Ndugulile’s passing has left a void in both the political and health sector. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
The nation is reeling from the untimely deaths of two prominent figures, Dr. Faustine Ndugulile and Dr. Lawrance Mafuru, whose contributions to Tanzania were unparalleled.
Their passing has not only shocked the public but also sparked serious concerns about the secrecy surrounding the health of national leaders and the systems meant to support them.
Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, who was set to take on a high-profile role as WHO Regional Director for Africa, died on November 27, 2024, in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.
His passing has left a void in both the political and health sectors. Known for his sharp intellect and leadership, Ndugulile represented Kigamboni as an MP since 2010, blending his expertise as a medical doctor with his political responsibilities.
Just weeks before his death, Dr. Lawrance Mafuru, a renowned economist and former Executive Secretary of the Planning Commission, also passed away in India under similar circumstances.
Their deaths have prompted questions about how leaders are cared for and why details about their illnesses are often kept hidden from the public.
Family members of Dr. Ndugulile revealed that his trip to India was meant to be a routine medical checkup as he prepared for his new responsibilities with WHO. According to Gerald Ndugulile, a close family member, there were no signs of serious illness before his departure.
“He came to say goodbye with his usual humor and optimism. He didn’t show any signs of being unwell,” Gerald said. Dr. Ndugulile had been actively communicating with his family through WhatsApp during his time abroad, further deepening the shock when news of his death arrived. “We are devastated as a family,” Gerald added. “He was a pillar for all of us, and his loss has left us shattered.”
Dr. Ndugulile’s death is a significant blow, not only to his family but also to the nation. His appointment to WHO was a milestone for Tanzania, offering the country a chance to have a direct influence on global health policies.
The role came with substantial benefits, including a high salary, international insurance, and scholarships for his children—opportunities that symbolized the elevation of not just an individual, but the nation as a whole. Yet, his life was cut short before he could fully step into this role, raising questions about whether enough was done to ensure his well-being.
Dr. Lawrance Mafuru’s death, also in India, has added to the growing unease. As a financial expert, Mafuru played a critical role in shaping Tanzania’s economic policies. He served as Registrar of the Treasury, CEO of NBC Bank, and even chaired the Tanzania Bankers Association.
His expertise was widely respected, and his sudden death left many questioning how such an influential figure could succumb so unexpectedly while under medical care abroad.
Mafuru’s legacies will endure, but the questions he leavesbehind demand answers. Photo: Courtesy
These deaths have brought into sharp focus the recurring issue of secrecy surrounding the health of Tanzanian leaders. Critics argue that this culture of silence is dangerous, creating an environment where leaders’ conditions are hidden until it is too late.
An anonymous source lamented this trend, calling it a betrayal of public trust. “When a leader falls ill, it is not just a private matter. It is a public concern. The secrecy surrounding their health only leads to speculation and mistrust,” the source said.
Dr. Syriacus Buguzi, a respected health expert, shared his shock over Dr. Ndugulile’s death. “He was an exceptional leader with a rare ability to combine health diplomacy and governance.
His loss is a tragedy for the nation and a reminder of the vulnerabilities even the most capable leaders face,” Dr. Buguzi remarked.
A Critic criticized the reliance on foreign hospitals like those in India and South Africa, suggesting that the government should focus on building better healthcare facilities at home. “We cannot keep losing our leaders in this way. It reflects poorly on our systems and our priorities,” he added.
The lack of transparency has further fueled speculation about whether these deaths could have been prevented. Critics argue that relying on healthcare systems abroad exposes leaders to unnecessary risks, given the complexities and potential inefficiencies of those systems.
Some have even questioned the decision to send leaders to countries like India for treatment, calling it a failure of national healthcare policies. “We need to invest in our healthcare institutions,” one observer noted. “If Muhimbili National Hospital were equipped with the best resources, perhaps these leaders could have been treated closer to home, with greater oversight and better outcomes.”
As the country prepares to lay Dr. Ndugulile to rest, his funeral arrangements highlight the respect he commanded. His body is expected to arrive in Tanzania today November 29, where officials and mourners will receive it. Public viewings and tributes will occur at St. Margaret’s Church in Upanga and Machava Grounds in Kigamboni.
His burial is scheduled for December 3 at Mwongozo Cemetery. These ceremonies will undoubtedly draw large crowds, reflecting the profound impact he had on those who knew him and the nation as a whole.
The deaths of Dr. Ndugulile and Dr. Mafuru are more than personal tragedies; they are wake-up calls for a country grappling with systemic issues in leadership health management. Their legacies will endure, but the questions they leave behind demand answers.
How can the country ensure that its leaders receive the best care without secrecy? How can Tanzania’s healthcare system be strengthened to serve not just its leaders, but all its citizens? As Tanzania mourns, it must also reflect on these pressing issues to prevent further losses of its brightest minds.