Salum Mwalimu, CHAUMMA Presidential Candidate

Salum Mwalimu Juma is the presidential candidate for the Chama cha Ukombozi wa Umma (CHAUMMA) party in Tanzania’s 2025 general elections. Born on 24 November 1979, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Technology from the Institute of Finance Management (IFM), as well as two Master’s degrees: one in Public Communication from the University of Dar es Salaam in collaboration with IIBS in Bangalore, and another in International Business Management from IFM.

Before entering politics, Mwalimu developed a career in the media and corporate sectors. He started as a television news anchor with Channel 10. He later moved into corporate communications, serving as External Affairs Manager at Vodacom Tanzania. 

Mwalimu’s political journey began with Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party, where he advanced through the ranks to become Deputy Secretary-General (Zanzibar) between 2014 and 2025. During his tenure, he contested unsuccessfully for several positions, including parliamentary seats in Kikwajuni (2015) and Kinondoni (2018), as well as a seat in the East African Legislative Assembly. In 2020, he gained national prominence as the running mate to Tundu Lissu, Chadema’s presidential candidate in the general elections, establishing himself as one of the faces of a new generation of opposition leaders.

In May 2025, following internal disagreements within Chadema, Mwalimu left the party along with a faction known as the “G55” and joined CHAUMMA. Soon after, he was appointed Secretary-General of the party, effective 7 August 2025.

Mwalimu’s campaign platform emphasises youth empowerment, inclusive growth, and economic transformation. His platform also addresses vital social issues, including healthcare access, by promising to remove taxes on essential medicines, improve maternal health services, and support youth-led innovation through low-interest loans. His vision is rooted in inclusive economic participation, where young people and women play a central role in Tanzania’s next phase of growth.