Nyamo-Hanga laid to rest, Biteko eulogises fallen executive

BUNDA: ON a cool, somber day in Mingungani village, Bunda District, Mara Region, family, friends and colleagues gathered in heartfelt unity yesterday to bid farewell to the late Engineer Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, former Managing Director of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO).

At just 56 years old, Eng Nyamo-Hanga’s life was tragically cut short in a fatal road crash that occurred around 1:30 pm on Sunday in Bunda.

Hundreds of mourners filled the village—among them high-ranking government officials, energy sector professionals, and local residents—coming together to honour a man remembered not only as an accomplished executive but as a visionary leader and man of humility.

During the emotionally charged burial ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, delivered a heartfelt eulogy, describing Eng Nyamo-Hanga as a unifying force and a leader who fostered a strong and inclusive culture at TANESCO.

“He treated every employee equally,” Dr Biteko said.

“He never divided people into groups. Even when mistakes were made, he took responsibility and shielded his team, always saying, ‘Give us time, we will improve.’ He was a father figure who cared deeply about creating a joyful work environment.”

Dr Biteko noted that Eng Nyamo-Hanga took the helm during a particularly challenging period for the energy sector, amid widespread power supply issues.

Yet he remained calm, practical and deeply committed to finding solutions.

Describing him as a solutions-oriented leader who never complained, Dr Biteko called on mourners to honour his legacy by living out his values and vision.

“As a ministry, we will forever remember his contributions. We will carry forward the innovative ideas he championed and pursue them with renewed vigor.”

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He also noted a major achievement under Eng Nyamo-Hanga’s leadership: the advancement of cross-border energy trade with Zambia.

“Soon, Tanzania will begin exporting electricity to Zambia an achievement born from his relentless drive,” said Dr Biteko.

In a heartfelt reminder, he urged the public to live with the awareness that life is fragile and to make each moment count. Deputy Minister for Energy, Judith Kapinga, echoed similar sentiments.

“He taught us that leadership is about leaving a legacy. The way he worked made it easier for those who come after him to carry the torch forward,” she said.

TANESCO Board Chairperson, Rhimo Nyansaho praised the late Nyamo-Hanga for his humility and visionary leadership, especially his key role in accelerating rural electrification efforts since 2016.

“He deeply believed in his profession. When he felt his engineering background wasn’t enough to make inclusive decisions, he went back to school.

That’s why he studied law and was pursuing an MBA—to lead better,” Nyansaho said.

Mara District Commissioner, Colonel Evans Mtambi, called on public servants to emulate Eng Nyamo-Hanga’s diligence and commitment to solving citizens’ problems.

He also issued a directive to local police to intensify road safety enforcement, saying that those who violate traffic laws must be held accountable.

The late NyamoHanga is survived by two widows and 15 children.