Zitto Kabwe pledges to defend citizens’ interests as parliamentary campaign kicks off

Kigoma. Retired ACT-Wazalendo leader Zitto Kabwe has officially launched his campaign for the Kigoma Urban parliamentary seat, urging citizens to elect a representative who will protect their interests.

Before the launch, party supporters, led by regional leaders and youth wing chairperson Abdul Nondo, staged a mobilisation march across various parts of the constituency.

In response to the large turnout, Mr Kabwe expressed his gratitude and pledged to serve with integrity, saying he is best placed to defend the people against the challenges they face.

“I take this commitment very seriously; that is why you have walked for more than three hours. The only thing I can do properly in return is serve the people of Kigoma-Ujiji Municipality,” said Mr Kabwe.

“This is the time when all the projects we initiated need close supervision. Look at the wards of Gungu and Katubuka, and the suffering they endured during the floods,” he added.

Mr Kabwe also highlighted immigration issues, noting that he has consistently defended citizens when harassed by the immigration department over their nationality.

He said it is now time to represent them in Parliament, pointing out that leaders of other parties have neglected the matter.

“When someone is arrested by immigration officers, who do they call first? Send me, and I will defend them. I have been fighting for the revival of our port. You need someone who will safeguard the interests of Kigoma, and that person is me,” he declared.

He added: “Give me all these councilors, while they defend your interests in the council, I will do the same in Parliament. That is the responsibility of Kigoma’s people.”

The launch, held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, was also attended by parliamentary candidates from Kigoma North, Kasulu Rural, Kasulu Urban, and Muhambwe constituencies, alongside 19 ward councillor candidates from Kigoma Urban.

Speaking at the rally, the national youth wing chairperson raised concerns about immigration, long a challenge for Kigoma residents.

Due to a surge in illegal immigration from neighbouring countries facing insecurity, many locals with similar cultural backgrounds have been harassed over citizenship.

“The people of Kigoma have long suffered harassment over nationality issues, and only Mr Kabwe has stood up for them, even when he was outside Parliament. MPs have been there, but said nothing. The only defender has been Mr Kabwe,” said Mr Nondo.

He also addressed abductions in the country, thanking citizens for raising their voices when he was allegedly kidnapped at Mbezi Louis bus terminal upon returning from Kigoma after local government elections.

“The police were there, MPs were there, but people are still abducted in silence. I thank the citizens who raised their voices when I was taken, and I also thank our parliamentary candidate, who stood up for me. That’s why I’m here today,” added Mr Nondo.

Earlier, during the launch, the ACT-Wazalendo women’s wing chairperson for Kigoma Urban, Ms Stela Shirima, appealed to women to vote for the party in the upcoming general election, citing exploitative informal loans.

“Mothers, you know the suffering we’ve endured since 2020. The exploitative loans have weakened us until our legs tremble when we walk. I urge all women to vote overwhelmingly for Mwami (Zitto) this October,” said Ms Shirima.

Her remarks were supported by ACT-Wazalendo regional secretary for Kigoma, Mr Rashidi Ruhomvya, who said many women are trapped in exploitative micro-loans due to economic hardship and lack of proper representation.

“If you look at our mothers, many are burdened with these exploitative loans because of widespread poverty,” said Mr Ruhomvya.

“The one person who can rescue them is an economist, and Mr Kabwe is a seasoned economist capable of doing so,” he added.