Jenista Mhagama Passes Away in Tanzania

Jenista Mhagama Passes Away in Tanzania

The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, paid tribute to the late Jenista Mhagama as a courageous leader, a protector of many, and a vital source of hope for women and young people, who made a unique contribution to Parliament, the government, and the Revolutionary Party (CCM). In her address at Kiwanja Cha Ndege Catholic Church in Dodoma, President Samia said it was difficult to put into words the profound tragedy of losing such an influential figure as the late Mhagama. She emphasized that the nation had lost a public servant who was a model of integrity, discipline, and piety. Jenista Joakim Mhagama was a prominent Tanzanian politician and Member of Parliament for the Peramiho constituency, representing the Chama Cha Mapinduzi Party (CCM). Jenista Mhagama was born on June 23, 1967, into the Ngoni ethnic group. She graduated from girls' school in Peramiho in 1986 and earned a diploma in education from Korogwe Teachers' College in 1989. From 1991 to 1997, she worked as a teacher for six years before entering politics. Mhagama joined the CCM in 1987 and progressed through its youth and women's organizations. In 2000, she was first elected as a Member of Parliament, taking a seat specifically reserved for women. In 2005, she won her party's nomination for the Peramiho constituency, defeating former Finance Minister Simon Mbilinyi, who was known for his active parliamentary work. In 2015, she won the Peramiho seat with 32,057 votes, defeating Erasmo Mwingira of CHADEMA, who received 11,462 votes. She served as Deputy Minister of Education and Vocational Training from 2014 to 2015 under President Jakaya Kikwete, and subsequently as Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office for Policy, Parliament, Labor, Employment, Youth, and Disabled Persons from 2015 to 2022 under President John Magufuli. Later roles included the Presidential Office for Good Governance and Public Services (2022) and, beginning in August 2024, the office of Minister of Health under President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Jenista Mhagama passed away on December 11, 2025, in Dodoma at the age of 58, as announced by spokesperson Mussa Azan Zungu. Nationwide mourning and funeral rites were held on December 13, presided over by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Jenista Mhagama died on December 11, 2025, in Dodoma at the age of 58, as announced by spokesperson Mussa Azan Zungu. @https://globalpublishers.co.tz/rais-samia-jenista-mhagama-alikuwa-kiongozi-jasiri-na-nguzo-ya-matumaini-kwa-wanawake-video/ @https://sw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenista_Joakim_Mhagama @https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenista_Mhagama @https://themediabrains.com/2025/12/11/jenista-mhagama-afariki-dunia/ @https://www.kr.tzembassy.go.tz/resources/view/hon-jenista-mhagama-minster-of-presidents-office-public-service-management-and-good-governance