Said Mohamed (GSM), President of the GSM Group, a conglomerate with interests in port logistics, transport, real estate, and consumer goods.

Mining companies, including both local operators and international firms, collectively donated about sh 16.2 billion.

Other contributions came from party insiders, religious leaders, government officials, cooperatives, and various individuals making smaller donations.

Speaking about the fundraiser, CCM Secretary Emmanuel Nchimbi said the event was not solely aimed at financing the upcoming elections but also intended to support other party-building activities. His remarks followed earlier party announcements of a sh. 100 billion fundraising target, which had sparked debate regarding compliance with election spending guidelines.

In her closing speech, CCM Chairperson, President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized that while the party has a long and rich history, it must be sustained and strengthened by the commitment of its supporters.

2025 Presidential Bid: CHAUMMA and CCK Collect Nomination Forms

Presidential aspirants from opposition parties CHAUMMA and Chama Cha Kijamii (CCK) arrived at the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday to collect nomination forms for the country’s top leadership position in the General Election scheduled for October 29, 2025.

The opposition Alliance for Democratic Change (ADC) was also expected at INEC offices on Tuesday to collect nomination forms according to the commission’s schedule. However, as of press time, the party had not done so.

In the race, CHAUMMA will be represented by its presidential candidate, Salum Mwalimu, alongside his running mate, Devotha Minja. On the other hand, CCK will be fielding David Daud Mwaijojele as its presidential candidate, with Masoud Ali Abdala as his deputy.

On Monday, three other political parties collected nomination forms to contest the presidential seat in the upcoming general election: the Tanzania Democratic Alliance (TADEA), the Tanzania Labour Party (TLP), and the Union for Multiparty Democracy (UMD).

In the election, TADEA will field Georges Gabriel as its presidential candidate, running alongside his deputy, Ali Makame Issa. TLP will be represented by Yustas Mbatina Rwamugira for the presidency, with Amana Suleiman Mzee as his running mate.

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High Court Approves Secret Witnesses in Another Tundu Lissu Case

Dar es Salaam. On August 12, 2025, the High Court of Tanzania dismissed an application by CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu, who had sought a review of a decision by the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court allowing the use of secret witnesses in a case against him for allegedly publishing false information on YouTube, contrary to Section 16 of the Cybercrimes Act No. 14 of 2015.

In her ruling, Justice Elizabeth Mkwizu of the High Court’s Dar es Salaam Zone said the application lacked merit, noting that the Kisutu court’s decision took into account the rights of both parties, including the accused’s right to be heard fairly and the security of witnesses.

Speaking after the ruling, Lissu’s lawyer, Dr. Rugemeleza Nshala, said they disagreed with Justice Mkwizu’s decision and would consult with their client on possible next steps, including lodging an appeal.

Dr. Nshala criticized the prosecution’s argument for allowing civilian witnesses to testify in secrecy on the grounds that they had been receiving threats. He argued that the alleged offense committed by his client took place openly before the public, and therefore questioned why the prosecution wanted to bring witnesses in hiding.

“If they are witnesses, then everyone who heard that speech is a witness. And if there are threats, who exactly has threatened whom? It’s very difficult to believe this. I should be able to know who will be a witness in the case. We believe there are matters that are not in order, and they should be made public and brought before a higher court and other constitutional courts to first examine the constitutionality of these charges and the case against our client—especially with regard to these so-called protections for witnesses,” Dr. Nshala said.

On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Tundu Lissu is expected to appear again at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court for the continuation of Case No. 8607/2025, which involves charges of treason and another case of publishing false information on YouTube.

Tanzania Cautions NGOs: Don’t Be Used for Money Laundering in 2025 Polls

The Tanzanian government has warned non-governmental organizations (NGOs) against enabling money laundering by politicians and interest groups ahead of the October 2025 elections, vowing stricter oversight to curb abuse of funds.

Deputy Minister for Community Development Mwanaidi Khamis raised the alarm while inaugurating the 2025 Annual NGOs Conference on Monday, August 11, 2025, warning that bad actors could exploit charitable organisations to unduly influence Tanzania’s upcoming elections. The three-day event will be taking place in the capital Dodoma from August 11, 2025, to August 13, 2025. 

“This is very important in the topics you will discuss. Because we know that right now we are in an election period. And many people use non-governmental organisations to launder money for their own personal or political interests,” Ms Khamis told the delegate to the conference. 

“Therefore, when this topic is discussed, it should be addressed in detail, with control and certainty, and well understood so that when you leave here, you can be good ambassadors to ensure that wherever we go in society, these actions do not happen,” she added. 

READ MORE: Tanzania’s Police Assure Government on Election Preparedness: ‘We Are Not Going to War, But to Maintain Security, Peace, and Tranquility Before, During, and After the Election’

“These actions not only harm our country but also negatively influence various behaviors that are not part of our culture here in Tanzania.”

Among other things, the conference will feature expert discussions on NGO operations. Key agenda items include regulating the NGO sector, understanding anti-money laundering protocols and financing mechanisms, as well as combating NGO terrorism.

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CCM Restarts Kongwa Parliamentary Nomination Process After Ndugai’s Death

The ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has reopened nominations for the Kongwa parliamentary seat following the death of its initial winner, former Speaker Job Ndugai, who passed away on August 6, 2025.

Ndugai, who was laid to rest in his Kongwa hometown on Monday, had secured the CCM nomination with 5,690 votes, positioning him as the party’s candidate for the October 29, 2025 elections—a seat he had held since 2000.

Speaking during Ndugai’s funeral over the weekend, Clerk of the National Assembly Baraka Leonard stated that the Speaker of the 12th Parliament’s death resulted from critically low blood pressure caused by a severe respiratory system infection.

Following Ndugai’s death, CCM announced on Monday that it would reopen the parliamentary primary to select his successor. Julius Lepupuma, CCM’s Kongwa District Secretary for Publicity and Ideology, stated the nomination exercise would be conducted on August 12, 2025, as a one-day event running from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The forms will be available at the Kongwa District CCM office and will be issued by the District Secretary. 

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