Angela Mushi
Tanzania is in mourning following the death of Job Yustino Ndugai, the former Speaker of the National Assembly and long-serving Member of Parliament for Kongwa.
Ndugai passed away earlier today in Dodoma, the country’s capital, while undergoing medical treatment.
The announcement of his passing was made by Speaker Dr. Tulia Ackson, who also serves as President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). In her statement, she expressed deep sorrow and described Ndugai as a committed patriot who devoted his life to serving his country with integrity and strength.
“With great sadness, I share the news of the passing of our leader and elder statesman, Hon. Job Ndugai,” said Dr. Ackson. “He will be remembered for his immense contributions to parliamentary democracy in Tanzania.”
The Parliament of Tanzania, in collaboration with Ndugai’s family and a funeral committee, is now overseeing burial arrangements. More details will be made available in the coming days.
A Towering Figure in Tanzanian Politics
Job Ndugai was born on January 21, 1963, and began his journey in public service over two decades ago. He first entered Parliament in 2000 as a member of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which has governed Tanzania since independence.
From 2010 to 2015, Ndugai served as Deputy Speaker of Parliament under Speaker Anne Makinda—the first woman to hold the position. He was later elected as the Speaker in 2015 and re-elected after the 2020 general elections, becoming one of the longest-serving presiding officers in the nation’s history.
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However, in early 2022, Ndugai resigned from his post following a controversial statement in which he warned that continued external borrowing might jeopardize Tanzania’s sovereignty. Though he issued a public apology, the fallout within CCM led him to step down. He said his resignation was done “in the best interest of the nation.”
Despite stepping aside from the Speakership, Ndugai remained politically active and had recently secured the CCM nomination to contest again for the Kongwa constituency in the 2025 general elections.
Academic and Professional Background
Ndugai’s educational journey took him through several prominent institutions. He studied at Matare Primary School, Kibaha Secondary School, and Old Moshi Secondary School. He then pursued a diploma in wildlife management at Mweka College of African Wildlife Management.
Later, he joined the University of Dar es Salaam where he earned his undergraduate degree, followed by postgraduate studies at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). He also obtained an MBA from ESAMI in Arusha, a top-ranked business school in East and Southern Africa.
His blend of academic rigor and grassroots leadership enabled him to rise quickly in Parliament, earning a reputation for being one of the most active MPs during the 9th Parliament.
Ndugai’s political career was marked by his unwavering loyalty to CCM, his disciplined leadership style, and his readiness to speak frankly—sometimes at personal cost. His tenure as Speaker was often defined by efforts to maintain order, enforce parliamentary procedures, and elevate the dignity of the House.
In 2022, he was ranked among Tanzania’s most influential political figures. His principled resignation, though controversial, underscored his belief in responsible governance and national accountability.
News of Ndugai’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the nation. In Dodoma, flags at government institutions flew at half-mast. Vigils are being organized in Kongwa, where he was not just a lawmaker but a community leader. Social media has been flooded with tributes from citizens, colleagues, and former political rivals.
Prominent figures, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan and opposition leaders, have expressed their condolences and praised Ndugai’s enduring contributions to Tanzanian democracy.
Job Ndugai leaves behind a legacy rooted in discipline, service, and patriotism. His death comes at a time when Tanzania is preparing for pivotal elections, and his absence will surely be felt on both sides of the political aisle
