Seleiman Bungara, popularly known as Bwege, a very well-known opposition politician in Tanzania, famous for his captivating rhetoric on political stages and through loudspeakers, passed away on March 30, 2026.
Mwanakwetu, in deep sorrow, with tears flowing like the waters of the Rufiji River, today reflects on Seleiman Bin Bungara—a man who had dreams he fulfilled and others he did not. Although he was ill, he continued striving to accomplish his goals.
This man did not allow his illness to stop him, sit back, and surrender. Instead, he used his breath wisely to speak the truth before a world full of envy, deceit, and trickery.
Today, Mwanakwetu wishes to share two things with his reader: two dreams—one fulfilled, and one that Bungara was in the process of completing but never finished.
In early March 2026, Mwanakwetu received a phone call from a young man related to Seleiman Bungara, who said:
“Brother Makwega, greetings! I have a message from Seleiman Bungara. He has sent me on an errand here in Kilwa, but he has asked me to speak with you—to help him write a book about his life. Please guide me so this work can be done quickly.”
Mwanakwetu replied:
“Given how kind Seleiman Bungara is, I don’t have money, but I will do this work without expecting any payment. However, my contribution will only be up to producing the initial manuscript. He should cover the editor and publisher. A good editor is that young man from Luguru, Doto Rangimoto—I know he will do a good job. In March, I have enough time. Tell Mzee Bungara everything I’ve said so he can proceed. Most importantly, when he narrates his story, I would like us to record audio and video as references for his life. I have professional cameras, but they are in Lushoto, Tanga—it would be difficult to bring them to Dar es Salaam. He should find someone locally to handle the recording at his home.”
This message was delivered to Bungara, and he responded easily:
“I have a young man with a studio. Recording audio and video is already sorted—I will call you to arrange when you can come.”
As they waited to begin the work, March came to an end—and news of Seleiman Bungara’s death was announced. During the silence in communication, they assumed he was ill and prayed for his recovery. This means Bungara had a dream of writing a book about his life. This is the first dream—and it remained unfulfilled.
In human life, God grants each person their own talent—whether singing, dancing, farming, hunting, teaching, journalism, craftsmanship, medicine, leadership, or even politics.
The question we should ask ourselves when someone dies is this: did they fulfill their duty? Or did they leave behind debts?
“For example, I, Mwanakwetu, a journalist—if God takes my breath today, have I done justice to my profession? This is a question everyone must ask themselves.”
Let me tell you this story:
“In 2014, at our home in Mbagala Sabasaba, there was an elderly woman of Ndengereko origin known as Bibi Faida. She lost her brother. Because she was very close to my grandmother, Hedwiki Omari Binti Mkomangi, my grandmother told me:
‘My grandchild, go to Mbagala Kongowe for the burial. Mama Faida has lost her brother. Since this is a Muslim funeral, I have already gone to offer condolences and returned. You know women are not allowed to go to the gravesite—go and represent us.’
The next day at 10 a.m., I was at the deceased’s home in Kongowe. The body was brought out for prayers. The Sheikh said:
‘Before we pray over the body, if anyone owes the deceased or is owed by the deceased, let them speak now so we can settle it before burial.’
Some elders said the Sheikh should clarify. He then asked:
‘First question: does the deceased owe anyone?’ Silence. He repeated three times—still silence.
‘Second question: does anyone owe the deceased?’
A man raised his hand and said, ‘Yes i owed a deceased 495,000 shillings.’
Witnesses were called—market leaders from Temeke Stereo confirmed that the deceased had taken goods (coconuts) shortly before his death, as is common in market trade based on trust.
The Sheikh insisted the debt must be settled before burial. Contributions were quickly collected—455,000 shillings were raised, and the remaining 40,000 was covered by the family. The body was then prayed over and buried at Mbagala Kongowe cemetery.”
This deceased man, a trader, died with a debt. The creditor could have forgiven it, but forgiveness depends on personal conscience and circumstances. Perhaps others present were also owed but chose to forgive. However, this particular debt had to be settled to avoid burdening the deceased further.
At the funeral, people were divided—some supported the act, others criticized it. After the burial, everyone returned home.
So what is Mwanakwetu saying today?
Regarding Seleiman Bungara, Mwanakwetu believes that from late 2024 onward, Bungara was transparent, honest, and clear in his political stance—especially leading up to and after the general election.
He believes that politically, Bungara left no debt behind. He does not require forgiveness or anyone to settle anything on his behalf. Despite illness, he raised his voice tirelessly—even while some mocked him.
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If anything, it is Tanzanians who owe Bungara.
Therefore, politically, Bungara fulfilled his dream. Tanzanians witnessed him take a stand and separate himself from politics he did not believe in.
Mwanakwetu extends condolences to Bungara’s family, the people of Kilwa, and the Muslim community of Kilwa.
Although Bungara did not fulfill his dream of writing a book about his life, his political life itself became a complete story—a book already read by every Tanzanian before it was ever published, especially those with goodwill.
Mwanakwetu, are you there? Remember:
“A Book Read Before It Was Published.”
Farewell, Seleiman Bungara.
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