The Tanzania Police Force in Mara Region has ordered leaders of the Women’s Council of CHADEMA(BAWACHA) to halt their planned International Women’s Day celebrations scheduled for March 8, 2026, in Musoma Municipality.
Speaking to journalists, Mara Regional Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Pius Lutumo, said the decision was made in compliance with a court order that bars CHADEMA from conducting political activities until an ongoing civil case against the party is concluded.
“We continue to recognize that court order as it has not been lifted. We advise CHADEMA to return to court to resolve their case instead of defying the order, which would amount to contempt of court,” Lutumo stated.
SACP Lutumo further instructed BAWACHA leaders involved in organizing the March 8 event in Mara Region to report to the Office of the Regional Crime Officer (RCO) on Monday, March 2, 2026, for questioning.
The planned event had been publicly announced by CHADEMA women through social media, where they invited women across the country to join global celebrations of International Women’s Day under the slogan: “Justice and Equality – When You Give, You Receive; Take Action.”
The police action is linked to civil suit number 8323 of 2025, filed by former CHADEMA vice-chairperson Said Issa Mohamed and two other members of the party’s Board of Trustees from Zanzibar. The plaintiffs allege that the party’s assets have not been managed or distributed equitably between Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.
In June 2025, an injunction issued as part of the same case temporarily froze CHADEMA’s political activities and assets. However, the party’s legal team has argued that the injunction has since expired and should no longer restrict party operations.
Despite the police directive, BAWACHA has reaffirmed its intention to proceed with the Women’s Day commemorations as originally planned.
Speaking to the media on March 1, 2026, BAWACHA Chairperson Sharifa Suleiman said preparations are ongoing and expressed optimism that the event would be held peacefully.
“We urge women to turn out in large numbers on March 8, 2026. Let us meet in Musoma Town to discuss the challenges facing us, reflect on our achievements, and build a better future for our nation and our generations. It is not a day to miss,” she said.
