Hon. Eric Shigongo a former “James Hadley Chase” like novelist who made a name for himself writing crime stories is finding hostility with almost every voter as he seeks to retain his seat through CCM.
On one occasion, he told his electorate he had ordered a grader which will improve unpaved roads no sooner it arrives. His voters were unmoved, asking him why now? Where was he in the last four years or so?
Now, with the blessing of Sengerema District, he has another idea: he wants to build a brand new CCM office. His problem is councillors in the area don’t want him to do that very close in the election. Councillors feel that the project amounts to vote buying.
What went wrong for a former thriller novelist? In 2020, he seemed to have the world in his pocket but now the same appears to crumble under his tiny feet. Who is likely to challenge him in CCM nominations?
The Shigongo hour of reckoning is here, and he may not like it.
Hon. Eric Shigongo’s political challenges in Buchosa Sengerema, I analyzed the context from local development priorities, governance dynamics, and electoral tensions. Here’s a structured breakdown:
⚠️ 1. Mounting Voter Hostility and Trust Deficit.
– Unfulfilled Infrastructure Promises:
Shigongo’s recent pledge of a road grader faced public skepticism, with voters questioning his inaction during his term. This reflects deeper frustration over delayed projects, such as the “Nyanzenda Health Centre construction” (promised completion by June 2024) and stalled classrooms in Nyamabano/Luchili, which District Commissioner Senyi Ngaga had prioritized for completion.
– Perceived Opportunism:
Voters view his sudden focus on development (e.g., grader, CCM office) as electioneering rather than genuine commitment, eroding trust.
🏢 2. CCM Office Controversy as “Vote-Buying“.
– Councillors’ Opposition:
Local CCM councillors openly oppose Shigongo’s plan to build a new party office, labeling it a “transparent tactic to sway voters” ahead of elections. This aligns with broader scrutiny of resource misuse in Tanzanian politics.
– District Leadership Priorities:
DC Ngaga’s recent emphasis on “tangible community projects” (e.g., health centers, schistosomiasis vaccination drives for 98,000+ pupils) contrasts sharply with Shigongo’s party-focused initiative, further alienating constituents.
📉 3. Shigongo’s Decline Since 2020: Key Factors.
– Unmet Expectations:
Despite initial popularity as a novelist-turned-politician, his tenure failed to address critical local issues:
– Persistent “gender-based violence (GBV)” in Sengerema, where community radio efforts to combat GBV saw only 40% engagement due to funding/scheduling gaps.
– Economic stagnation despite national projects like the “J.P. Magufuli Bridge and new mining sites” promoted by DC Ngaga.
– Cultural Missteps:
Historical tensions in Sengerema—including “witchcraft-related killings” and “violence against persons with albinism”—demand nuanced leadership. Shigongo’s crime-novel background may backfire if voters perceive him as disconnected from these realities.
Table: Shigongo’s Promises vs. Local Realities.
| No. | Shigongo’s Initiatives. | Community Challenges. | Public Perception. |
| 1.0 | Road grader pledge. | Unpaved roads; delayed health projects. | | “Why now?” / Opportunistic. |
| 2.0 | New CCM office. | Need for schools, clinics, GBV programs. | “Vote-buying” (councillors) |
| 3.0 | Crime-novelist persona. | Albino killings; witchcraft violence. | Disconnected from local trauma. |
🥊 4. Potential CCM Nomination Challengers.
Shigongo faces internal party threats from figures aligned with grassroots and development agendas:
– Development-Focused Councillors:
Critics of the CCM office project may rally behind candidates advocating for “rural infrastructure”, leveraging DC Ngaga’s model of project accountability.
– Technocrats or Women Leaders:
With DC Ngaga highlighting “women’s empowerment” (e.g., Lake Zone Awards honoring President Samia Suluhu Hassan) , CCM could favor candidates championing GBV reforms or health/education—issues Shigongo neglected.
– Local Activists:
Sengerema’s robust community radio engagement on GBV suggests rising influence of media-savvy leaders attuned to social issues.
💎 5. Path to Survival (or Defeat).
– Immediate Damage Control:
Shigongo must pivot to “concrete, community-driven projects” (e.g., completing Nyanzenda Health Centre) and distance himself from controversial party spending.
– Addressing GBV/Albinism Violence:
Partnering with “Sengerema Community Radio” for awareness campaigns could rebuild credibility.
– Party Leverage:
If CCM prioritizes anti-corruption optics, Shigongo’s “vote-buying” scandal may trigger his replacement by a candidate aligned with DC Ngaga’s development agenda.
Key Takeaways.
Shigongo’s downfall stems from “unfulfilled promises”, “poor timing of initiatives”, and “misreading voter priorities”. His re-election hinges on abandoning symbolic gestures (e.g., CCM office) and delivering urgent community projects.
Potential challengers will likely emerge from CCM’s development-focused wing, capitalizing on the district’s demand for accountable leadership. For real-time dynamics, tracking DC Ngaga’s public stance on Shigongo’s controversies will be critical.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
