President Yoweri Museveni has extended condolences to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her husband, Hafidh Hassan, describing his passing as a “great loss” to the Tanzanian leader, her family and the country.
In a condolence message to President Samia, Museveni said he received the news of Hafidh Hassan’s death “with a lot of sadness” and conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of Uganda, his family and himself.
“I extend the most heartfelt condolences from the brother People of Uganda and from my family and myself, to Your Excellency, your family and the People of Tanzania,” Museveni said.
Museveni said he had followed President Samia’s dedication to Tanzania and Africa since her time as Vice-President and later as President.
“Ever since 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,” he said.
The Ugandan President also used the message to highlight the deepening strategic ties between Uganda and Tanzania, citing several major joint projects and areas of cooperation.
Among them, he mentioned trade, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), the Murongo-Kyikagate mini-hydropower station, road infrastructure on the Tanzanian side, the Masaka-Bukoba transmission line and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Isaka and eventually onward to Uganda and beyond.
Museveni suggested that President Samia’s public dedication was supported by her family, noting that he had personally met her son, Abdul, on several occasions.
“The dedication you show must have been supported by your dear husband and family. I have met your son, Mr. Abdul, a few times,” Museveni said.
He described Hafidh Hassan’s death as a profound personal loss for President Samia.
“It must, therefore, be a great loss to you,” Museveni said, before offering prayers for the Tanzanian President and her family during the mourning period.
“I pray that the Almighty God sees you through these dark days. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.
Hafidh Hassan, an agricultural academic who largely maintained a low public profile, died on Monday while receiving treatment at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.
He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman when President Samia assumed office in 2021.
The couple married in 1978 and had four children — three sons and a daughter.
President Samia’s loss has prompted condolences from leaders across the region, underscoring the personal and diplomatic significance of the passing of Tanzania’s First Gentleman.
