BY Karim Were
KAMPALA, September 8, 2026 — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has sent a message of condolence to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died on September 7 while receiving treatment for a heart condition in Zanzibar.
In the message, Museveni expressed sympathy on behalf of the people of Uganda, his family and himself, and described the loss as a painful moment for President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.
He also reflected on the Tanzanian president’s dedication to her country and Africa, linking the condolence message to the close relationship between Uganda and Tanzania.
Museveni recalls years of regional cooperation
Museveni said he had known Samia since her time as Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania and had witnessed her commitment to public service.
“Eversince I started knowing you as Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania and now as President, I have witnessed your love for your country and Africa and your dedication.”
The Ugandan president said the two countries had worked together on several major projects, including trade, the East African Oil Pipeline, the Murongo-Kyikagate mini-hydro station, roads in Tanzania, the Masaka-Bukoba transmission line and the Standard Gauge Railway.
He also referred to the planned extension of the railway to Uganda and beyond, presenting the projects as examples of the practical ties between the two East African neighbours.
The message did not provide financial figures, project completion dates or a detailed assessment of the individual projects. It instead used the cooperation to underline the broader relationship between the two governments.
Condolences to President Samia and her family
Museveni said the dedication President Samia had shown in public service must have been supported by her husband and family.
“The dedication you show must have been supported by your dear husband and family.”
He added that he had met the couple’s son, Abdul, on several occasions.
“I have met your son, Mr. Abdul, a few times.”
Museveni said the death was therefore a great loss to the Tanzanian president and offered prayers for her during the mourning period.
“I pray that the Almighty God sees you through these dark days. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
The message was addressed directly to President Samia and extended condolences to her family and the people of Tanzania.
Hafidh Ameir Hassan dies in Zanzibar
Hafidh Ameir Hassan died on Monday, September 7, at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, where he was receiving treatment for a heart condition, according to Tanzania’s Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi.
The announcement was made on the same day, with funeral arrangements subsequently taking place in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, Zanzibar.
Hafidh was 77. He had married Samia in 1978, years before she entered the highest levels of Tanzania’s political leadership. The couple had four children.
He became Tanzania’s First Gentleman when Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli. He was the first man to hold that unofficial title in the country.
Despite his historic position, Hafidh maintained a largely private life and remained away from much of the public attention surrounding his wife’s political career.
A life in education and agriculture
Hafidh was known primarily for his work in education and agriculture before his wife became president.
According to biographical information published by The Citizen, he was born on January 1, 1946, in Kisakasaka village in Unguja. He completed primary education in 1960 and secondary education in 1965.
He later attended Zanzibar Teachers’ College, graduating in 1973, and worked as a teacher at various schools in Tanzania. In 1980, he was selected to study agriculture at Uyole Agricultural College in Mbeya.
In 1982, he became an agriculture instructor at Fidel Castro School in Pemba. He later studied coconut farming in Sri Lanka, completing a diploma in 1988.
After returning to Zanzibar, he continued working with the Ministry of Agriculture. He subsequently pursued a master’s degree in agricultural machinery engineering in Britain in 1990.
He retired from the ministry in 2005 but continued teaching at Kizimbani Agricultural College in Unguja.
Burial held in Kizimkazi
Hafidh was buried in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, on Monday, September 7, hours after his death was announced.
The funeral prayers were led by Zanzibar Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaabi. Government, religious and political leaders attended the burial, including Vice-President Ndejembi, Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba.
Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete also attended the burial. Hafidh’s biography was read during the ceremony, highlighting his education and professional life.
The burial brought to a close the immediate funeral rites for a man who had largely remained outside the political spotlight but whose position as First Gentleman gave him a place in Tanzania’s history.
Uganda-Tanzania ties
Museveni’s message comes against the background of longstanding cooperation between Uganda and Tanzania in trade, transport, energy and regional integration.
The two countries have worked together on infrastructure and economic projects intended to improve connectivity and support trade across East Africa.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline, for example, is a major regional energy project linking Uganda’s oil development to the Tanzanian coast. The Masaka-Bukoba transmission line is another example of the electricity cooperation referred to in Museveni’s message.
Museveni also mentioned the Standard Gauge Railway, which is intended to improve freight and passenger transport across the region.
The projects cited in the condolence message reflect the broader relationship between the two governments, although the message itself did not announce any new agreements or changes to existing projects.
Regional leaders send condolences
Messages of condolence have also come from other East African leaders following Hafidh’s death.
Kenyan President William Ruto described Hafidh as a lifelong companion to President Samia, a beloved father to their children and a distinguished son of Tanzania.
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also expressed condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania on September 7.
The messages reflect the regional significance of the loss, as President Samia remains a prominent figure in East African politics and diplomacy.
Conclusion
Museveni’s condolence message combines a personal expression of grief with recognition of the close ties between Uganda and Tanzania.
By recalling President Samia’s years of public service and the projects the two countries have pursued together, the Ugandan president placed the loss within the broader context of East African cooperation.
For President Samia and her family, however, the immediate focus remains mourning Hafidh Ameir Hassan, whose life in education and agriculture preceded his historic role as Tanzania’s first First Gentleman.
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