It was truly remarkable when Dr. Faustine E. Ndugulile was elected to the prestigious position at the World Health Organization (WHO). Like many of his admirers, I was overjoyed, filled with pride, and inspired by his achievement.
At the time, I had a strong desire to share my reflections on what made him such an exceptional leader and why he deserved that honor.
Regrettably, I let time slip away, postponing my chance to express those thoughts. Now that opportunity has passed forever, the loss weighs heavily on my heart.
November 27, 2024, marks the end of Dr. Ndugulile Engelbert Ndugulile’s 55 years. We have lost a true global leader. I wish he could have read my words, seen my admiration, and known the impact he had on so many lives—including mine.
Although I can no longer share these sentiments with him directly, I honor his memory by putting them into words for others to read. This is how I mourn his loss and celebrate the extraordinary life he led.
I have a strong background in studying and exploring Digital Citizen Engagement, with a particular focus on civic tech. This field is one of the most powerful modern tools for understanding what citizens think and how they interact with governance issues with a specific aspect to accountability.
With such interest and converging it with what it means to constituencies – it uncovers critical knowledge gaps in civic conversations, highlights power dynamics, and reveals the presence or absence of influence.
Most importantly, it provides insights into the political landscape, which profoundly shapes and drives all forms of development at the local level.
This thirst for knowledge and my desire to learn through citizenry engagement and digital platforms led to my first meeting with the late Dr. Faustine Ndugulile.
That initial encounter, rooted in a shared interest in civic engagement and political understanding, became the foundation for our occasional enriching conversations.
Each interaction brought fresh perspectives, particularly on politics and its role in development – a testament to his deep intellect and dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue.
I first met Dr. Faustine Ndugulile in early 2016 at his constituency in Kigamboni during a visit with my then-colleague. That initial encounter left a lasting impression on me, perhaps because of a moment of unexpected recognition.
He acknowledged that he knew me from my contributions on the JamiiForums platform, a revelation that surprised and deeply humbled me.
For the first time, I realized that my thoughts and perspectives on the platform had reached beyond the digital sphere; influential individuals like him were aware and valued my perspectives.
Dr. Ndugulile exuded humility, attentiveness, and a sharp, solution-oriented mindset. He was always ready to engage in discussions about progress and possibilities, but he rarely entertained complaints without a constructive outlook.
I experienced this firsthand when I voiced dissatisfaction about an issue I had seen in the media. Rather than simply agree or dismiss it, he challenged me with a question that has stayed with me: “So, what do you plan to do about it?” It was a hallmark of his character, a constant push for action, accountability, and solutions.
Before I get carried away, it’s important to mention that this first meeting had a purpose. We were there to request Dr. Ndugulile’s partnership for a pilot project our organization then (Jamii Media) was implementing in collaboration with All Voices Count leveraging on the JamiiForums Citizen Engagement platform.
The project, known as Tushirikishane, aimed to strengthen the connection between Members of Parliament and their constituencies.
Dr. Ndugulile expressed interest right away but insisted on having a clear understanding of the project before committing. He requested a detailed proposal, including the action plan, the roles and responsibilities required of him, and what would be expected from his constituency. His thoroughness and commitment to due diligence were immediately evident.
The Tushirikishane project was implemented with five Members of Parliament, including Dr. Ndugulile in Kigamboni. The others were Hon. Nape Nnauye in Mtama Constituency, Hon. Zitto Kabwe in Kigoma Urban Constituency, Hon. Wilfred Lwakatare in Bukoba Urban Constituency, and Hon. Hussein Bashe in Nzega Constituency.
This initiative accentuated the importance of bridging the gap between elected leaders and their communities, and Dr. Ndugulile’s willingness to engage demonstrated his dedication to impactful governance.
The Tushirikishane Project remains one of the most eye-opening initiatives I’ve participated in, offering invaluable insights into our country’s political dynamics.
While this reflection celebrates the life of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, it also highlights some of the key observations we made during the implementation of Tushirikishane in Kigamboni, his constituency:
- Dr. Ndugulile’s constituency stood out for having the strongest technology-driven connection between the MP and his constituents. At a time when WhatsApp was emerging as a powerful communication tool for communities, he had already established a highly effective feedback loop, allowing Kigamboni residents to engage freely and actively.
- Kigamboni ranked second among the constituencies we worked with in terms of citizens’ awareness of developments within their constituency, second only to Kigoma.
- His conversations and leadership style were remarkably technocratic, focusing on structured, solution-driven approaches rather than political rhetoric.
- Dr. Ndugulile was a leader of his word. If you had an appointment with him, you could trust that it would be honored and the meeting would be productive.
It’s worth noting that all five constituencies involved in Tushirikishane had their own strengths and lessons. One of the most fascinating aspects was discovering that each constituency, while distinctly Tanzanian, exhibited a remarkable diversity of dynamics, each with its own unique character.
To avoid shying away from this reflection, I focus on Kigamboni to mourn and celebrate Dr. Ndugulile’s leadership.
In life, we all need people who remind us what integrity truly means through their actions, advice, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right. Dr. Faustine Ndugulile was that person for me. His words weren’t always what you wanted to hear, but they were often what you needed to hear.
