CCM boasts growth record

TANGA: CCM presidential running mate, Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi has praised President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for spearheading implementation of key strategic projects that have created millions of jobs and diversified the country’s sources of revenue.

Speaking during campaign rallies in Korogwe and Lushoto districts in Tanga Region yesterday, Amb Nchimbi cited the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the expansion of Tanga Port as transformative initiatives that have brought tangible benefits to host communities.

He noted that EACOP has already surpassed 60 per cent completion and has directly benefited over 1.5 million people through compensation, job creation and business opportunities along its route.

“The project has significantly boosted local economies, expanded district and central government rev- enues and opened new business pros- pects,” he said.

EACOP is a 1,443-kilometre crude oil pipeline that will transport Uganda’s oil from Kabaale-Hoima to the Chongoleani Peninsula near Tanga Port.

Of the total length, 296 kilometres are in Uganda and 1,147 kilometres in Tanzania.

The project, estimated at over 5 billion US dollars (about 13tri/- ), is a joint venture of TotalEnergies (62 per cent), Uganda National Oil Corporation (15 per cent), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (15 per cent) and China National Off- shore Oil Corporation (8 per cent).

Amb Nchimbi also touched on the upgraded Tanga Port, which has enhanced cargo handling capacity, reduced vessel turnaround time and increased trade volume.

Revenue generated from the port, he said, has been directed towards the construction of 15 health centres and 17 dispensaries in Tanga Region, while specialist healthcare services have also been improved.

In the education sector, he noted that 94 new schools and 20 classrooms have been built, and water availability in the region has risen from 54 to 79 per cent over the past four years.

While in Lushoto, Amb Nchimbi expressed CCM’s commitment to democratic and transparent nomination processes that ensure leadership continuity and integrity.

“Every General Election cycle, CCM follows democratic nomination guidelines to select presidential, parliamentary and councillorship candidates. These processes uphold high standards and reward loyalty and merit,” he said.

Citing his own experience, he recalled contesting for the Speaker of the National Assembly in 2015 but not being elected, only to be nominated as the party’s presidential running mate in 2025.

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“Leadership is about passing the torch. Today you may not be chosen, but tomorrow you may rise,” he added.

He also praised Lushoto residents for their strong engagement in agricul- ture, small businesses, industries, fisheries and forest resource management.

Over 80 per cent of the population in Lushoto relies on farming for their livelihoods.

“Your role in producing fruits, vegetables and other crops earns you national respect,” he said.

During the Lushoto rally, Amb Nchimbi received a phone call from former CCM Secretary General, Yusufu Makamba, who urged voters in Tanga to turn out in large numbers and re-elect the party.

“With all my heart, I believe CCM will win all constituencies,” Mr Makamba said.

Amb Nchimbi later continued his campaign in Mombo and Korogwe Rural, where he outlined the sixth phase government’s progress under President Samia in improving education, healthcare, electricity, fisheries and trade.

He assured supporters that if re-elected, CCM will accelerate implementation of development projects.

In Korogwe, ongoing efforts include renovation of the district hospital, construction of health centres and six dispensaries, three secondary schools and five primary schools.

He said plans are underway to build 61 teachers’ houses and 15 science laboratories.

In agriculture, he pledged to expand irrigation schemes and increase the availability of subsidised fertiliser.

He also announced plans to raise water access in Korogwe from 75 to 90 per cent over the next five years.

A CCM candidate for Korogwe Rural parliamentary seat, Timotheo Mnzava echoed his sentiments, assuring voters that CCM will fully implement its 2025–2030 Election Manifesto.

Ambassador Nchimbi is running alongside incumbent President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan as her vice- presidential candidate in the October General Election.