A Tanzanian university professor who was arrested earlier this month on accusations of inciting anti-government protests has now been charged with terrorism.

Melkisedek Kaijage, who works at the University of Dodoma, had appeared in a magistrate’s court to apply for bail after spending 15 days in police custody when the charges were changed.

He was among more than 130 people arrested over planned protests calling for democratic reforms and justice for those killed in the post-election crackdown last year. The July 7 demonstrations were banned and did not take place.

The academic will remain in custody until his case comes to trial, as terrorism crimes generally do not give the right to bail.

Kaijage, who teaches political science and public administration, was not asked to plead guilty at Thursday’s hearing as his terrorism case can only be heard by a higher court.

He was arrested a day after planned national protests and initially accused of inciting people to join them.

Authorities deployed security forces to major cities in the East African nation on July 7 and warned they would take action against anyone accused of inciting unrest.

Prosecutors now accuse Kaijage of threatening to burn down public buildings as part of intimidation tactics.

Under Tanzanian law, crimes such as recruiting, facilitating, harboring or supporting terrorists or terrorist groups carry severe penalties. People convicted of these crimes can face prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison.

Gerald Shija, president of the University of Dodoma Academic Staff Association (Udomasa), said Kaijage had been transferred from police custody to Isanga prison in the capital, Dodoma.

Colleagues have described him as a respected lecturer whose popularity is due to his teaching rather than his political activism.

His case comes amid a broader crackdown by authorities against opposition figures and activists critical of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Last month, the government suspended political rallies across the country until further notice, saying the move was necessary to maintain security.

During widespread protests following the October 29, 2025 election results, 518 people died from “unnatural causes,” of whom 197 were shot dead, according to a commission of inquiry created by President Samia.

The magnitude of the violence shocked a country that had cultivated an image of calm, consensus and stability for almost six decades.

President Samia was declared the winner of the election with 98% of the vote, a result the opposition dismissed as a “mockery” of democracy after her two main rivals were excluded.

At the time, the president said the election had been fair and transparent and blamed foreigners for the violence, saying it was part of a plot to overthrow him.