MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) from Dar es Salaam Region and area residents have expressed profound sorrow over the passing on of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, the late Kigamboni MP, describing him as a dedicated and compassionate leader who valued collaboration.

A sombre atmosphere enveloped his residence, situated about 200 meters from the Kigamboni ferry. Local residents, CCM leaders, MPs and Kigamboni Municipal Council staff gathered to offer their condolences and comfort the bereaved family.

Special Seats MP Janejelly James (CCM) and other mourners praised the late MP for his unwavering dedication to his constituents and his honest advice.

“Dr Ndugulile was a people’s person who always fought for his constituents and gave honest advice. He united Dar es Salaam MPs and was approachable for genuine counsel. He would tell you the truth, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. For example, he’d simply say, ‘You can’t do this.’ We have truly lost a great leader,” James said.

She added that the best way to honour Dr Ndugulile’s legacy is to continue standing for truth and justice.

Mbagala MP Abdallah Chaurembo (CCM) also spoke highly of Dr Ndugulile, describing him as a leader who liked collaboration and valued others’ input.

“He was results-oriented, focused on ensuring visible development and progress,” Chaurembo remarked.

Other MPs, including Abass Tarimba (Kinondoni MP) and CCM leaders in Dar es Salaam also visited the late MP’s home to pay their respects.

Speaking on behalf of the family, his brother, Wilbert Ndugulile, informed reporters that Dr Ndugulile’s body will arrive in the country today at 12:35 pm from India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

According to a schedule provided by the National Assembly, the body will be received by Deputy Speaker, the Clerk of the National Assembly, government representatives, and CCM officials.

The body will then be taken to Lugalo Military Hospital where it will remain until Sunday. It will subsequently be moved to his home in Kigamboni.

A state funeral is planned for Monday at Karimjee Grounds where President Samia Suluhu Hassan will lead mourners. The event will also be attended by international representatives, including officials from the World Health Organization (WHO), MPs and government ministers.

Following the ceremony at Karimjee, the body will return to Dr Ndugulile’s home at Kigamboni. On December 3rd, it will be taken to Machava Grounds in Kigamboni for the members of public to pay their last respects.

Dr Faustine Ndugulile, born on March 31, 1969, passed away on Wednesday in India after a reported prolonged illness.