UPDP: It’s land for every citizen, justice for all
DODOMA: UNITED People’s Democratic Party (UPDP) presidential candidate, Mr Twalibu Kadege has pledged to give every Tanzanian at least five acres of land and enforce tougher justice, including 50-year jail terms for corruption offenders, if elected in the upcoming polls.
Addressing a campaign rally at Majengo Market Daladala stand in Dodoma on Tuesday, Mr Kadege said farmers would receive even larger allocations, as agriculture is key to propelling the country’s economic growth and ensuring food security.
“I believe that if every farmer tills a piece of land and uses it productively, Tanzania will not only feed itself but also Africa. What we need is to empower people with ownership and resources,” said Mr Kadege.
He further assured that any citizen found to be owning land with mineral resources would not be displaced. Instead, they would be allowed to enter into direct agreements with investors on mutually agreed terms without government interference.
On empowering women, Mr Kadege pledged that from the first day in office, every woman entrepreneur would access an interest-free loan of at least 5m/-, repayable over a ten-year period, to support them in overcoming economic hardships.
Mr Kadege also outlined his vision for the justice system, under which offenders would receive strict penalties. He stressed that powerful figures found guilty of corruption or other crimes could face sentences of no less than 50 years.
“We will not run a government of corrupt individuals and lawbreakers. Everyone, regardless of their status, will face the law and order will be restored,” he said.
The candidate further cautioned magistrates to exercise integrity in their rulings, warning that those whose judgements are frequently overturned on appeal would risk dismissal or face punitive measures themselves.
On governance, Mr Kadege promised that public servants would enjoy improved welfare, with a proposed minimum salary of 2.8m/- while doctors would be remunerated at par with their counterparts in the United States.
Regarding the ongoing campaigns, he urged security organs to take action against candidates who attack rivals instead of focusing on policies, saying the Political Parties Council had agreed that campaigns should be centred on presenting manifestos and ideas.
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“Police should act decisively. Those who flout this agreement should be arrested, awarded their punishment in prison and disqualified from the race,” he asserted.
The UPDP manifesto also highlights the separation of grazing and farming areas to reduce conflicts. Offenders who cross into restricted zones would face penalties, including imprisonment of up to 50 years and compensation for damages caused.
