Their presidential candidate, Mr Twalibu Kadege, has distinguished himself with a campaign strategy that focuses less on criticising rivals and more on presenting clear policies. UPDP leaders emphasise that their priority is to persuade citizens with ideas rather than rhetoric
Dodoma. The race for Tanzania’s State House is gaining momentum as political parties and their presidential candidates ramp up their campaigns.
With 17 candidates officially in the race, strategies vary: some engage voters directly through rallies across the country, while others seek legal channels to secure their positions on the ballot. Among the contenders is the United People’s Democratic Party (UPDP).
Their presidential candidate, Mr Twalibu Kadege, has distinguished himself with a campaign strategy that focuses less on criticising rivals and more on presenting clear policies. UPDP leaders emphasise that their priority is to persuade citizens with ideas rather than rhetoric.
At a campaign rally in Dodoma, Mr Kadege unveiled three central pillars of his manifesto: land ownership, strict penalties for lawbreakers, and a new approach to public sector salaries.
He asserted that his government would not tolerate corruption, abuse of power, or violations of citizens’ rights, warning that those who cross the line would face severe consequences.
Land policy
Mr Kadege explained that the UPDP’s land policy is designed to empower Tanzanians economically. Under his plan, every citizen would be entitled to own at least five acres of land, while farmers would qualify for larger allocations based on their capacity. “If every farmer cultivates their land productively, Tanzania can power its own economy and feed the African continent,” he said.
He further promised that any citizen whose land contains mineral resources would have the right to negotiate directly with investors, without government interference.
Additionally, women entrepreneurs would be eligible for interest-free loans of at least Sh5 million, repayable over ten years, to support small-scale businesses.
Strict penalties for offenders
Mr Kadege outlined a policy he called Tuzo, which involves imposing strong penalties on individuals convicted of corruption, abuse of power, or dereliction of duty. He proposed a minimum sentence of 50 years for senior officials implicated in grand corruption or rights abuses.
“We will not lead a government of embezzlers and lawbreakers,” Mr Kadege said. “Every wrongdoer will face justice, regardless of their status or rank. Tuzo will apply equally to everyone.” He cautioned judges and magistrates that under his leadership, the judiciary would be held to strict standards.
Biased rulings overturned on appeal, he warned, would lead to immediate consequences, including removal from office. “A judge or magistrate who repeatedly delivers flawed judgments should know their career will be at risk,” he noted.
Mr Kadege expressed his desire for his government to be remembered for fairness in the administration of justice. “Every citizen deserves their rights, and every criminal deserves their punishment,” he stated.
Salaries and accountability
The UPDP manifesto also addresses civil service reform. Mr Kadege promised to set the starting salary for public servants at Sh2.8 million, arguing that well-compensated staff would perform more effectively.
However, he coupled this promise with a stern warning: “Any civil servant who misuses their salary or violates professional ethics will also face Tuzo,” he said.
He highlighted regional commissioners as officials who would be closely monitored, insisting that their conduct should set an example for others.
Furthermore, he stated that students sponsored to study abroad would be required to return and serve in Tanzania after completing their studies. Those who refuse, he warned, would face legal action, including the repayment of public funds.
Campaign conduct
Mr. Kadege urged political parties to maintain discipline during campaigns, reminding them of the code of conduct agreed upon by the political parties’ council. He criticised candidates who resort to personal attacks, stating that this fuels unnecessary tension.
“I call on the police to take action against politicians who use inflammatory language,” he said. “They must be arrested, taken to court, and receive their Tuzo in prison. The campaign should be about policies, not insults.”
At the Dodoma rally, attended by a group of boda boda riders waving UPDP flags, Mr Kadege emphasised that his approach is about empowering ordinary Tanzanians.
He also pledged that leaders in his government would operate transparently. Instead of hiding behind tinted car windows, public officials would be expected to interact openly with citizens, greeting them publicly and listening to their concerns.
A different message
Mr. Kadege, the youngest of six children from Mzee Ibrahim Kadege’s family in the Lindi Region, stated that his candidacy represents a generational shift in Tanzanian politics.
While many parties include land issues in their manifestos, he argued that UPDP’s approach stands out by directly linking land ownership with national wealth creation.
He concluded by urging voters to embrace UPDP’s vision. “Some doubted whether projects like the Standard Gauge Railway could be delivered, but today they are a reality. If Tanzanians trust UPDP with their votes, we will deliver positive change.”
