Several Church leaders in Uganda have joined world leaders in paying tribute to Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli, 61, who passed on March 17.
Late Wednesday, Tanzania’s Vice-President Samia Suluhu announced that Magufuli died from a heart complication.
Pastor Denis Emojong said that: “My heartfelt condolences to the nation of Tanzania and all God loving people of the world. President John Pombe Magufuli was indeed our Hero; a man who stood up to the deep state and never wavered in his faith in God. We shall surely miss his leadership at such a time as this.”
Magufuli was just five months into his second and final term following his victory in last year’s election where he won 84 per cent of the vote.
The Vice President said plans for the funeral are underway and the country will be in mourning for 14 days, with flags flying at half-mast to mourn the fallen leader.
With reference to the country’s constitution, Vice President Suluhu will now take over as President for the remainder of the term.
In his tribute, pastor and gospel musician Brian Lubega described President Magufuli as an “excellent ambassador of the (heavenly) kingdom.”
“They’re people that impact generation and those that influence generations, you have indeed influenced many,” Brian Lubega said.
“East Africa felt your pure convictions. You have added pages to Africa’s leadership courses, that were once blotted out by the former leaders, now our children and grandchildren will have something new that will teach them how to lead in humility, with purpose and not just power, you were the new and a unique face of a bold lion among many, the kind that many admired,” he continued.
“The East African jungle stood still at your roar, as you fearlessly broke the jaws of the oppressors, you were not just a president of Country but an excellent ambassador of the kingdom heaven that cannot be shaken. Pombe Magufuli, the body has slept, Pombe Magufuli the epistle is still speaking. You were easy to read and that’s why it’s easy for many of us to write about you. Thanks for being an example of the kingdom of God, to God be the glory,” he added.
Despite criticism over his “scepticism” on the Covid-19 pandemic, Magufuli is credited for steering the Tanzanian economy to robust growth rates; by especially building big infrastructure projects and cramping hard on corruption.
Under his rule, among other things, the IMF listed Tanzania among the fastest-growing sub-Sahara economies, averaging 6 per cent.
“You ran your race with a rare and admirable boldness,” another Ugandan pastor, David Omongole of Christos Rhema Church said.
Dr. Abed Bwanika, a pastor and politician, said Magufuli “served Tanzania with distinction” Bwanika described the late President as, “the best servant leader on the African Continent.”
“You restored hope and dignity especially to the common person,” he said.
Another Ugandan Church leader, Umar Mulinde of Gospel Life Church International, described Mugufuli as a “real Pan Africanist.”
“Your name has been registered in the good books of the true son’s of Africa. You will be remembered forever,” he said.
