TLP pledges major reforms in health, education sectors

KIBAMBA: TANZANIA Labour Party (TLP) presidential candidate, Mr Yustas Rwamugira has placed healthcare and education reforms at the core of his campaign, promising transformative changes aimed at improving the lives of millions of Tanzanians.

Addressing supporters at Kibamba grounds on Wednesday, Mr Rwamugira pledged to introduce a universal health insurance scheme that would cover all citizen’s children, parents and the elderly.

He said the proposed scheme would also extend to motorcycle and three-wheeler operators (commonly known as bodaboda and bajaji) and would be supported through district and regional banking systems.

“Every Tanzanian will have a health card,” he declared, adding that his government would abolish consultation fees in public hospitals to ensure that no citizen is denied treatment due to financial hardship.

“Healthcare is a right, not a privilege.” Education reform also featured prominently in his agenda.

Mr Rwamugira promised a complete overhaul of the national curriculum from nursery to university level, with an emphasis on practical, skills-based learning over theoretical instruction.

“We will design an education system where practical learning is prioritised so that young people become more effective and innovative,” he said.

He said that equipping youth with relevant handson skills would support his broader job creation strategy, which aims to tap into Tanzania’s vast land and natural resources to boost agriculture, small-scale industries and self-employment.

“Employment will be my number one focus,” he affirmed.

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Beyond healthcare and education, Mr Rwamugira outlined several additional priorities, including modernisation of sports infrastructure to promote youth talent development.

Another priority will be revival of the Central Line and TAZARA Railway to improve transport connectivity, tax system reforms to ensure fairness and efficiency in revenue collection.

If elected, the party also promised to ensure employment protection for Tanzanians in the construction industry, with foreign contractors limited to sub-contracting roles.

On social welfare, he pledged to establish youth training centres and boarding schools in every region to support street children and school dropouts.

He also announced plans to build elder care camps for seniors lacking family support.

“Each centre will accommodate up to 2,000 elderly people, providing shelter, food and essential care,” he said.

“These initiatives will ensure no young person or elder is left behind.” Meanwhile, Kibamba parliamentary candidate Mr Morris Thomas promised to focus on improving road infrastructure and ensuring a reliable water supply in the constituency.

He said he would lobby to responsible ministries to allocate annual budgets for road rehabilitation and water services.