Dar es Salaam – Tanzania is in mourning following the death of Jenista Joakim Mhagama, the long-serving Member of Parliament for Peramiho and a prominent figure in Tanzanian governance, who passed away today, Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Dodoma at the age of 58.
The news of her death was confirmed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mussa Azzan Zungu, who expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to Ms Mhagama’s parliamentary colleagues, her family, and the constituents of Peramiho.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan also conveyed her grief on the social media platform X, eulogising Ms Mhagama as a “distinguished” member of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party for 38 years.
The President acknowledged her contributions as a stalwart youth and women’s leader, a minister across multiple administrations, and a mentor in both public life and politics.
“I have received with sadness the news of the death of the Member of Parliament for Peramiho Constituency, Honourable Jenista Joakim Mhagama. I offer my condolences to the Speaker of the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, Honourable Mussa Azzan Zungu, the people of Peramiho Constituency, the family, relatives, friends, and associates,” the President wrote on her official X account.
“For 38 years, Honourable Mhagama has been a dedicated member of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), a youth leader, a women’s leader, a minister in various phases of government, and a mentor to many in politics and life. May Almighty God rest her soul in eternal peace,” she added.
Born on June 23, 1967, Ms Mhagama built an influential and enduring career in public service. Her final cabinet post was as Minister of Health, a position she assumed on August 15, 2024, and held until October 2025.
Her extensive ministerial portfolio included high-profile roles such as Minister of State in the President’s Office, Good Governance and Public Services (from January 2022) and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled (appointed December 2015 under President John Magufuli).
Earlier in her career, she served as Deputy Minister for Education and Vocational Training (January 2014–January 2015).
A committed politician from the Ruvuma region, Ms Mhagama first entered Parliament via a special seat for women in 2000. She secured the Peramiho constituency seat in 2005, defeating former Finance Minister Simon Mbilinyi in the CCM primary, and successfully defended it through every subsequent general election, including the most recent one on October 29, 2025.
Her dedication to her legislative duties was highlighted in a 2005–2010 analysis that ranked her as the second most active MP based on contributions to parliamentary debates and questions posed to ministers.
The Office of the National Assembly is working closely with the family to coordinate funeral arrangements. Details regarding the proceedings and the cause of death will be released once finalised.
