CCM Leaders Face Consequences Over Kigamboni Disputes

Makalla Issues Warning Over Infighting in Kigamboni CCM

Dar es Salaam – A growing rift within the Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party in Kigamboni has drawn the ire of the party's leadership, with high-ranking officials expressing their dissatisfaction and vowing to take action against those causing disruption if they do not correct their behavior.

The unrest stems from the tragic passing of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, who was the former Member of Parliament for Kigamboni and also served as the WHO Regional Director for Africa. Ndugulile died in the early hours of November 27, 2024, in India, where he was receiving medical treatment. He had been a prominent figure in the party and won the seat in the 2020 general elections after a fiercely contested internal party election, securing 190 votes against Paul Makonda’s 122 votes.

Addressing the ongoing political tensions in a party meeting in Kigamboni, CCM's Secretary for Ideology, Propaganda, and Training, Amos Makalla, made it clear that the leadership is not pleased with the ongoing power struggle among party members. He stressed that it was unacceptable for party members to be embroiled in such disputes, especially after the passing of their representative. Makalla emphasized the need for party members to adhere to the party's rules and regulations, urging them to wait for the appropriate time to pursue their ambitions.

"This behavior is unacceptable. Even though the constituency is without a member, we cannot tolerate these disruptions in Kigamboni. It has reached a point where individuals are openly campaigning and introducing candidates to the public, which is a clear violation of party guidelines," Makalla stated firmly.

Makalla warned that if this behavior continues, those responsible would face consequences, including being disqualified based on the recent constitutional amendments.

"Kigamboni has become a hotspot of political noise, with some members acting as if there is no one to call them to order. You are even taking candidates to public rallies and introducing them, and this cannot continue," he added.

Makalla also took aim at party leaders who had been attempting to secure funding for their campaigns. "Some are trying to collect money for their campaign meetings, and I can tell you, this is only making it easier for us to remove them when the time comes."

The CCM Secretary urged leaders to respect the party’s discipline and refrain from actions that could damage the party's image. He also remarked that the political infighting had led to the creation of a new saying in Kigamboni: "Money first, policy later."

He concluded by demanding that CCM’s local leadership in Kigamboni, led by Chairperson Sikunjema, take immediate action to restore order. Sikunjema apologized at the meeting, promising to follow through on the instructions given by Makalla.

CCM Members' Reactions

In interviews with Mwananchi, local CCM members expressed hope that Makalla’s visit would help defuse the political tension in the area. They noted that in both the local council and parliamentary races, competition has become intense, with several individuals vying for positions.

"From Tungi, where our Mayor is from, there are about seven people contesting for the councilor position. This warning will bring some calm, though they are unlikely to stop altogether," said Rashid Mohammed, a local resident.

Another resident, Rhoda Richard, suggested that such visits should happen more frequently, especially as the party approaches its primary elections.

Makalla's visit to Dar es Salaam wrapped up in Kigamboni, where he focused on encouraging party leaders at all levels to actively participate in the upcoming voter registration drive, which will take place from March 17 to 23, 2025.