Prof. Sarungi's Funeral Scheduled for March 10, 2025

Prof. Sarungi’s Funeral to Take Place on March 10, Minister Mkenda Reflects on UDSM Memories

Dar es Salaam, March 7, 2025 – The body of the late Professor Philemon Sarungi, former Minister and Member of Parliament for Rorya, will be laid to rest on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Kondo Kunduchi Cemetery in the Kinondoni district of Dar es Salaam.

Prof. Sarungi, who passed away on Wednesday evening, March 5, 2025, at the age of 89, had been battling heart issues. He passed away at his home in Oysterbay, Dar es Salaam.

Speaking at the deceased’s residence, the family spokesperson, Martin Sarungi, confirmed that the funeral proceedings will begin with a memorial service at the family home in Oysterbay.

“The funeral service will start at 4:00 AM at his home. The decision to bury him in Dar es Salaam was made after a family meeting and in line with Prof. Sarungi’s wishes, as he wanted to be buried here,” said Martin Sarungi.

He also shared that after Prof. Sarungi’s burial, the family will travel to the Mara Region to attend the funeral of another relative, Emmanuel Sarungi, who sadly passed away the day after Prof. Sarungi, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Mwanza.

Ministers Reflect on Prof. Sarungi’s Legacy

In a statement, the Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda, expressed his admiration for Prof. Sarungi, recalling their early interactions during their time at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).

“When I was a student leader at UDSM, Prof. Sarungi was the Vice-Chairman of the University Council. He was instrumental in investigating an incident where students were wrongly accused. His committee cleared all the students involved, and we were later invited to the State House,” said Prof. Mkenda.

He continued, “We kept in touch over the years, and even in 2020, when I was campaigning for the Rombo parliamentary seat, I had the chance to meet him again. He expressed his good wishes for my campaign, and I deeply regret not visiting him before his passing.”

Dr. Stergomena Tax, the Minister for Defence and National Service, also spoke fondly of Prof. Sarungi, describing him as a kind-hearted, humorous man who always prioritized helping others. “Despite his various official roles, he always set aside his medical career to serve the people,” Dr. Tax noted.

The Life and Legacy of Prof. Sarungi

Prof. Sarungi was a man of many talents and accomplishments. Born on March 23, 1936, in Tarime, Mara Region, to Sarungi Igogo Yusufu and Amimo (Maria) Sarungi, he was a teacher, surgeon, orthopedic specialist, and a respected politician. He earned his medical degree in 1966 from the University of Szeged, Hungary, followed by further qualifications in surgery and orthopedics from esteemed institutions in Hungary, Austria, and China.

Prof. Sarungi began his career as a lecturer at UDSM in 1971, later becoming the Head of the Department of Surgery and Orthopedics. He also served as the Director-General of Muhimbili Medical Centre and held various leadership positions at UDSM, including Vice-Chair of the University Council.

His political career began in 1990, when he was appointed Minister of Health, and later held other key government positions, including Minister for Communications and Transport, Education, and Defence.

A member of the ruling CCM party since 1971, Prof. Sarungi was also an active participant in various professional medical organizations, including the Tanzanian Medical Association and the East African Society of Surgeons.

He leaves behind a lasting legacy as a highly respected figure in Tanzania’s medical, political, and educational fields.