JOHN MAGUFULI

John Magufuli was born in 1959 in northwestern Tanzania, in a modest setting on the shores of Lake Victoria. Growing up in a poor family, he supported his household by tending cattle and selling milk and fish. His educational journey began at Chato Primary School and continued through several institutions, including Katoke Seminary, Lake Secondary School, and Mkwawa High School. Magufuli furthered his education at Mkwawa College of Education, where he earned a Diploma in Education Science. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Education at the University of Dar es Salaam in 1988, followed by a master’s degree and a doctorate in chemistry from the same institution.

Before entering politics, Magufuli worked as a teacher and an industrial chemist. His political career began in 1995 when he was elected as Member of Parliament for Chato. He quickly rose through the ranks, holding various ministerial positions including Minister of Lands and Human Settlement, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, and Minister of Works. In 2015, he was elected President of Tanzania, a position he held until his death in March 2021.

During his presidency, Magufuli was known for his austerity measures and anti-corruption stance. He implemented policies to reduce government spending, including cutting foreign travel for officials and slashing his own salary. He also focused on infrastructure development, earning the nickname "The Bulldozer" for his aggressive approach to improving transport and energy projects. His administration introduced free education in government schools and enacted health and regulatory reforms.

Magufuli’s tenure was marked by controversy, particularly regarding his suppression of opposition and restrictions on media freedoms. His government enacted laws limiting opposition rallies and threatened media outlets, leading to criticism from various groups. He also took a hardline stance against LGBTQ+ rights, enacting harsh penalties for same-sex relations and shutting down HIV/AIDS outreach programs.

In health matters, Magufuli made controversial statements on family planning and promoted misinformation about COVID-19. His handling of the pandemic, including his dismissal of vaccines and mask-wearing, drew significant international criticism.

Magufuli passed away on March 17, 2021. His death, attributed to a heart condition, led to a period of national mourning. He was survived by his wife, Janeth, and their seven children, and was remembered for his profound impact on Tanzanian politics and infrastructure development.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Magufuli