Joseph Isangura
On Sunday, August 10, 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan stood at the heart of the parliamentary grounds in Dodoma, leading Tanzanians in paying their final respects to the late Job Yustino Ndugai, the former Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania.
The solemn ceremony brought together top government officials, members of the ruling party, and citizens from across the country. United in grief, they remembered Ndugai not just as a seasoned politician, but as a leader who embodied humility, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to public service.
Born on January 21, 1963, Ndugai began serving as Member of Parliament for Kongwa in 2000. His rise through the political ranks saw him take on the role of Deputy Speaker in 2010 before being elected Speaker in 2015, a position he held until January 2022.
Throughout his career, Ndugai was widely respected for championing education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects in his constituency. Under his watch, Kongwa witnessed a remarkable transformation—primary schools increased from 50 to 131, secondary schools from three to 45, health centres from three to 10, and dispensaries from 12 to 56. Electrification projects extended power supply from just 10 to more than 120 villages.
In her eulogy, President Samia described Ndugai as “a man of the people” whose work transcended political titles. She praised his parliamentary reforms, including initiatives to strengthen oversight of natural resources and the completion of the Parliament Annex building. She also noted his passion for education, which inspired the establishment of the Parliament Girls’ Secondary School in Dodoma.
Also Read; Election Day Journalists Required to Carry Special IDs
Vice-President Philip Mpango recalled how Ndugai often guided colleagues through the intricacies of political and legislative processes. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa credited him with fostering stronger collaboration between government institutions, while Speaker Tulia Ackson described him as a firm yet compassionate mentor.
The ceremony also reflected Ndugai’s deep spiritual grounding. Bishop Given Gaula of the Anglican Diocese of Kondoa shared how, even in high office, Ndugai remained committed to worship and prayer. “Power never changed him,” Gaula said, recalling a moment when Ndugai knelt for an unusually long prayer, symbolising humility before God.
Ndugai’s body will be transported to his home village in Kongwa, where a requiem mass will be held at the local football grounds. His burial is scheduled for Monday, with President Hussein Ali Mwinyi of Zanzibar expected to attend.
