Dodoma. Former Speaker of the National Assembly and long-serving Member of Parliament for Kongwa, Job Yustino Ndugai, has died aged 62.
His death occurred on Tuesday, August 6, 2025, in Dodoma, just two days after winning the ruling party, CCM’s parliamentary primaries for the Kongwa Constituency.
The news of his passing was announced in a statement issued on August 6, by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Tulia Ackson, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
However, the cause of death was not disclosed.
“For us to lose such a distinguished leader, a seasoned parliamentarian and a devoted public servant is a tragedy of great magnitude,” the Speaker said, adding that the Parliament, in collaboration with the family, was making funeral arrangements.
Ndugai began his political journey in 2000 when he was first elected MP for Kongwa Constituency on a CCM ticket.
He was re-elected in 2005 and appointed Presiding Officer of Parliament, a position he held until 2010.
In 2010, Ndugai rose to become Deputy Speaker, and five years later, following the 2015 General Election, he was elected Speaker of Parliament.
He retained the Speakership after the 2020 elections, but in January 2022, he stepped down and continued serving as MP for Kongwa.
Just weeks before his death, Ndugai had collected CCM nomination forms.
He emerged victorious in the party primaries held on August 4.
Born on January 22, 1963, Ndugai began his formal education in 1971.
He completed his O’Levels in Secondary School in 1981 and A’Levels at Old Moshi Secondary School in 1984 before joining the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, where he graduated with a Diploma in 1986.
He later earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Dar es Salaam in 1993 and a Master of Science degree from the Agricultural University of Norway in 1996.
Before venturing into politics, Ndugai worked as a wildlife officer at the Selous Game Reserve, the Western Serengeti Project, and the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI).
He also held prominent positions within CCM, serving as a Member of the party’s Central Committee from 2016 to 2022 and as a Member of the National Executive Council (NEC) from 2016 until his death.
He is survived by his wife, children, and extended family.
