Ibrahim Lipumba

Ibrahim Haruna Lipumba (born 6 June 1952) is a Tanzanian economist, politician and chairman of the Civic United Front (CUF) party.

Although he is more known for his involvement in the political arena, Professor Lipumba, born in the Tabora region of Tanzania, and holding a doctorate in Economics from Stanford University is a prominent scholar (professor of economics). He has held a number of positions in the field of education, as a University Professor both in the United States and at home; and as a freelance economist -having been the economic adviser to the Ugandan government in the late 80s to early 90s.

Professor Lipumba has held the position of Chairman of Tanzania's main opposition party, the Civic United Front from 1995 to present day. He has also contested every presidential election in Tanzania since the country instituted a multiparty system in the early 1990s. In the first election in 1995, he placed third and won 6.43% of the vote. He finished second behind incumbent President Benjamin Mkapa in 2000, capturing 16.26% of the vote.

Running again as the CUF presidential candidate in the 14 December 2005 elections, Lipumba finished a distant second to Jakaya Kikwete of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party winning 11.68% of the vote.

Professor Lipumba is a skilled orator drawing large crowds for his rallies; he is also an intellectual at heart and continues his career as a freelance economist albeit on a smaller scale due to political commitments.

Personal
Professor Lipumba is a keen sportsman, having played football competitively in secondary school before a knee injury forced him to retire from the game; he is an avid football fan of Taifa Stars, Tanzania's national football team, and Arsenal Football Club. He is a married, family man.

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