President Samia Suluhu Hassan led thousands of mourners on Saturday in paying final respects to former 12th Parliament Speaker Job Ndugai, whose death was reported on August 6, 2025.
The funeral service for the former Kongwa Member of Parliament (under CCM) was held in Dodoma, attended by various dignitaries including senior government officials, former Members of Parliament, representatives from civil society organizations, and members of the public.
Speaking during the funeral of the longtime Kongwa constituency MP who served since 2000, Clerk of the National Assembly Baraka Leonard stated that Ndugai’s death resulted from critically low blood pressure caused by a severe respiratory system infection.
President Samia said Tanzania will remember the late Ndugai for the many leadership roles he held and his numerous contributions to the East African nation. The Head of State said Ndugai earned trust both nationally and internationally, where he held various positions in parliamentary bodies worldwide.
“As highlighted in the tribute that was read, this great confidence stemmed from his political and leadership acumen, and his steadfast belief in parliamentary democracy,” President Samia told mourners. “During his tenure as Speaker, Parliament witnessed significant achievements.”
READ MORE: Tanzania’s Ex-Speaker Job Ndugai Dies at 65
On his part, Vice President Philip Mpango said the life of the late Ndugai has a lot to teach people, including how he rose from humble beginnings, a reality which never stopped him from climbing to the very top – to becoming the head of Parliament’s leadership.
“As he himself often said while encouraging others to work hard: ‘Coming from a poor family is no barrier to reaching the highest levels of public service or making an impact in our society.’ This was a profound lesson for me,” said Dr Mpango.
The body of the late Ndugai, is scheduled to be laid to rest on Monday, August 11, 2025, in Msunjulile A village, Sejeri ward, Kongwa district, Dodoma. Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by the family in collaboration with the Government and various national leaders.
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).
READ MORE: Tanzanians Debate Ndugai’s Legacy as Former Speaker Prepares for Burial in Hometown of Kongwa
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).
