Nation mourns veteran Lukuvi

• Samia describes him as courageous, skilled and patriotic leader

DODOMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), William Lukuvi (71).

She described the late Lukuvi as a courageous, skilled and patriotic leader who made significant contributions to nationbuilding.

According to a statement issued yesterday by Directorate of Presidential Communications, the late Lukuvi, who also served as the Member of Parliament for Isimani Constituency, passed away yesterday morning at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma.

President Samia extended her heartfelt condolences to the Speaker of the National Assembly Mussa Azzan Zungu, the bereaved family, residents of Isimani Constituency, relatives, friends and all Tanzanians, noting that the nation has lost a dedicated leader, who served with commitment in various public offices.

In a statement on her official social media platforms, she said: “We have lost a courageous, competent and highly experienced leader, a patriot and public servant who served our nation with integrity, professionalism and dedication. His significant contribution to the construction and development of our nation will always be remembered and cherished.”

Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi also conveyed condolences, describing Lukuvi’s death as a great loss to the nation.

He praised the late leader’s immense contribution, noting that he was an experienced, patriotic and committed public servant who held various leadership positions over many years.

“I extend my condolences to President Samia, Speaker of the National Assembly Mussa Azzan Zungu, the family, residents of Isimani Constituency, relatives, friends and all Tanzanians for this great loss. May Almighty God grant him eternal rest,” Dr Mwinyi said, adding that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar stands with the bereaved during this difficult period.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Mussa Azzan Zungu announced the postponement of Parliamentary Standing Committee meetings scheduled for yesterday to allow Members of Parliament to mourn the late Lukuvi.

According to a statement from the Parliament’s Communications and Public Education Unit, the decision was made under Rule 176 of the Parliamentary Standing Orders (August 2025 Edition).

The late Lukuvi was born on August 15, 1955, in Mapogoro village, Iringa Rural District. In 1975, he received teacher training at Tabora Teachers College before pursuing further studies.

In 1983, he obtained an Advanced Diploma in Political Science from Komsomol High School in Moscow. In 2001, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Diplomacy from Washington International University, and in 2011 he obtained a Master’s degree in Political Science from the Open University of Tanzania.

His political career began in 1980, when he served as a Regional and District Youth Secretary in Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

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Between 1993 and 1994, he held the position of Deputy Secretary General of the party’s Youth Wing. In 1995, he was elected Member of Parliament for Isimani Constituency through CCM, a position he held for about 31 years, earning the trust and confidence of both the electorate and his party.

During his long public service, he held several senior government positions, including Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development (2015–2022) and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy and Parliament) from 2010 to 2015. In 2023, he was appointed Presidential Advisor on Political and Social Relations, before assuming his latest ministerial role in 2025.

As mourning continues, leaders and citizens across the country have been gathering at the late Lukuvi’s residence. Yesterday afternoon, mourners were seen arriving at his home in Area D, Dodoma.

Among them was Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr David Kienzile, who described Lukuvi as hardworking, principled and highly dedicated, noting that he also served as a mentor to young Members of Parliament.

“He spent over 30 consecutive years in Parliament, reflecting the trust he commanded from citizens and Chama Cha Mapinduzi,” he said.

In Dar es Salaam, mourners also gathered at the late leader’s residence, including Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Angellah Kairuki.

Ms Kairuki said she first worked with Lukuvi in 2010 when she joined Parliament and later served under him as deputy minister while he was Minister for Lands. She added that they also collaborated as Presidential Advisors, where Lukuvi demonstrated a high level of professionalism.

“We have lost a strong, visionary and patriotic leader who deeply cared for the people of Isimani. He was committed to ensuring Parliament operates effectively and, as a CCM cadre, valued proper coordination in government, playing a key role in overseeing ministers and deputy ministers to ensure implementation of various guidelines, regulations, laws, and policies,” she said.