DAR ES SALAAM: As we continue to celebrate the New Year 2025, we cannot overlook the ups and downs the country experienced last year. This time, the Daily News focuses on the deaths of prominent figures whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the nation.
Ali Hassan Mwinyi, “Ruksa” (98)
The nation was deeply shocked by the passing of the second-phase President, Alhaj Ali Hassan Mwinyi, affectionately known as “Mzee Ruksa.” He passed away on February 29, 2024, at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam after battling cancer. President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced his death and declared seven days of national mourning in his honor.
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Mwinyi, who served as Tanzania’s president from 1985 to 1995, oversaw significant economic, social, and political transformations during his tenure.
Edward Lowassa (70)
Former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa passed away on February 10, 2024, at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Dar es Salaam after a prolonged illness.
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Lowassa, who was 70, also ran as a presidential candidate under the opposition party CHADEMA. He served as Prime Minister from 2005 to 2008 under President Jakaya Kikwete’s government and represented Monduli Constituency as a Member of Parliament.
Dr. Ibrahim Msabaha (72)
Dr. Ibrahim Msabaha, former Minister for Energy and Minerals, passed away on February 13, 2024, at the age of 72. He died en route to Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) for treatment.
ALSO READ: Dr Msabaha: Former Energy and Minerals Minister passes away
Dr. Msabaha held numerous positions, including Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, and served as a Member of Parliament for Kibaha Constituency.
Lawrence Mafuru
Lawrence Mafuru, Executive Secretary of the Planning Commission, passed away on November 9, 2024, at Apollo Hospital in India, where he was receiving treatment.
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President Samia Suluhu Hassan extended her condolences to the Minister of Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, and Mafuru’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Dr. Faustine Ndugulile (55)
Towards the end of the year, Tanzania was shaken by the news of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile’s passing on November 27, 2024. The former Member of Parliament for Kigamboni and Regional Director-elect of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Africa died while undergoing treatment in India.
ALSO READ: WHO Africa Regional Director Dr Ndugulile dies aged 55
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Tulia Ackson, confirmed the news and shared a heartfelt statement on Parliament’s social media platforms.
Mustafa Mkulo
Former Finance Minister Mustafa Mkulo passed away on May 3, 2024, at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam. Born on September 26, 1946, Mkulo was an MBA graduate from the University of London.
ALSO READ: MUSTAFA MKULO 1946-2024: Tanzania’s former finance minister passes away
He is best remembered for his management of the 2008/09 global economic crisis, during which Tanzania performed better than most sub-Saharan African countries. Mkulo served as Deputy Finance Minister from 2006 to 2008 and as Finance Minister from 2008 to 2012.
Ambassador Ferdinand Ruhinda
Ambassador Ferdinand Ruhinda, former Managing Editor of Tanzania Standard Newspapers (TSN), passed away on June 15, 2024, after a battle with diabetes.
ALSO READ: AMBASSADOR RUHINDA: Former TSN managing editor passes away
A respected diplomat and journalist, Ruhinda served as Tanzania’s Ambassador to Canada and China. He was also a founding member of Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) and played a pivotal role in various media outlets, including Uhuru, Mzalendo, and Daily News/Sunday News.
