WE, THE PEOPLE OF MBAGALA, ARE IN MOURNING

 

By Adeladius Makwega – MBAGALA

 

“Our teacher does not like noise; she loves songs and ululations. When she wears a khanga, it bothers her; when she wears a kitenge, rain clouds…”

This is a very popular song in nursery and primary schools across Tanzania. It is remembered by children, young people, and even many older adults who passed through this education system in our East African nation.

 

For the people of Mbagala, this song brings back memories of MWALIMU Semeni Seleimani Lulu, popularly known as Mwalimu Semeni, who recently passed away and was laid to rest. During her lifetime, she taught at Mbagala Primary School, contributing to the education of children in the area.

 

Those who remember Mbagala Primary School from the time MWALIMU Semeni began her career may also recall another teacher known as Mwalimu Mkundi. She, too, passed away years ago, and her sdeath brought great sorrow to the school’s pupils

.

Mwalimu Mkundi had several children, both girls and boys. Among them is Noela Mkundi, who married Adeodatus Honaji Komba. Both Noela and Adeodatus came from families of teachers, linking their families to the history of education in the Mbagala community.

 

In October 2026, Noela Mkundi lost her beloved husband, Adeodatus Honaji Komba, who was laid to rest at Mbagala Cemetery.

 

Indeed, these bereavements have affected families closely connected to the teaching profession—a profession that has made a significant contribution to teaching many people in Mbagala how to read, write, and count.

 

That is why Mwanakwetu has decided to publish this article: to preserve the memories of people who made meaningful contributions to our community.

In those years, when a resident of Mbagala was asked which teacher was teaching their child, the answer would often be one of the names well known in the community, including Komba, Mkundi, Semeni, Mienjwa Mbwambo, Kadula, Msangi, Minde, and many others.

 

These names evoke memories of a bygone era, when teachers were an important part of the lives of children and many families in Mbagala.

 

It is worth remembering that Adeodatus Komba and Noela Mkundi were children of teachers who married, thereby bringing together two families with a shared history in the teaching profession.

Adeodatus Komba was among the longtime residents of Mbagala. He came from Mbagala Msalabani, an area also known as Mbagala Misheni. Noela Mkundi, on the other hand, traces her roots to Mbagala Kizuiani.

 

For longtime residents of Mbagala, Adeodatus’s death means the loss of someone who was part of our community’s history. His passing leaves behind memories for his family, relatives, friends, and everyone who shared in his everyday life.

Reflecting on the death of Mwalimu Semeni, one of her former pupils might say:

“It is deeply saddening for us, the former pupils of Mbagala, who had the opportunity to learn our letters from this teacher when our little hands were still learning to hold a pen and our letters came out shaky.”

These words reflect the pain of losing a teacher who was part of the beginning of the educational journey for many pupils. Teachers may leave this world, but the foundations they laid and the memories they created continue to live in the hearts of those they taught.

 

Through this article, Mwanakwetu extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Mwalimu Semeni of Mbagala Makuka following the death of our teacher, who made a significant contribution to the education of children in the area.

 

Mwanakwetu also extends its deepest sympathies to Mrs. Noela Mkundi and her family following the loss of her beloved husband, Mr. Adeodatus Honaji Komba. We likewise offer our condolences to the Komba family and everyone affected by these bereavements.

 

During this difficult period of mourning, we pray that all the bereaved families find strength, comfort, and patience to carry on with life despite the pain of losing their loved ones.

When our loved ones depart, they remain with us through our memories of them, their good deeds, and the contributions they made to our lives.

May God grant the departed eternal rest in paradise. Amen.

Email: makwadeladius@gmail.com
Phone: 0717649257