Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, has raised alarm after claiming that its lawyers were prevented from meeting the party’s National Chairman, Tundu Antipas Lissu, who is being held at Ukonga Prison in Dar es Salaam.
According to a statement issued by Brenda Rupia, the party’s Director of Communications, the lawyers had gone to the prison earlier on November 4, 2025, for legal consultations with Mr. Lissu and to deliver important case documents ahead of the continuation of his treason trial.
Rupia, speaking to the media via an online press briefing, said the lawyers’ visit was part of the party’s legal preparations as Lissu’s case was scheduled to continue between November 3 and November 11, 2025, at the High Court of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Registry.
“This morning, our party lawyers arrived at Ukonga Prison for legal consultations with Honorable Tundu Antipas Lissu and to provide him with key documents as part of preparations for his ongoing treason case,” Rupia said. “However, they were denied access to him — a situation that has raised serious concerns about his safety while in custody.”
Growing Concerns Over Lissu’s Safety
CHADEMA expressed deep concern over what it described as an alarming violation of Lissu’s constitutional rights, especially his right to meet with his legal representatives. Rupia questioned whether Lissu was still being held at Ukonga Prison or had been moved to another undisclosed location.
“The act by prison authorities to block lawyers from meeting Hon. Lissu has left us worried,” she said. “We are uncertain whether our chairman is still at Ukonga Prison or has been transferred elsewhere without notification. This situation contradicts the fundamental legal right of a defendant to consult freely with his lawyers.”
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Rupia further appealed to the Commissioner General of Prisons to clarify whether any official orders had been issued restricting Lissu’s right to legal counsel.
“Since the right to meet with one’s lawyers is a legal entitlement, we are calling on the Commissioner of Prisons to inform the public if there are any directives denying Hon. Lissu this basic right,” she added.
Case Continues at the High Court
Tundu Lissu, a prominent opposition leader and former Member of Parliament, is facing treason charges before the High Court in Dar es Salaam. His trial, which was expected to proceed this week, has already faced delays after a scheduled hearing on November 3 was postponed.
CHADEMA insists that access to legal counsel is a crucial part of ensuring justice in the ongoing proceedings, warning that continued interference could jeopardize the fairness of the trial.
“Alongside his right to defend himself in court, Hon. Lissu’s lawyers must be able to conduct legal research, provide advice, and collect the necessary documents to support his defense,” said Rupia.
Nijuze continues to follow up with the relevant authorities for further clarification on CHADEMA’s claims regarding the denial of access to Mr. Lissu at Ukonga Prison.
