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MNLF veterans, non-Moro governors supports new BARMM parliament

Two Christian governors and a big group of now elderly members of the Moro National Liberation Front on Saturday, October 31, took turns assuring support for the peacebuilding initiatives of the now duly-mandated 80-seat Bangsamoro parliament.

Gerry Salapuddin, thrice wounded in encounters with soldiers during the 1970s while chairman of the MNLF’s Basilan Revolutionary Committee, told reporters on Saturday that he and other veterans of the front were elated with the stay of Abdulrauf Macacua as chief minister of BARMM.

He was nominated to the post by colleagues in the parliament during their inaugural session on Friday.

‘Our wish now is for Chief Minister Macacua to keep his promise to ensure inclusivity in governance of BARMM, one that shall involve the Muslims and Christian and indigenous non-Moro communities in the region,’ Salapuddin said.

Members of the BARMM interim parliament, including Macacua who served as lawmakers from 2019 until the September 14 Bangsamoro regional elections were presidential appointees. Their tenures ended after last month’s first ever elections in the autonomous region.

‘We will help Chief Minister Macacua forge ahead with his development initiatives for all the Muslim, Christian and indigenous non-Moro communities in the autonomous region. We also wish he could establish an office that could be his conduit to MNLF veterans who pioneered the Moro uprising for self-governance in the 1970s,” Salapuddin said.

MNLF veterans, a number of them maimed by bullet wound sustained in encounters with soldiers during the 1970s, separately told reporters on Saturday that they are optimistic that Macacua, also a former Moro guerilla, will embark on humanitarian programs for them and the now elderly members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The MNLF and the MILF have separate peace compacts with the government and cooperated in managing some of the ministries and support agencies under the BARMM government while still under an interim parliament from 2019 until the election last month of 80 regional lawmakers, who nominated Macacua as their chief minister during their first plenary session on Friday.

Two non-Moro provincial governors in Region 12, Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza of Cotabato and Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. of South Cotabato, who both have Moro constituents, among them members of the MNLF and the MILF, separately extended on Saturday their greetings to Macacua for his having secured an imprimatur, from 51 of the 80 members of the parliament, for him to continue functioning as BARMM’s chief minister.

Taliño-Mendoza told reporters on Saturday that she and her constituent-local executives shall continue supporting the security and humanitarian programs of the BARMM government in the eight municipalities in the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area, or SGA, which is under the autonomous regional government, but are inside Cotabato, one of the four provinces in Region 12.

‘Residents of the SGA are related by blood to Moro villagers in the municipalities in our province. They are connected to us in terms of commerce and trade. We will support the peace and development initiatives in the area of the now duly-mandated BARMM parliament,’ said Taliño-Mendoza, chairperson of the multi-sector Regional Development Council 12.

Macacua told reporters on Friday that she appreciates the commitment by Taliño-Mendoza, a known supporter of the national government’s peace overtures with southern Moro communities.

“Her administration has not stopped from extending essential services to residents of the Bangsamoro SGA in her province, which has 63 barangays now grouped into different BARMM municipalities, despite being no longer under their provincial government,” Macacua said.

THE GOLD LOAN BOOM: WHAT THE NUMBERS SAY AND WHAT THEY DON’T

At the end of 2018, Sri Lanka’s licensed finance companies and specialised leasing companies held Rs. 43.9 billion in pawning advances. By the end of 2025, finance companies’ loans secured by gold stood at Rs. 465 billion which amounted to 20.9% of the sector’s loans and advances, after growing 64.1% in that year alone. Similarly, in Licensed Commercial banks pawning advances rose by Rs. 237.7 billion during 2025 and stood at Rs. 898 billion at the end of the year.

On the 24th of May 2026 the CBSL issued Direction No. 02 of 2026, capping the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio on credit secured by gold at 70% of the collateral’s market value, with effect from 25 May 2026. The cap applies to LCBs and finance companies, including existing facilities renewed on or after that date. In announcing the decision, the CBSL’s Governing Board pointed to the significant recent growth in gold-backed credit, and to elevated volatility in asset prices, including gold, alongside exchange rate fluctuations that may affect collateral valuations and the potential impact on the financial system if such trends continue.

While the growth in lending would usually be read as evidence of a credit boom, due to the nature of the collateral, it cannot necessarily be said so. When the rupee value of gold rises, the same chain or bangle can be used to obtain a larger loan, and the loan book grows without a single new borrower.

CBSL’s Annual Report in 2022 linked a 40% YoY rise in bank pawning to the difficulties the public faced amidst the rising cost of living, which resulted in more households turning to their jewellery. Pawning and gold loans also grew 77.5% YoY in finance companies in 2022, supporting loan growth while the leasing portfolio contracted under the continued restrictions on vehicle imports.

The exchange rate might also be a factor which aided in the growth of the gold loan book. Gold is traded internationally in dollars, so its rupee price moves with both the world gold price and the exchange rate. Between 2020 and 2022, the world gold price barely moved, rising less than 2% from US$ 1,770 to US$ 1,800 an ounce. The rupee, however, fell from an average of Rs. 186 to Rs. 325 per dollar. The indicative rupee price of gold (world gold price × USD/LKR annual average) rose by about 78%, almost entirely because of the currency, however during the same period finance company gold-backed loans tripled from Rs. 71.4 billion to Rs. 229.8 billion, though part of this increase reflects a change in the CBSL’s definition from December 2021.

