Let the campaigns begin, but where are Dar’s historic venues?

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania edges closer to the 2025 General Election, questions are emerging about the fate of Dar es Salaam’s once-iconic campaign grounds, which for decades provided the stage for the country’s most memorable political rallies.

For years, Jangwani grounds were synonymous with high-octane campaigns. Residents of the city still recall how now-Retired President Jakaya Kikwete electrified crowds there during his first presidential run in 2005 and again as incumbent in 2010.

The momentum continued in 2015, when John Magufuli launched his presidential campaign at the same venue, flanked by Mr Kikwete, who was still in office and former presidents Benjamin Mkapa and Ali Hassan Mwinyi, alongside senior CCM cadres.

The opposition also had its moments. That same year, Chadema’s Edward Lowassa, fronting the opposition coalition Ukawa with his running mate Juma Haji Duni, pulled tens of thousands to Jangwani. The rallies remain etched in the city’s memory as moments when opposition politics challenged CCM’s long-held dominance.

But today’s Dar es Salaam residents, particularly those who arrived after 2015, might struggle to understand the significance of Jangwani grounds. The space has since been transformed into a bus rapid transit (BRT) depot and its flood-prone nature makes it unsuitable for large gatherings. While the site still features in news reports during rainy-season flooding, it can no longer serve as a campaign arena.

Jangwani was not alone in shaping Tanzania’s political theatre. Mwembeyanga grounds in Temeke District once stood as another vast open space capable of hosting tens of thousands. It was here in 2007 that then-Chadema secretary-general Wilibrod Slaa gained national prominence when he unveiled his explosive “list of shame”, accusing senior officials of involvement in corrupt transactions.

Mwembeyanga’s political role is now a thing of the past. The grounds have been transformed into a modern sports and recreation complex, featuring football and basketball pitches, volleyball and boxing arenas, jogging tracks and family-friendly leisure spaces. Today, instead of fiery political speeches, families gather to enjoy ice cream or small-scale concerts.

The shrinking of political venues extends beyond these two historic sites. In Mbagala, the Zakhem area was once a preferred venue for large rallies. However, its open space has been eroded by the development of a commuter bus station and the expansion of small-scale trading, reducing its size by nearly half.

For the Civic United Front (CUF), Kidongo Chekundu was long regarded as a stronghold and a rallying ground. Yet, like other iconic spaces, it too has been transformed. The area is now home to the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Youth Park, a non-profit multisport facility aimed at promoting youth recreation and community development.

The transformation of these historic grounds reflects Dar es Salaam’s rapid urban development and changing land use priorities. What were once political stages are now transport depots, sports complexes and recreational parks. While these changes serve the growing needs of a bustling city, they also raise questions: where will political parties gather their supporters for rallies that match the scale of past campaigns?

Party leaders say the reassignment or loss of traditional grounds has made it difficult to plan effective rallies, raising concerns about turnout and overall engagement.

CUF deputy secretary-general Magdalena Sakaya said her party will launch its campaign at Mwanza’s Furahisha grounds but warned that the loss of large spaces in Dar es Salaam, such as Jangwani and Mwembe Chai, was a setback.

“There used to be very large areas where we could hold events. Now, we are losing zones with high visibility, which forces us to seek alternative venues at higher cost,” she said.

She added that accessibility was critical to mobilising voters. “When venues change, it affects how many supporters can attend. This is a significant challenge.”

Union for Multiparty Democracy (UMD) secretary-general Moshi Kigundula echoed the concern, citing problems during the 2020 elections.

“We had to shift to Kinondoni Biafra, but we struggled to run our activities effectively due to venue limitations,” he said.

However, even Biafra grounds are unlikely to be available for this year’s campaigns as the venue has been fenced off and is currently a construction site.

National League for Democracy (NLD) secretary-general Doyo Doyo urged authorities to allow greater flexibility.

“Government should open up even unofficial grounds so that parties can exercise their right to meet voters. Restrictions on formal venues should not deny citizens the chance to engage in political discourse,” he said.

Analysts argue that the changes could shape campaign outcomes. Dr Paul Loisulie, a political scientist at the University of Dodoma, said location directly affects attendance.

“When venues shift to less accessible areas, it inevitably reduces turnout,” he noted.

Prof Makame Ali Ussi of the State University of Zanzibar said parties must adapt. “This is a period when political organisations should innovate by using peripheral locations or digital platforms. Online networks can complement physical rallies in today’s campaigns.”

University of Dar es Salaam scholar Dr Onesmo Kyauke stressed the importance of permanent civic spaces.

“Unfortunately, political gatherings only happen during campaign periods. There should be open and accessible areas year-round so citizens know where to assemble,” he said.