- Acknowledges Late Dr Ndugulile’s efforts to clinch WHO post
DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on Tanzanian professionals to seek opportunities in international organisations so as to advance their careers and elevate the country’s global standing citing the late Dr Faustine Ndugulile as a role model to emulate.
The President delivered her remarks at Karimjee Grounds in Dar es Salaam yesterday where she joined mourners to pay their final respects to the late Dr Ndugulile who was Kigamboni Member of Parliament and World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa Regional Director-Elect. Dr Ndugulile (55) passed away on November 27 in India while undergoing treatment.
His body was sent back home on Friday, with burial planned for today at Mwongozo Cemetery in Kigamboni District, Dar es Salaam.
President Samia acknowledged the government’s unwavering support for Dr Ndugulile’s successful bid for the WHO Africa Regional Director position, recognising the immense pride he brought to Tanzania through his accomplishments.
“We wanted him to represent Tanzania and for Tanzania to represent Africa on the global health stage. However, God has called him. May his soul rest in peace,” the President said.
She further assured that Tanzania would continue its pursuit of the position by identifying another qualified candidate to uphold the country’s representation in global health matters.
“We will return to the competition with renewed determination. It is our responsibility to strengthen Tanzania’s representation within Africa and on the global stage.
The government is committed to ensuring that our experts serve as ambassadors for Tanzania worldwide,” she affirmed. Reflecting on Dr Faustine’s leadership journey, President Samia acknowledged the significant honor he had brought to Tanzania.
“God has taken his gift, but we must move forward. God’s will is perfect, and we are grateful for the life and contributions of Dr Faustine. We continue to keep him and his family in our prayers. May his soul rest in peace,” she said.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa also paid tribute to Dr Ndugulile, describing him as a dedicated leader who worked tirelessly to address the challenges faced by the people of Kigamboni. He noted that even during his time in government service, Dr Ndugulile demonstrated exceptional professionalism.
He commended President Samia for her active support during Dr. Ndugulile’s candidacy for the WHO role, highlighting the government’s efforts to provide financial and logistical assistance during the campaign.
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Mr Majaliwa extended condolences to President Samia, Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Tulia Ackson, and CCM Secretary-General Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, acknowledging their collective loss of a leader who consistently supported the party’s mission.
He also expressed sympathy to Dr Ndugulile’s family for their profound loss. Dr Ndugulile was a CCM politician who had served as the Member of Parliament for Kigamboni Constituency since 2010.
In October 2017, he was appointed Deputy Minister for Health, and in 2020, he became the first Minister for Communication and Information and Communication Technology, a newly created ministry under former President John Magufuli.
In August 2024, Dr Ndugulile was nominated as the next Regional Director for the WHO African Region and was scheduled to assume his new role in February next year.
The deceased is survived by his wife, Dr Magdalena Swai, and their two children, Martha Ndugulile and Melvin Ndugulile.
