By Adonis Byemelwa
March 17, 2025, marked four years since Tanzania lost its fifth president, John Pombe Magufuli. His tenure from 2015 to 2021 was anything but conventional.
Revered by some as a bold reformist and condemned by others as an authoritarian leader, Magufuli left a lasting and complex imprint on the nation.
As Tanzania commemorates his legacy, discussions remain as passionate as ever, with contrasting narratives shaping how history remembers him.
Dubbed the “Bulldozer” for his no-nonsense governance style, Magufuli was a leader who got things done—his way. His presidency was defined by a push for infrastructure development, aggressive anti-corruption measures, and economic nationalism.
Under his leadership, Tanzania witnessed rapid expansion in roads, railways, and energy projects, including the ambitious Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project. He also revived Air Tanzania, reinforcing his vision of self-reliance.
But his tenure was also fraught with controversy, with critics accusing him of silencing opposition, stifling democracy, and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, in his hometown of Chato, Geita region, mourners have gathered to honor his memory. A special church service at St. John Mary Vianney Catholic Church has drawn family members, political figures, and loyal supporters.
His widow, Janeth Magufuli, remains a central figure in these commemorations, standing as a symbol of continuity for his supporters who still revere his leadership style.
To many Tanzanians, Magufuli was a breath of fresh air—a leader who put national interests first and took bold steps to rid the government of inefficiencies.
His disdain for corruption was evident from the start. He famously canceled extravagant Independence Day celebrations in favor of a nationwide street-cleaning campaign.
He slashed unnecessary government spending, removed ghost workers from the payroll, and demanded that civil servants show up for work or face the consequences.
His decisive actions earned him admiration, particularly among ordinary citizens who were tired of political stagnation and empty promises.
But this same uncompromising leadership style made him a deeply polarizing figure. His critics argue that his “my way or the highway” approach led to an erosion of democratic freedoms. Opposition politicians faced arbitrary arrests, independent media outlets were shut down, and human rights groups raised alarms over increasing authoritarian tendencies.
Journalists and activists who dared to criticize his administration found themselves under scrutiny, some even disappearing under mysterious circumstances.
To his detractors, Magufuli was not a hero—he was a strongman who tightened his grip on power at the expense of civil liberties.
Outside Tanzania, Magufuli’s leadership was viewed with skepticism, particularly in Western circles. Many saw him as part of a new wave of African leaders who rejected Western influence and sought to carve out independent economic paths for their nations.
His refusal to take large-scale foreign loans and his push for local industrialization were seen as radical yet commendable efforts to protect Tanzania from external debt dependency.
However, his disdain for foreign aid, his expulsion of international organizations that questioned his policies, and his hostility toward foreign businesses made him an adversary in diplomatic circles.
Western governments and human rights organizations were particularly critical of his stance on democracy and press freedom.
Reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch documented increasing repression under his rule.
Some analysts compared his leadership style to that of other African strongmen, arguing that his populist rhetoric masked a deeper intent to centralize power and dismantle political opposition.
Yet, some admired his defiance against what he saw as Western neo-colonialism, believing that his policies aimed to put Tanzania’s interests above global influence.
One of the most controversial aspects of Magufuli’s presidency was his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the world scrambled to impose lockdowns, roll out vaccines, and enforce social distancing, Magufuli dismissed the virus as an exaggerated threat. He urged Tanzanians to turn to faith and traditional remedies instead.
He banned the release of COVID-19 statistics, claiming that fear-mongering was doing more harm than the virus itself.
The move sparked international concern, with health experts warning that Tanzania was underreporting cases and putting millions at risk.
By the time Magufuli himself disappeared from public view in early 2021, speculation was rampant about his health.
His government remained tight-lipped until March 17, when Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced his death, attributing it to heart complications. However, many suspected that COVID-19 played a role in his demise—a tragic irony given his earlier dismissal of the pandemic.
Despite the controversies, Magufuli’s impact on Tanzania cannot be ignored. His push for self-reliance saw major investments in infrastructure, a revitalization of national industries, and increased government efficiency.
Even his critics acknowledge that he had an unmatched work ethic and a genuine desire to see Tanzania flourish. His vision of a Tanzania free from foreign dependency continues to influence the country’s economic policies today.
Following his passing, Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in as Tanzania’s first female president on March 19, 2021. Her leadership marked a stark contrast to Magufuli’s. Where he was aggressive and confrontational, she has been diplomatic and pragmatic.
She has worked to repair relations with the international community, restore press freedoms, and create a more inclusive political environment.
Yet, she has also continued many of the infrastructure projects Magufuli initiated, signaling that his development agenda still holds weight in Tanzania’s political trajectory.
As Tanzanians gather to remember him today, one question lingers—was John Magufuli the leader Tanzania needed, or was he a cautionary tale of unchecked power?
His supporters see him as a fearless patriot who dared to challenge the status quo. His critics remember him as a leader whose heavy-handed rule threatened the very fabric of democracy.
But one thing is certain: love him or loathe him, Magufuli changed Tanzania. His policies, his leadership style, and his unyielding vision of a self-sufficient nation have left an undeniable imprint on the country.
Whether history ultimately paints him as a hero or a cautionary figure, his name will not be forgotten anytime soon.
As the nation marks four years since his passing, Tanzanians are left with a legacy that is as inspiring as it is contentious. His story, filled with triumphs and contradictions, serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is never black and white—it is always a matter of perspective.