CCM Secretary General (SG), Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi (centre), gathers under his wings
the out-going Arusha Regional Commissioner, Mr Paul Makonda (left) and Arusha
Urban MP, Mr Mrisho Gambo (right) during the SG’s recent visit to the diplomatic and
tourist city. Mr Mrisho and Mr Makonda are now vying for the city’s Parliamentary
seat in the October polls. Dr Nchimbi has already been nominated as President
Samia Suluhu Hassan’s running-mate in the up coming General Election. (Photo by a
Correspondent).
By The Arusha News Reporter
The government has dissolved all local government councils across the country, including Arusha, in line with national laws governing the electoral cycle. The dissolution, effective June 20, 2025, marks a key step in preparations for the General Election slated for October.
Mandated by the law that governs local governments, the move suspends the operations of all municipal and district councillors, along with their standing committees, until new leaders are elected and sworn-in later this year. In the interim, day-to-day administration has been handed over to executive directors and departmental heads, who are empowered to deliver services, but are barred from making major policy or financial decisions.
In Arusha, the timing of the dissolution coincides with rising political tensions – particularly in the Arusha Urban Constituency, where two influential figures from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) are expected to clash in what could be one of the most closely watched races in October.
The just stepped down Arusha Regional Commissioner (RC) Mr Paul Makonda’s candidacy has become almost apparent now before the beginning of party nomination primaries sometime in August. In the meantime, the incumbent MP, Mr Mrisho Gambo, appears to keep a low profile, in line with CCM’s election culture. Mr Makonda resigned from his government post to qualify for the contest, billed as a duel between two CCM darling cadres.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has already appointed Mr Kenan Kigongosi, previously the RC for Simiyu, to serve as Arusha’s new RC. His appointment is part of a wider reshuffle across regions.
Mr Gambo – himself a former Arusha RC before being elected MP in 2020 – remains a formidable force in local politics. Widely regarded as a reformist with strong grassroots support, he has gained popularity for his vocal stance against corruption with longstanding community backing. The outcome of their intra-party battle could signal CCM’s approach to balancing party cohesion with local popularity.
Compounding the stakes is the disqualification of the main opposition, Chadema from participating in this year’s general election due to failure to sign a code of conduct with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Officials have said Chadema still have another chance to mend the rift with INEC and make the Arusha Urban contest a show of strength between the two main rival political parties. Historically, Arusha Urban is an opposition stronghold.
According to the official electoral calendar, party primaries will conclude in August, followed by national campaign period beginning in September. Voting for the President, MPs and Councillors is scheduled for October 28, 2025, with the swearing-in of new MPs, Councillors and municipal leaders expected between November and early January 2026. The president-elect will be sworn-in December.
“The race is not just about two personalities,” noted an independent Arusha-based political analyst, who preferred anonymity. “It reflects deeper divisions within CCM over general leadership, loyalty and the future direction of the party – especially in key urban centres,” he added.
Mr Makonda’s national profile is seen as potential advantage in party structures, while Mr Gambo is viewed as a homegrown figure.
