The peaceful village of Lupaso in Masasi District, located in the Mtwara Region of southern Tanzania, became a gathering place for remembrance today as local residents, government officials, and regional leaders united to mark five years since the passing of Benjamin William Mkapa, the nation’s former president.
The memorial service, held at Mkapa’s family home, was led by His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, the retired Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam. He was joined by Bishop Titus Mdoe of the Catholic Diocese of Mtwara, whose prayers and reflections honored Mkapa’s dedication to the Tanzanian people and his legacy of unity and progress.
Among the distinguished guests was the President of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi who also serves as Chairman of the Revolutionary Council. Their presence underscored the continued respect and influence Mkapa held in both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Additionally, former President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique and his spouse attended the service, highlighting Mkapa’s role as a respected statesman across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
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Benjamin Mkapa served as the third president of Tanzania from 1995 to 2005 a period marked by sweeping economic reforms, efforts to combat corruption, and significant infrastructure projects that helped propel Tanzania onto the international stage. He passed away on July 23, 2020, and was laid to rest in Lupaso six days later, his home village, symbolizing his lifelong connection to his roots.
During the ceremony, speakers recalled Mkapa’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s development, including his push to strengthen democratic institutions and foster good governance. His policies laid the foundation for Tanzania’s growing role within the East African Community (EAC) and beyond.
The gathering also served as a reminder of Mkapa’s humility and the strong bond he maintained with ordinary Tanzanians, especially in rural areas like Masasi. Local residents shared stories of a leader who listened, cared, and worked tirelessly to improve their lives.