UVCCM Calls for Youth Leadership in Upcoming Elections

UVCCM Provides Guidelines for Youth Across the Nation Ahead of 2025 General Elections
Sunday, March 2, 2025

In a call to action for youth involvement, Rehema Sombi, the Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Union of the Revolutionary Party (UVCCM), has directed leaders at the regional and district levels to establish youth camps. These camps aim to prepare young party members for the upcoming general elections in October 2025.

Speaking during the closure of a six-day youth camp in Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region, Sombi emphasized that the youth must move beyond merely supporting candidates by carrying their bags. Instead, she encouraged them to actively participate in the political process by running for parliamentary and council seats. This, she argued, would expand the scope for youth representation in decision-making bodies.

"This year marks an election period, and we are firm believers in the power of preparation. I am instructing all districts to organize similar youth camps, like the one held here in Kilimanjaro, to properly train and equip our youth for the upcoming election," Sombi said.

Sombi highlighted the importance of preparation in the election process, stressing that elections involve continuous stages: pre-election, during the election, and post-election. She urged the youth not to be complacent but to engage fully in all phases to ensure their party’s success.

"Youth must not remain passive in the electoral process. Each individual should step forward and claim their place in the race, ensuring our party emerges victorious," she stated.

The Deputy Chairperson also issued a call for youth to cease supporting candidates in passive ways, such as carrying their bags, and instead, actively seek to run for positions. "Let us not carry candidates’ bags but stand as candidates ourselves, ensuring more youth occupy positions of influence and decision-making."

Echoing her sentiments, Victor Makundi, a member of the National Executive Committee of UVCCM, reiterated the Kilimanjaro region’s resolve to secure a victory for the party in the upcoming elections. "Failure to prepare is preparing to fail. We are determined not to see our party lose. That’s why we are actively strengthening our youth and preparing for a resounding victory for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, MPs, and councillors," Makundi said.

The camp, which started on February 25, 2025, and concluded on March 2, 2025, covered several important topics. These included the role of youth in the election process, the dangers of substance abuse to national development, entrepreneurship for young people, and the pros and cons of social media use among youth.