CHATO: Retired Tanzanian leaders have growing paid tributes to former president John Magufuli, describing him as a patriotic and principled leader who prioritised accountability and disciplined use of public funds.
The tributes were delivered during events marking the fifth anniversary of Magufuli’s death in his hometown of Chato, in north-western Tanzania.
Former vice-president Philip Mpango said Magufuli pushed for stronger revenue collection and strict spending controls when he served as finance minister under his administration.
He said monthly revenue collection rose from about 850 billion Tanzanian shillings before Magufuli’s tenure to around 1.3 trillion shillings during his presidency.
Mpango also recalled measures to curb government spending, including reducing foreign travel and cutting the size of official delegations, with savings redirected to infrastructure and public services.
“He set an example that public funds must be used carefully and for the benefit of citizens,” Mpango said.
Former prime minister Kassim Majaliwa described Magufuli as a leader who enforced discipline and took a hard line against corruption and misuse of public resources.
“He did not tolerate wrongdoing,” Majaliwa said, adding that officials implicated in misconduct faced dismissal.
Another former prime minister, Mizengo Pinda, said Magufuli maintained a firm stance on ethical standards, particularly in tackling bribery and corruption.
Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) vice-chairman Stephen Wasira said Magufuli demonstrated decisive leadership, including advancing the long-standing plan to shift the administrative capital to Dodoma.
He also cited changes to mining sector policies, including increased royalty rates, as part of efforts to ensure Tanzania benefited more from its natural resources.
Magufuli, who died on March 17, 2021, is widely remembered for his focus on infrastructure development, fiscal discipline and anti-corruption measures during his presidency.