State funeral set for Lukuvi

DODOMA: FROM the halls of Parliament in Dodoma to the Karimjee Grounds in Dar es Salaam, the government is preparing a high-profile send-off for a prominent politician William Lukuvi, culminating in a state burial to be led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

President Samia will join thousands of mourners in Iringa next Tuesday to honour the late Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), who passed away on Wednesday at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma Region .

The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the government and political circles.

Speaking yesterday on behalf of the government at the late minister’s home at Area D in Dodoma, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba described the loss as a profound heavy blow to the nation.

“This is a matter that is difficult to understand and difficult to accept,” Dr Nchemba said, visibly moved by the sudden departure of a colleague.

He said that the minister’s death was unexpected, as Lukuvi had remained actively dedicated to his duties until his final days.

“But it has come to us, and none of us anticipated it. Let us continue to pray for him and support the family. May God strengthen them, for He is the ultimate comforter,” the Premier added, pledging that the government would stand firmly with the family throughout the mourning period.

To accommodate the vast number of citizens wishing to pay their respects, Parliament has released a comprehensive funeral timetable that spans three regions.

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The journey began in Dodoma yesterday where the late minister’s home was opened for leaders and the public to sign the condolence book.

Among the first to offer their condolences were Deputy Speaker, Daniel Siro and several members of the Cabinet, including Engineer Hamad Masauni (Union and Environment) and Ridhiwani Kikwete (Public Service Management and Good Governance).

The high-profile nature of the mourning was further evidenced by the presence of Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule and Arusha Regional Administrative Secretary Dr Toba Nguvila, reflecting Lukuvi’s wide-reaching influence across the country’s administration.

Today, the focus shifts to the Parliament grounds in Dodoma. In a ceremony to be led by Prime Minister Dr Nchemba, fellow lawmakers and the public will view the body and participate in a requiem mass.

Following these tributes, the body will be flown to Dar es Salaam for the second phase of national mourning. The ceremonies in the commercial capital will be held at the historic Karimjee Grounds on Saturday, March 28.

It is here that President Samia will lead national leaders in final tributes after a Catholic Funeral Liturgy and before the body returns to the family home for a final night in the city.

The final leg of the journey will begin on Sunday, March 29, when the body will be transported to ancestral land -Iringa.

On Monday, residents of Iringa town and the Gangilonga area will have their opportunity to honour their local hero before he is taken to his home village of Idodi. The State Funeral will reach its solemn conclusion on Tuesday, March 31.

President Samia is expected to preside over the proceedings at Idodi, Iringa Rural. The day will feature a final requiem mass and formal government proceedings, allowing family, national dignitaries, and ordinary citizens to witness the burial of a man who spent decades in the service of the people.

Lukuvi’s journey to this state-led farewell was paved by decades of unwavering presence in the Tanzanian cabinet. Known for his discipline and hands-on approach, Lukuvi served under multiple administrations, earning a reputation as a trusted lieutenant to the nation’s top leadership.

Before his recent role in the Prime Minister’s Office, Lukuvi was perhaps most defined by his long tenure as the Minister for Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development.