Farewell Lukas Shemndolwa

 

By Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala

This was earlier on March 19, 2026. Mwanakwetu received a phone call from the Councillor of Kwemashai Ward in Lushoto District, Tanga Region, Hon. Jafari Nkupe, who invited him to the Eid celebration.

The honorable councillor said:

 “My brother Kazimbaya, you know Eid may fall on March 20 or 21, 2026. Please try, my brother, come so we can celebrate Eid together.”

Mwanakwetu warmly accepted the invitation, as it was the first one he had received for this year’s Eid celebration. He said he would do his best to attend and enjoy pilau during the Muslim holiday.

 

After some friendly conversation, Mwanakwetu asked if there was any news.Hon. Jafari Nkupe, who had been the youngest councillor after the 2015General Election, replied:

“I have received sad news that our brother Lukas Shemndolwa, who served as Chairman of the Lushoto District Council for 15 years, has passed away in Dar es Salaam, where he had been receiving treatment…”

Mwanakwetu was deeply shocked by the death of Mr. Shemndolwa, who had led the Lushoto District Council since 2005, including the time when it still encompassed Bumbuli before the two were separated. Even after the separation, he continued to lead the council until 2020. Mwanakwetu had worked with him before being transferred to Mbozi District Council.

 

Lukas Shemndolwa led the council through different periods, working with several Executive Directors including Lucy Msofe, Jumanne Kiango Shauri, Kazimbaya Makwega, and others. He also worked closely with several District Commissioners of Lushoto, including Alhaji Majidi Mwanga.

When attempts were made to reach Alhaji Mwanga by phone, his phone was engaged.

During the final phase of his leadership, the Regional Commissioner of Tanga was Hon. Martine Shigella, and the Regional Administrative Secretary was Engineer Zena Said.

According to information from the family of the late Shemndolwa, who live in Malindi, Lushoto District, Tanga Region, arrangements are underway to transport the body from Dar es Salaam to Lushoto for burial at his home in Malindi.

Lukas Shemndolwa had served for several years as the councillor for Malindi Ward. He came from a mixed ethnic background of Lushoto communities, including the Sambaa, Pare, and Mbungu, and was fluent in all their languages.

He was a graduate of the University of Dar es Salaam. After completing his studies, his parents asked him to return to Lushoto town, to their home in Malindi, where he managed several family projects before entering politics through the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

 

Mwanakwetu, who worked under Lukas Shemndolwa as his district chairman in Lushoto from July 12, 2016 to August 15, 2018, openly acknowledges that whenever he faced challenges during those three years, he would either call Mr. Shemndolwa or travel to Malindi, Lukozi, to seek his advice—and things would always turn out well.

 

He openly confesses:

“Lukas Shemndolwa was a calm and very wise chairman…but one finger cannot kill a louse; the wisdom and strength of a leader require the support of those around him/her in order to achieve the goals of the whole community. A leader can sometimes grow weary or lose hope depending on the surrounding circumstances.”

In honor of the late Lukas Shemndolwa, Mwanakwetu recalls this hymn:

“He Himself has spoken, Hallelujah, you shall live by looking (unto Him), He Himself has spoken, Hallelujah, you shall live by looking…Look and you shall live as you ought, by looking unto Jesus…”

The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen.

“Farewell Lukas Shemndolwa.”

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