Peramiho is visibly immersed in mourning as the entire community gathers to grieve the loss of their beloved Member of Parliament, Jenista Mhagama. But here’s where it gets controversial—this profound emotional display reflects more than just sorrow; it reveals the deep bonds and genuine admiration the people held for their representative.
The Heartfelt Farewell in Peramiho
What you need to understand is that the large number of mourners present at her funeral was a clear testament to her popularity and the affection she inspired among her constituents. The streets and markets of Peramiho, usually bustling with activity from early morning, suddenly fell silent. Shops were shuttered, and farmers paused their work, opting instead to join the community in paying their respects. People congregated at St. Benedict Church within Peramiho Parish, part of the Songea Catholic Archdiocese, to attend a requiem mass dedicated to her memory.
Ms. Mhagama, who had served as the representative for Peramiho since 2005, sadly passed away on December 11, 2025, in Dodoma. Her final resting place is scheduled to be at Ruanda Village in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region. Family members, friends, colleagues, and her supporters will gather there today for her farewell ceremony.
The Community’s Reflection and Mourning
During the memorial service, the church was filled to capacity—people occupying pews and others standing quietly outside, some wiping tears as hymns echoed throughout the church. Despite the sorrow, many expressed gratitude for Ms. Mhagama’s tireless dedication, approachability, and unwavering commitment to her community. One resident, Daines Komba, shared that the enormous turnout was a sign of the great respect and gratitude the people of Peramiho had for their leader, describing her as a figure of honor and development.
Similarly, Bosco Ngonyani, another local resident, emphasized the shock many felt at her sudden passing. He explained that hopes for further progress under her leadership had been high, and her demise had left many people devastated—highlighting the emotional toll her death had taken.
Reflections on Death and Spiritual Preparedness
In his homily, Auxiliary Bishop of Songea Catholic Archdiocese, Erick Mapunda, addressed the universal human struggle to accept the reality of death—especially when it affects loved ones. He suggested that many people are unprepared emotionally and spiritually, often leading to shock, denial, and chaos when death strikes.
Bishop Mapunda pointed out that part of the reason for this unpreparedness is that many have become too absorbed in worldly pleasures, forgetting the importance of spiritual readiness. He praised Jenista Mhagama for her unwavering faith, noting that her constant prayer life exemplified her spiritual preparation for death. She faced mortality with courage, never fearing the inevitable because she trusted in God.
He further explained that death, though inescapable, can cause divisions and misunderstandings if not handled with faith and unity. He urged those mourning to allow their faith, patience, and collective support to guide them through the grief.
A Call for Faith and Unity
Bishop Mapunda closed his message by encouraging Tanzanians to prioritize spiritual values in their daily lives—reminding them of the many good deeds and services rendered by Jenista Mhagama on behalf of the nation, communities, and families.
The Tributes from Leaders
In his condolence message, the Minister of Home Affairs, Mwigulu Nchemba, described Ms. Mhagama as a unifying and dependable figure who epitomized hard work, discipline, and faith. He recounted their close working relationship, where she excelled in every role assigned—earning her the nickname ‘the patch’ because of her adaptability and dedication.
Nchemba also highlighted her leadership as Minister for Public Service and later as Minister for Health, emphasizing her consistency and earnestness across her responsibilities. He reassured her children that they would not be left alone—stating that others in the community, including family friends like himself, would support her legacy.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Mussa Azzan Zungu, described Ms. Mhagama as a humble and kind person who had grown close to him over the years. He expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Vice President, ministers, members of parliament, religious leaders, and all who stood by the family during this difficult time. He urged unity and love among family members, emphasizing that collective strength would help them endure.
Honoring Her Support and Legacy
Ms. Mary Chatanda, Chairperson of the CCM Women’s Wing (UWT), recalled how Ms. Mhagama had been a staunch supporter during her campaign, offering encouragement and assistance. She shared that her late leader’s support was unwavering and that her dedication played a vital role in her own success.
As Peramiho prepares to lay its long-serving representative to rest, townspeople believe that her legacy will endure—not only through the development projects she championed but also through the countless lives she influenced and the sense of unity she fostered within her community. This community’s respect and love for her remain a testament to her impactful leadership, sparking the question: given the profound influence she had, how can current and future leaders emulate her example to serve their communities with similar passion? And you—do you think such deep community bonds can be cultivated in today’s political landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments.
