President Yoweri Museveni has sent condolences to Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her husband, Hafidh Hassan.
Hafidh died yesterday morning while receiving treatment at Mlimani Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar and was buried later the same day.
In a condolence message to President Samia, Museveni described the death as sad and extended his sympathies to her family and the people of Tanzania.
“It was with a lot of sadness that I received the bad news of the death of your dear husband, Mr Hafidh Hassan,” Museveni said.
“I extend the most heartfelt condolences from the brotherly people of Uganda and from my family and myself to Your Excellency, your family and the people of Tanzania,” he added.
Museveni said that since he first came to know Samia as Vice-President of Tanzania and later as President, he had witnessed her commitment to Tanzania and Africa, as well as her dedication to strengthening relations between the two countries.
He cited several joint projects and areas of cooperation between Uganda and Tanzania, including trade, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), the Murongo-Kyikagate mini-hydropower station, roads in Tanzania, the Masaka-Bukoba transmission line and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension to Isaka and eventually Uganda and beyond.
“We have done a lot together in the areas of trade, the East African Oil Pipeline, the Murongo-Kyikagate mini-hydro station, the tarmac roads on the side of Tanzania, the transmission line from Masaka-Bukoba, the SGR to Isaka and, eventually, to Uganda and beyond, to mention just some,” Museveni said.
The President said Samia’s dedication to public service must have been supported by her husband and family, making his death a particularly painful loss.
“The dedication you show must have been supported by your dear husband and family. I have met your son, Mr Abdul, a few times. It must, therefore, be a great loss to you,” Museveni said.
He prayed for strength for President Samia 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,” Museveni said.
