Africa-Press – Tanzania. FORMER Speaker of the National Assembly, Job Ndugai was laid to rest with full state honours at his farm in Msunjilile Village, Kongwa District, Dodoma Region, yesterday.
The burial ceremony drew hundreds of mourners, including top government officials, political leaders and religious figures, all paying heartfelt tribute to a man remembered as a parliamentary icon and dedicated public servant.
A deep solemnity fell over the crowd as mourners, including his grieving wife and children, fought to hold back tears while bidding their final farewell.
The casket was slowly lowered into the grave, marking the end of a remarkable life.
Earlier in the day, a requiem service was held at St Michael’s Anglican Church in Kongwa, where the Head of Anglican Church of Tanzania, Archbishop Maimbo Mndolwa described the late Ndugai as a gifted, faithful leader who served both the Church and the nation with unwavering commitment.
“He was a man of exemplary conduct, and his wisdom greatly benefitted both the Church and the country,” said Dr Mndolwa.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, who represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan, led the burial ceremony and described the late Ndugai as a reformist leader, who transformed Kongwa Constituency and elevated the image of the entire Dodoma Region.
The burial was marked with a 15-gun salute in honour of his national service.
“In his 25 years of public service, the late Ndugai made significant contributions to the development of Kongwa and the nation at large. The government will continue to honour his legacy by advancing the initiatives he started for the benefit of the people,” said Mr Majaliwa.
He praised Ndugai for his role in strengthening collaboration between Parliament and the executive, which played a key part in the endorsement and execution of national plans.
“He was a leader of integrity, humility and professionalism, a man who upheld the honour of Dodoma Region and Kongwa through responsible and accountable leadership,” the Prime Minister added.
Mr Majaliwa further said that the government would implement directives from President Samia, to complete all projects initiated by the late Speaker.
This includes the establishment of a national museum and the African Liberation Heritage Programme in Kongwa, aimed at preserving the district’s historic role in the liberation of Southern African nations.
“We will fully carry out this directive,” he insisted at the solemn proceedings where the Parliament, ruling party CCM and religious leaders paid tribute.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Tulia Ackson, pledged that the House would continue to honour and uphold the late Ndugai’s legacy, saying his remarkable service would never be forgotten.
Representing the Zanzibar government, Minister of State in the Second Vice President’s Office, Mr Hamza Hassan Juma, encouraged the bereaved family to remain strong and called on the community to maintain peace and continue offering prayers.
CCM’s Deputy Secretary General (Mainland), Mr John Mongela said the ruling party would carry forward the good works Ndugai accomplished in partnership with the people of Kongwa.
“We are thankful for his life. CCM will continue working with the people of Kongwa to safeguard his legacy,” he said.
Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Rosemary Senyamule thanked the people of Dodoma for their unity and support throughout the mourning period and urged residents to continue honouring Ndugai’s contributions.
Singida Regional Commissioner, Halima Dendego, remembered the late Speaker as a kind-hearted and compassionate individual who left behind a legacy of goodness.
“As we conclude his final journey, let us carry forward the good deeds he performed during his lifetime,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ndugai’s son, Yustino Ndugai expressed deep appreciation to President Samia for her tireless efforts both during his father’s illness and after his passing.
“We thank President Samia for doing everything possible to save our father’s life and for standing with us throughout the entire funeral process,” he said.
As the casket was lowered into the grave, a sombre silence filled the air. The ceremony was attended by a ORD112767 Continued from Page 1 period will run from August 28th to October 28th, this year and expressed confidence that the party would meet its fundraising target, citing CCM’s broad popularity and a strong digital membership base of over 13 million registered members.
“Preliminary feedback from our members shows great enthusiasm. Everyone wants to see this event succeed and make history,” he said.
Dr Nchimbi called on all party members, followers and the public to contribute to the fundraising efforts, noting that the campaign will reflect CCM’s readiness and commitment as it heads into the election season.
This fundraising event follows the completion of CCM’s presidential nomination process, in which President Samia was confirmed as the party’s candidate, with Amb Nchimbi announced as her running mate.
The pair have already collected their nomination forms from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), signalling their formal entry into the electoral race.
CCM’s campaign will focus on promoting its 2025–2030 Election Manifesto, launched in May, which outlines an ambitious roadmap for economic transformation and national development.
The manifesto emphasises building a modern, competitive and inclusive economy, increasing value addition to local resources, creating jobs for youths, raising household incomes, reducing poverty and improving quality of life.
Additional priorities include strengthening transport and logistics infrastructure, expanding the use of science and technology and enhancing governance through commitments to democracy, the rule of law, peace, security and national unity.
Several opposition parties have also confirmed their presidential candidates and running mates, having collected nomination forms from INEC ahead of the October 29 election.
Among them are National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA), whose Presidential candidate is Mr Hassan Kisabya, with Mr Ally Hassan as running mate.
Alliance for Africa Farmers Party (AAFP) has fielded Mr Kunje Mwiru for president and Ms Chumu Juma as his running mate, while Chama cha Makini flagbearers are Mr Coaster Kibonde as presidential candidate, with Ms Azza Suleiman as running mate.
United Peoples’ Democratic Party (UPDP) has picked Mr Twalib Kadege for presidential race, with Mr Abdalla Khamis as running mate, while National League for Democracy (NLD) fronted Mr Doyo Hassan Doyo as presidential candidate, with Ms Chausiku Mohamed as running mate.
The list also has ADATADEA’s presidential aspirant Georges Busungu, his running mate Ali Makame Issa, UMD’s presidential aspirant Mwajuma Mirambo and her running mate Mashavu Alawi Haji and TLP’s presidential aspirant Yustas Rwamugira and running mate Amana Suleiman Mzee.
As the country enters a politically active period, all eyes are now on the unfolding campaigns that are expected to shape Tanzania’s political and development trajectory for the next five years.
CCM targets 100bn/- in fundraising drive for election campaigns cross-section of people from government leaders and diplomats to ordinary citizens all gathered to pay their last respects.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Jacob Mkunda, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Dr Doto Biteko, Zanzibar Chief Secretary Engineer Zena Ahmed Said, former Speaker Anna Makinda and Zanzibar Minister of State (State House Affairs and Diaspora) Ali Suleiman Ameir.
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