By The Arusha News Reporters
It is not yet official, but all signs indicate that the race for the influential Arusha Urban parliamentary seat is already taking shape. Early political undercurrents suggest a potential contest between incumbent MP, Mr Mrisho Gambo and current Arusha Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Paul Makonda – both prominent figures within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Mr Gambo, who previously served as Arusha RC, is widely acknowledged for his strong local base and enduring grassroots appeal. Supporters credit him for delivering on several campaign promises and maintaining close engagement with constituents.
His familiarity with the city’s dynamics has helped cement his influence. However, Gambo’s leadership style has attracted mixed reactions. While some praise his decisiveness, others view his assertiveness and shifting political alignments as divisive within party structures – especially in light of the upcoming October 2025 General Elections, which are expected to be competitive across the country.
“Early political undercurrents suggest a potential contest between incumbent MP, Mr Mrisho Gambo and current Arusha Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Paul Makonda – both prominent figures within the ruling CCM.”
Mr Makonda, appointed as Arusha RC in 2023, is equally a seasoned political figure. Known for his energetic leadership and national visibility, he rose through the party ranks as CCM’s National Publicity Secretary, earning a seat on the party’s powerful central committee (CC). Before his current posting, Mr Makonda served as Dar es Salaam RC, later stepping down to vie for the Kigamboni parliamentary seat in the 2020 General Elections. He lost the intra-party contest to Hon. Dr Faustine Ndugulile, Minister for Health.
Mr Makonda’s move to Arusha was described as a strategic shift to “warm up his political base” ahead of 2025. With his record on public engagement, particularly in service delivery as well as reforms and public campaigns, such as the famed book and media purge, he remains a polarising yet widely recognised figure among Arusha’s “low opinion age sons” – his street conversations among residents and vendors remain legendary.
To qualify to run, Mr Makonda would be required to resign from civil service. Observers note that his natural stature could work in his favour, but voter identity and incumbent-voter sentiment will likely be key determinants.
The Arusha Urban seat also has a legacy of charismatic representation, having previously been held by opposition leader, Mr Godbless Lema of Chadema. However, Chadema will not participate in this year’s General Elections, having been disqualified for refusing to sign the electoral code of conduct – an exclusion that has sparked criticism among political analysts and human rights groups.
More broadly, Arusha region’s six other constituencies also show early signs of political flux. In Monduli, for instance, MP Fred Lowassa appeared relatively secure, with his standing bolstered by the legacy of his late father and former Prime Minister, Mr Edward Lowassa – a revered leader among the Maasai and long regarded as the linchpin national figure.
In Arumeru East and West, both CCM and opposition strongholds remain fluid, reflecting growing youth promises and land-related grievances. Their seats figure just as prominently in internal party disputes and pre-election news.
Karatu, traditionally Chadema opposition stronghold, remains in a comfortable ride. Meanwhile, in Moshi-rural, the seat remains a delicate one, with Makamba’s region and conscription policies still under observation.
Back to the national capital, Arusha and its four borough constituencies ramp up support to back legitimate candidates in line with their youths’ needs for jobs, security and rural development concerns.
