Dar es Salaam. Speaker of Parliament Tulia Ackson announced on Wednesday that Job Ndugai, the outgoing Kongwa MP (CCM) and seventh Speaker of the National Assembly, passed away on August 6, 2025, in Dodoma.
“With deep sorrow, I announce the passing of our beloved colleague, a seasoned politician and former Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Job Yustino Ndugai, which occurred today in Dodoma,” Ackson, who succeeded Ndugai, said in a statement.
“I extend my condolences to the family of the deceased, relatives, and the citizens of Kongwa Constituency. May Almighty God grant them strength and patience during this difficult time,” she added.
Born on January 21, 1963, Ndugai served as Speaker of the National Assembly from November 2015 until his resignation on January 6, 2022.
Prior to this, he was Deputy Speaker (2010–2015) before ascending to the role under President John Magufuli’s administration. His 2022 resignation resulted from mounting pressure within CCM ranks, as his diverging views on national governance strategies put him at odds with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
READ MORE: Ndugai Steps-down as Speaker of Parliament After Borrowing Spat With Samia
The rift emerged on December 26, 2021, when Ndugai, speaking at a public event in Dodoma, openly criticised the Samia administration’s borrowing policies. He warned that excessive reliance on foreign loans could risk Tanzania’s sovereignty, cautioning that the country might ‘be auctioned off’ if debt practices weren’t reined in.
President Samia framed the criticism as a direct challenge to her leadership, suggesting political motives behind Ndugai’s remarks. At a January 4, 2022 rally, she linked his debt warnings to the 2025 elections, accusing him of undermining her mandate by implying her government was merely “interim.”
The mounting pressure forced Ndugai to issue a public apology on January 3, 2021. Addressing President Samia and the nation, he stated: “I take full responsibility for my words. I was wrong—gravely wrong. May God forgive me. Forgive me, Tanzanians.”
Ndugai died while preparing to contest the October 2025 general election, having secured the CCM nomination to defend his Kongwa constituency seat, a position he had held since 2000.
In a Wednesday condolence message, President Samia expressed sorrow upon receiving news of Ndugai’s passing, offering her sympathies to his family, fellow CCM members, and the Tanzanian public.
READ MORE: Opposition, Activists Fault Ndugai’s Resignation
“Let us join together in praying to Almighty God for him and in praying for the family, relatives and friends to be granted patience, comfort and strength during this difficult time,” the Head of State wrote on X.
Ndugai received his primary education at Mtare Primary School from 1991 to 1997. He began his secondary education at Kibaha Secondary School from 1978 to 1981 and completed it at Old Moshi Secondary School from 1982 to 1984.
He earned a Diploma in Wildlife Management from Mweka College from 1986 to 1988, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Dar es Salaam (1989-1993).
Ndugai pursued postgraduate studies at the Agricultural College in Norway from 1994 to 1995 and obtained a Master’s Degree from the same institution (1995-1996).
His educational journey culminated at the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Business Management (2005-2008).