And, more often than not, time proved him right. While I will not delve into specifics, I would like to acknowledge Dr. Ndugulile’s steadfast and thoughtful approach during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
His commitment to scientific approaches to public health, even when it involved personal and professional risks, showcased his unwavering integrity and dedication to the nation’s well-being.
In mid-2020, I had the privilege of consulting him as one of the leaders when I was starting an organization. Knowing my passion for politics, he assumed I was venturing into a politically focused advocacy organization.
I explained my intention to address the kind of gap that I wished to address in the political landscape, but it was strategically not the right time. Instead, I decided to pursue a path in technology and media, which are my areas of expertise.
Politics was my area of passion. This led to the founding of Tech & Media Convergency (originally Media Convergency), which officially began its work in 2021.
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For those who are not aware, the late President John Pombe Magufuli established Tanzania’s Ministry of ICT in December 2020, with Dr. Ndugulile as its first minister. His dedication and passion for the role were unmistakable.
He was approachable, very collaborative, and very intentional. Most impressively, he read and learned a lot about the sector so that he could make informed decisions for this new ministry.
One of the most contentious topics during his tenure was the introduction of digital services tax, particularly the new form of tax on e-money transactions.
This sparked widespread outcry among netizens. There is so much I could say about that period and the debates we had on the matter, one of the historic moments in the national Digital Transformation and Digital economisation hurdles – and today, I honour Dr Ndugulile’s memory with abundant respect.
In those discussions, he once again demonstrated the meaning of integrity—staying true to his principles despite the challenges. His legacy continues to inspire me, and his lessons on integrity will always be inspirational.
My first public event as Tech & Media Convergency (TMC) took place on the 2nd of July, 2021. Reflecting on it now, I realize that as much as we worked hard, we were also incredibly fortunate.
In March of that year, I contacted Dr. Ndugulile to request his support in launching our report. He asked me three important questions:
- “You’re new—have you already established a physical office?”
I replied, “Yes, we have an office.” - “How many staff have you employed?”
I answered, “Seven.” - “Is the report worthwhile? Does it add value to the ecosystem?”
I replied, “I’ll leave that for you to judge.”
I was invited to present our findings in June at the Ministry’s office in Dar es Salaam. I made a strong case, emphasizing that while government ICT integration was progressing smoothly, it was still too self-centred.
I argued that civil society organizations (CSOs) and the public sector needed to be included as key players in the process and that this could only begin with meaningful sector integration on ICT. Dr. Ndugulile approved and appreciated the report.
On the 1st of July, he was live on TV in Dodoma at night, and I began to panic. Our launch of the report, “An Overview of the Digital Ecosystem, Emerging and Applied Technologies on NGOs in Tanzania”,; was the next day, starting at 8:30 am, and I had invited high-profile guests, with Dr Ndugulile confirmed as the guest of honour. I debated between asking if he would make it or not, but I did not dare. True to his word, he flew in that morning.
The event started at 9:30 a.m. He delivered that which he had promised, as well as more. He declared a call to action for NGOs, and the rest, as they say, is history.
That day marked our segmentation of TMC as an organization that best understands, addresses, and is committed to filling the gap of technological integration of organizational operations and programs. We are by far the best to date (you are welcome to prove us wrong).
Dr. Ndugulile was, at his core, a medical professional, yet he approached every role he undertook with unwavering dedication and effort. While he was not perfect, he stood out for his reliability and commitment to delivering the best he could. Standing up for his word. His promises were ironclad in most.
His contributions during his tenure were noticed and deeply appreciated, particularly within the ICT ecosystem. His passion for technology and innovation was evident.
On another note, these reflections may come across as slightly somber, perhaps even a bit selfish – as I mourn not only his loss but also the missed opportunities to benefit from his wisdom and guidance in the future. Yet, this sentiment arises from the undeniable truth that individuals like him are rare.
His absence leaves a void that few can fill. Knowing what you want and how to achieve it is not always enough. It reminds me of Dalai Lama’s profound quote – it fits so well in line with Dr. Ndugulile; “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others, and if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them”.
His passing hits close to the heart. Starting an organization, a movement, or any initiative that aims to succeed requires much more than an idea. I have learned that everyone needs someone to help make things work – advice, emotional support, endorsement support, psychological encouragement, or even financial backing.
It’s easy to find people who will offer comforting words and drag you through time, but very few follow through regarding keeping promises.
As a leader, I have encountered colleagues and leaders who have led me on with empty promises, wasting my time without any regard for the emotional, psychological, or financial toll it may take.
It is important that I acknowledge appreciation for him and for those of this calibre who are still with us today and honour their words with an understanding of how success is interdependent most importantly, it is okay and acceptable to say no to things that might not be attainable.
In remembering Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, we not only honor his remarkable achievements and leadership but also the profound lessons he imparted through his actions.
He exemplified integrity, dedication, and the power of true support; qualities that continue to inspire those of us fortunate enough to have known him.
As we reflect on his legacy, let us commit to living by the values he upheld, striving to make a difference in our own ways, no matter how small the impact may seem.
Farewell, Dr. Faustine Ndugulile. May your soul rest in eternal peace. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, relatives and loved ones. May they find comfort in God’s love and accept that this was the way things were meant to be.
I am forever thankful to have had the honour to know, learn and be nurtured by you.
Inna’Lillah wa Inna’Lillah Rajyun.
