I met Dr Faustine Ndugulile, who sadly passed away Wednesday, a few times as we worked on legislative reforms across different sectors. He was a legislator, and I was a civil society analyst and advocate. Dr Ndugulile was a good man, kind, humble, and cheerful. It is a deep loss to have him leave us so early.
I will always remember him, especially during his time as Minister of Communication and Information Technology, when he passionately collaborated with activists on critical issues, including enabling PayPal in Tanzania to support both “send and receive” capabilities. His leadership made several complex matters easier to tackle.
I also recall one meeting during which we shared coffee with some digital and tech activists and enthusiasts to discuss several initiatives we wished to see in Tanzania. I cannot overstate how brilliant this man was. He was a true asset to our nation.
Dr Ndugulile was also very courageous! During the toughest days of COVID-19 in Tanzania, he stood out as a principled leader. As a health deputy minister, he upheld his professional ethics and never compromised for popularity or fear of Kutumbuliwa! His work ethic, humility, and intellect inspired so many of us deeply, and it is a lesson to us all!
It feels unreal to speak of him in the past tense. I recently congratulated him on his remarkable appointment as the WHO Africa Regional Director on August 27, a role that stirred admiration and pride across Tanzania. Today, I am in shock to learn that he is no more.
Dr Ndugulile respected civil society, the private sector, and other key actors. Whenever we invited him to contribute to our evidence-based convenings, research launches, etc., he came not to dictate but to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue. He approached every discussion with humility and an open mind, leading to a professional and fair consensus. He was truly a genius.
I mourn him because he showed us that Tanzania still has leaders whom bullies or distractions cannot sway. He was a visionary, a transformative leader, and an ambassador for this nation. Why has he been taken from us so soon? He was just beginning his plans at WHO, and now he is gone.
May God grant eternal rest to our dear brother, Dr Faustine Ndugulile.
To his family, may the Lord comfort you in this time of sorrow. The Bible reminds us in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” And in 2 Timothy 4:7, we are called to finish our race and keep the faith.
To the nation, let us honour Dr Ndugulile’s life by living with purpose and dying empty—having fulfilled every dream, idea, and calling God has placed in us. Let us strive to leave a legacy, just as he did.
Dear Dr Ndugulile, you taught us to serve with integrity and to dream of a brighter Tanzania. Your legacy will live on. Rest in eternal Glory.
Annastazia Rugaba is the Director for Advocacy and Engagement at Twaweza East Africa. She can be reached at arugaba@twaweza.org or on X as @annarugaba. These are the writer’s own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of The Chanzo. Do you want to publish in this space? Contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com for further inquiries.
