The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Chadema national chairman Tundu Lissu has continued representing himself in a constitutional petition against the Tanzania Prisons Authority as the High Court heard testimony from the fourth and final witness for the respondents.
The witness, the officer in charge of Ukonga Prison, appeared before the court to give evidence relating to the issues raised in the petition.
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The case was filed by advocates Nashon Nkungu, Paul Kisabo and Kulwa Maduhu, who argue that prison authorities have restricted their access to Lissu and interfered with confidential legal consultations while he remains in custody.
The hearing has proceeded for four consecutive days. Earlier sessions saw Lissu conclude his cross-examination of the third witness before the court moved to hear evidence from the Ukonga Prison warden.
During the proceedings at the High Court in Dar es Salaam, Lissu was also seen meeting former Iringa Urban MP Peter Msigwa. The two embraced during a court break, marking their first public appearance together since Msigwa rejoined Chadema.
Msigwa attended the hearing to follow the progress of the case involving Lissu’s legal representatives, who are challenging the alleged restrictions on confidential meetings with their client at Ukonga Prison.
The former Nyasa Zone Chadema chairman left the opposition party for the ruling CCM in June 2024 before returning to Chadema on May 23, 2026.
Meanwhile, Chadema Coast Region chairman Boniface Jacob, popularly known as Boni Yai, likened Msigwa’s return to Chadema to footballer Clatous Chama’s return to Simba SC after playing for another club. Addressing party supporters, he said the move would strengthen the party, adding, “Now wait for 50 goals.”
The constitutional petition, which focuses on lawyers’ access to confidential communication with Lissu, was adjourned, with the court expected to issue further directions on the next stage of the proceedings.
The latest court session comes amid renewed international attention following a Commonwealth call urging Tanzanian authorities to release Lissu within 28 days.
