By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), one of Uganda’s leading opposition parties, has strongly condemned the recent ban on Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, from participating in the upcoming general elections, calling it a dangerous trend threatening democratic space across the East African region.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kampala on Monday, FDC spokesperson John Kikonyogo expressed concern over increasing authoritarianism in the region, warning that the suppression of opposition parties in one East African country could easily spill into others.
“You can wake up tomorrow and find out when you have been banned from participating in the 2026 elections,” Kikonyogo warned, pointing out the possibility of similar events occurring in Uganda. “For some of us who are sharp enough, we prefer that we fight this thing we see in Tanzania than to wait and witness it in Uganda.”
Kikonyogo’s remarks follow the arrest of CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu last week after he held a rally in southern Tanzania calling for electoral reforms. Lissu has since been charged with treason, a move that has been widely criticized by opposition supporters and international observers.
Additionally, FDC expressed solidarity with CHADEMA, calling on the Tanzanian government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to immediately release Lissu and allow his party to participate in the country’s October elections.
“We send our sympathies to CHADEMA Party of Tanzania which has been banned from participating in the elections which are coming this October,” said Kikonyogo. “And we appeal to the government of Tanzania to release Mr. Tundu Lissu and allow the people of Tanzania who belong to CHADEMA to participate in the elections.”
“No human being has the right to deny another the right to vote for the leader of their choice,” he added. “If the government of Tanzania thinks it is powerful and has the support of its people, why ban opposition parties from the democratic process?”
According to Ramadhani Kailima, Director of Elections at Tanzania’s Independent National Electoral Commission, CHADEMA was disqualified from the October elections for failing to sign a mandatory code of conduct document, which the party refused to endorse as part of its push for voting reforms. Kailima also stated that CHADEMA will be barred from participating in any by-elections until 2030.
FDC has warned that the move sets a worrying precedent for the region and urged opposition parties across East Africa to remain vigilant and united in resisting democratic backsliding.
“We have seen these trends already in places like Kawempe. It can escalate,” Kikonyogo said. “Just like we stood against court martials for civilians 20 years ago, we must keep fighting to preserve our democratic rights.”
The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has held power in Tanzania since 1977, is widely expected to maintain its dominance in the upcoming polls, a situation now made even more likely with CHADEMA’s disqualification.
Observers fear the recent developments signal a shrinking space for opposition politics across East Africa, with calls growing for regional bodies and the international community to take a stronger stand.
