Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi is expected to lead national commemorations marking five years since the passing of Tanzania’s fifth phase President, John Magufuli, with the main event scheduled today in Chato District, Geita Region.
Geita Regional Commissioner Martine Shigela said the vice-president arrived in the region on Sunday ahead of the memorial event organised jointly by the government and the late president’s family.
The commemoration will take place in Chato, the late leader’s home district, where a Holy Mass is expected to be held at his residence starting at around 9:00am.
Several senior national leaders are also expected to attend the memorial, including Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi, former Vice-President Philip Mpango, and former Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa.
The Mass will be led by Severine Niwemugizi, bringing together government leaders, clergy, family members and members of the public in honour of the late president’s legacy.
According to Mr Shigela, a series of pre-commemoration activities began on Sunday, including community initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable groups.
These activities included a marathon that concluded at Chato District Hospital, blood donation campaigns, charitable visits to inmates at Chato Prison, and visits to the late president’s gravesite, followed by an overnight vigil.
“Regardless of political affiliation, we encourage all citizens to participate in large numbers and honour the life and legacy of Dr Magufuli,” Mr Shigela said.
Dr Magufuli served as Tanzania’s president from 2015 until his death on March 17, 2021. During his tenure, he became widely known for his anti-corruption drive, public sector reforms and major investments in infrastructure.
His administration oversaw the construction of major roads, bridges and energy projects aimed at accelerating economic growth and strengthening domestic industrialisation.
The fifth anniversary of his passing offers an opportunity for Tanzanians to reflect on the policies and development initiatives that characterised his leadership, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, education and healthcare.
The commemorative events in Chato are expected to attract citizens from across the country as well as dignitaries from different sectors, reflecting the continued national interest in the legacy of the late president.
Meanwhile, the late president’s daughter, Jesca Magufuli, has called on Tanzanians to uphold unity and solidarity as a way of honouring her father’s legacy.
Speaking during charitable activities held at Chato District Hospital, she said helping vulnerable members of society remains an important way of preserving the values her father stood for.
“In order to maintain the spirit of brotherhood among Tanzanians, society must continue supporting those in need, especially people who cannot afford medical treatment,” she said.
She also commended government efforts to strengthen the health sector through the construction of health facilities, procurement of medical equipment and recruitment of healthcare workers.
Medical Officer in Charge at Chato District Hospital, Madili Sakumi, said some patients, particularly those suffering from blood-related conditions, still face challenges in accessing treatment due to financial constraints.
He also noted that the late president played a key role in upgrading the facility from a health centre to a district hospital and appealed for further improvements, including rehabilitation of the hospital’s perimeter fence and staff housing.
Laboratory Services Coordinator and Safe Blood Programme Coordinator at the hospital, Ngolo Ngusa, said the facility continues to experience shortages of blood supplies due to low participation in voluntary blood donation, adding that the hospital largely depends on student donors.
The activities organised in Chato combine remembrance with community service, reflecting the family’s commitment to preserving Dr Magufuli’s legacy through continued support for social welfare initiatives.
