By Our Correspondent
Former Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister, Liberata Mulamula, has paid tribute to the late William Lukuvi, recalling the guidance and mentorship he offered to young MPs while serving in Parliament.
Mulamula, who now serves as the African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, said she received the news of Lukuvi’s death with shock.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, she described him as a senior leader and Chief Whip who guided and directed Members of Parliament.
“I cannot say I simply worked with him because he was our senior leader. Personally, I learned a lot politically from him. In Parliament, he was like a teacher to me,” she said.
She added that his passing is a major national loss, leaving a significant gap in government and Parliament.
“This is a huge loss for the nation. We will always remember Hon. Lukuvi for his elegance, experience, wisdom and sense of humour,” Mulamula said. She also extended condolences to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Speaker of Parliament, Musa Hassan Zungu, over the death of the veteran politician.
Lukuvi, who was Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities, died on March 25 while receiving treatment at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital after suffering a heart attack.
His death was announced by Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka.
Mulamula said she will always remember Lukuvi for the leadership, mentorship, and political insight he shared with colleagues in Parliament, describing him as a teacher to many young lawmakers during his decades of service.
“He leaves a big gap, but his lessons and guidance will remain with us,” she said, praying for comfort for his family during this difficult time.
