Dodoma MPs mourn Ndugai, hail him as symbol of service and mentorship
What you need to know:
- Ndugai, who served as MP for Kongwa for five consecutive terms, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in Dodoma. He had just participated in the ruling CCM’s internal nomination process, which he won, two days before his death.
Dodoma. Former Members of Parliament from Dodoma Region have described the late Job Ndugai as a symbol of unity and a political mentor whose leadership shaped the lives of many, both within and outside the National Assembly.
Ndugai, who served as MP for Kongwa for five consecutive terms, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in Dodoma. He had just participated in the ruling CCM’s internal nomination process, which he won, two days before his death.
Ndugai first entered Parliament in 2000 and went on to serve for 25 years, becoming the longest-serving MP among those who recently completed their terms. He also held the position of Speaker of the National Assembly.
Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), George Simbachawene, described Ndugai as a pillar of development for Dodoma.
“Many people may not know, but I remember him most for the major reforms to parliamentary standing orders he led in 2007—reforms still in use today,” said Simbachawene.
Simbachawene, who has served in Parliament for 20 years, said Ndugai’s death marked the loss of a leader whose contribution to the region’s progress was immense.
He recalled that during the tenure of the late Speaker Samuel Sitta, Ndugai chaired a key parliamentary committee that visited legislatures around the world and later led efforts to reform Tanzania’s parliamentary procedures.
He added that Ndugai had served as chair of Dodoma Region’s MPs based on seniority and had always demonstrated commitment to principle and integrity.
“That position is usually based on seniority. He began in 2000, I joined in 2005. I wasn’t the deputy chair, but I filled in during his absence. We’ve lost a dedicated, principled leader,” Simbachawene said.
He praised the people of Dodoma for coming together following Ndugai’s death and expressed confidence that they would unite to give him a dignified farewell once the official funeral schedule is released.
Former Special Seats MP Mariam Ditopile, who won the CCM nomination for Kondoa Town, said: “We have lost a leader who deeply loved his country and had a special affection for Dodoma.”
Anthony Mavunde, former MP for Dodoma Urban and CCM nominee for Mtumba, said Ndugai was passionate about improving access to quality education in Dodoma.
“As our chairperson, he always wanted to see Dodoma develop rapidly, with particular focus on strengthening the education system for local children,” Mavunde said, adding that MPs would continue to promote education in his memory.
Former Mvumi MP Livingston Lusinde, also known as Kibajaji, described Ndugai as a mentor and firm decision-maker during times of political stalemate.
He recalled how Ndugai encouraged him back in 2005 when he served as Assistant CCM Secretary in Kongwa, noting that he always offered support and never discouraged young leaders
