Kivule attracts political heavyweights as Madeleka declares bid

Dar es Salaam. ACT Wazalendo member Peter Madeleka has collected nomination forms to contest the parliamentary seat for the newly established Kivule constituency under his party’s banner in the October 2025 General Election.

Kivule is among eight new constituencies announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on May 12, 2025, following the division of the Ukonga constituency.

An independent lawyer by profession, Mr Madeleka officially joined ACT Wazalendo on May 20, 2025—just 11 days ago—after defecting from the opposition party Chadema.

He was welcomed into the party and issued a membership card by ACT Wazalendo Vice Chairperson, Mr Isihaka Mshinjita.

His decision to quit Chadema followed disagreements with its “No reforms, no Election” stance, to push for electoral system reforms.

Speaking after collecting nomination forms at the party’s Kivule office—handed to him by constituency secretary Emmanuel Magoto—Mr Madeleka pledged to prioritise community challenges if nominated by his party and elected by voters.

“Kivule has long been neglected in basic services such as water, electricity, and roads. If nominated and elected, I will begin addressing these issues,” he said.

Describing Kivule as his home, he said resident' struggles had compelled him to seek their mandate through ACT Wazalendo.

“Our country faces many challenges that require change, and that change must happen within Parliament—not by boycotting the process. We are ready to face CCM head-on to ensure justice prevails,” he added.

Advocate Madeleka expressed optimism that the elections would be free and fair, warning those contemplating electoral fraud to expect resistance.

“I believe the election will be fair. Since the reintroduction of multiparty politics in 1992, opposition parties have participated and secured parliamentary seats. The 2025 election is yet to occur, but I believe genuine winners will be declared,” he said.

“However, I caution anyone intending to tamper with the results—we are prepared to defend our votes. All we ask for is fairness,” he said.

Why abandon the Tabora Urban bid

Mr Madeleka revealed that, before leaving Chadema, he had initially planned to contest in Tabora Urban.

However, he changed course after assessing the scale of challenges facing Kivule, opting instead to run in Dar es Salaam.

“I compared Tabora Urban with Kivule—Tabora has fewer problems. Kivule is in dire straits; its residents have been abandoned. I want to run here because this is also my home,” he said, noting that the Tanzanian Constitution allows any citizen to contest for public office anywhere in the country.

“Tabora is my home, but I have never contested for a Parliamentary seat. I chose Kivule due to its overwhelming problems. When it rains, the area becomes an island—that’s the reality. I cannot overlook Kivule’s struggles and run to Tabora. Since the law does not prevent me, I’m officially vying for Kivule parliamentary seat,” he added.

Community concerns

Despite entering the race, Mr Madeleka faces the challenge of connecting with voters and convincing them of his ability to solve local issues.

A Kivule resident, Mr Abdallah Masoud, said poor road infrastructure had made transport one of the area’s most pressing challenges.

“Kivule is almost inaccessible. Roads linking Mwanagati, Msongola, and Banana are impassable, especially during the rainy season. Transport costs rise, worsening daily life,” he said.

Another resident, Ms Sarah Neema, echoed similar concerns, lamenting that elected leaders often vanish during times of need, only to return with promises during election campaigns.

“This time, we will not be deceived. Even though we have a new constituency, we need a leader genuinely committed to helping us,” she said.

Waitara’s possible challenge

In addition to local challenges, Mr Madeleka may face strong competition from rival parties.

The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) is reportedly considering fielding Tarime Rural MP Mwita Waitara in Kivule, as part of his strategy to return to Parliament.

Although Mr Waitara has yet to declare his candidacy, a reliable source within CCM claims his chances of retaining the Tarime Rural seat are slim due to fierce competition from another influential party figure.

Mr Waitara is not the only CCM politician eyeing Kivule. Ilala Deputy Mayor Ojambi Masaburi is also reportedly interested in contesting the seat.

In response, Mr Madeleka said he is ready to face any opponent, provided ACT-Wazalendo endorses his candidacy, reiterating his commitment to genuinely serve the people of Kivule.