Joseph Isangura
As Tanzania gears up for the 2025 elections, a strong voice is urging citizens to stand behind candidates with disabilities. Tanzania Jumuishi (TAJU), a nonprofit organization advocating for inclusion, has launched a nationwide appeal:
help these candidates reach voters, showcase their abilities, and secure leadership positions.
TAJU’s mission is clear — disability should never diminish citizenship rights. Their guiding slogan, “Tupange Wote, Tutekeleze Wote Na Tutathmini Wote!”, reflects a simple principle: plan together, act together, and assess together. For too long, talented Tanzanians with disabilities have remained on the sidelines, not for lack of vision or capability, but because they lacked support, visibility, and opportunity.
This year, TAJU has encouraged qualified individuals with disabilities to contest elections for local councils, parliamentary seats, and other leadership roles. While some have secured nominations through their political parties, others are still awaiting opportunities, and presidential nominations remain out of reach. Despite these challenges, many candidates are preparing to reach voters and promote their policies.
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The organization emphasizes that electoral success for candidates with disabilities depends not only on their determination but also on the wider community’s engagement. Citizens, civil society groups, and media outlets all play a part. By giving these candidates a platform, sharing their vision, and offering practical support, Tanzanians can ensure that elections reflect a truly inclusive democracy.
TAJU also calls on government leaders, including the President, the Prime Minister, and relevant ministers, to assist in kind or financially, enabling candidates with disabilities to run effective campaigns. Contributions from the public are welcome through TAJU’s bank account: Account Number: 301021194046, Equity Bank, Temeke Branch, Tanzania Jumuishi TAJU. This support helps candidates reach voters, share their policies, and demonstrate their capabilities.
“Poverty affects all of us, but people with disabilities often bear the heaviest burden,” TAJU notes. Supporting their campaigns is not charity; it is a commitment to fairness, equality, and a stronger democracy.
In addition, TAJU urges journalists, editors, and media owners to provide equitable coverage to these candidates. Media visibility not only informs voters but also affirms the principle that leadership should be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical or social challenges.
Through this initiative, Tanzania has the opportunity to showcase the capabilities of its citizens with disabilities and demonstrate that democracy works best when no one is left behind. The slogan “Tupange Wote, Tutekeleze Wote Na Tutathmini Wote!” serves as both a rallying cry and a reminder: inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.