However, between 2022 and 2024, the data tells a different story. The world price rose to US$ 2,386.2 an ounce while the rupee strengthened to an average of Rs. 302. The indicative rupee price of gold rose by about 23%, and Finance company gold loans rose from around Rs. 230 billion to Rs. 284 billion, which is almost the same proportion.

In 2025, the world price averaged US$ 3,431 an ounce after setting record highs, while the rupee was broadly stable at an average of Rs. 301. During this time, while the indicative rupee price of gold rose by about 43% finance company gold loans grew by 64.1%. Thus, this time the book outpaced the gold price again. Thus, through the price itself whether the gap reflects more borrowers, more gold pledged per borrower, or a larger share of each sovereign’s value being lent cannot be ascertained.

2023 is the exception. The rupee was broadly stable on average at Rs. 327.53, and the indicative rupee price of gold rose by about 9%. Yet finance companies’ loans against gold contracted by 4.7%, even as commercial bank pawning rose from Rs. 411 billion to Rs. 547 billion. Thus whatever drove the 2025 surge was not a weaker rupee.

Source: CBSL

In 2022, finance companies’ pawning and gold loans grew by 77.5%, while the indicative rupee price of international gold rose by about 63%. Between 2022 and 2024, the two moved at broadly similar rates. In 2025, finance company gold lending grew by about 64%, against a rise of about 43% in the indicative rupee gold price. And in 2023, the relationship broke down altogether with the indicative price rising by about 9%, yet finance companies’ gold lending contracting by 4.7%. These comparisons suggest that collateral prices have played an important part in the expansion of gold-backed lending, however they are not a complete explanation. Also, it is important to keep in mind that annual average prices and year-end balances are not strictly comparable, thus, if at all, they indicate direction.

K Seeds Investments (KSI) publishes quarterly rankings of listed finance companies in Sri Lanka. The writer, Nimanga Shehan Senanayake is a Director of KSI

US-based Angel Studios bans sex scenes, nudity and F-words in new productions

Angel Studios, the production company behind Sound of Freedom, Cabrini, His Only Son and The King of Kings, has introduced new content standards banning on-screen sex, nudity, F-words and the misuse of God’s name in its original films and television series.

Announced on October 29, the initiative, dubbed The Angel Promise, was unveiled by co-founder and chief content officer Jeff Harmon as part of the studio’s commitment to values-driven, family-friendly entertainment.

Under the new rules, future original productions will not feature nudity or sex acts on screen. The F-word is also prohibited in all stories, while other profanity will not be allowed in films and series submitted for children aged 12 and under.

The policy also gives members of the Angel Guild, the studio’s community of approximately three million paying members, the power to influence which productions make it onto the platform. Every film and series must score at least 70 out of 100 in member voting to qualify, with projects falling below the threshold excluded.

The studio says the initiative is intended to give audiences a stronger voice in entertainment while helping families find content that reflects their values.

NBA Cup: LeBron James helps 76ers beat Knicks again

LeBron James scored 20 points and hit the go-ahead fadeaway late, and Tyrese Maxey had 27 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 98-93 win over the New York Knicks in an NBA Cup group game on Friday night.

In yet another packed house in Philadelphia with a lively playoff feel, Jalen Brunson hit a 3-pointer for a 90-89 lead with 1:32 that got the first significant rise of the Knicks fans who made the trip.

James then capped his best game of the season with the go-ahead bucket with 1:10 remaining and V.J Edgecombe buried an insurance 3-pointer for the four-point lead. James sealed the win with a tip-in and nearly pulled off a triple-double with nine rebounds and eight assists.

The 76ers are already 2-0 this season against the NBA champion Knicks after beating them in New York on opening night in James’ debut.

Brunson, who appeared to roll an ankle late, scored 24 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 22 for the Knicks.

New York beat San Antonio last season in the Cup final, and the Knicks went on to beat the Spurs in the title series as well.

The Sixers are off to a 5-1 start even with their regular starting five having started together only three times this season. Jaylen Brown missed a game for the first time this season with left knee soreness, leaving Maxey the lone player to start every game. The Sixers did not say if Brown was expected to miss any more games.

The 41-year-old James had perhaps his best game yet as a Sixer and flashed some of his old MVP form. He bullied his way past Mikal Bridges in the post for a bucket in the first half and chased down OG Anunoby for a blocked shot in the third that proved he’s still got elite game when the Sixers need him most.

With fan support sky high with James’ arrival and the championship expectations that followed, Sixers fans seemed to keep their tickets off the resale market. Knicks fans only dotted the arena compared to last season’s playoff series, when Spike Lee and the rest of the fan base took over Xfinity Mobile Arena.

There were scattered ‘MVP!’ chants for Brunson when he went to the free-throw line late in the quarter. They were quickly and thunderously drowned out by boos from Philly fans.

Dumdumaya moves to 13th, keeps Top 10 bid alive in Asia-Pacific tilt

Jaden Dumdumaya rebounded from a late stumble with a birdie on the last hole to salvage an even-par 71, climbing to solo 13th after three rounds of the Asia-Pacific Golf Championship at the Te Arai Links South Course in New Zealand on Saturday.

Still a long way off the lead, the Filipino-American World No. 67 nevertheless kept his Top 10 bid alive, moving within two strokes of the coveted mark with one round remaining in one of the world’s premier amateur championships.

After opening with back-to-back 73s at the demanding par-71 layout, Dumdumaya appeared headed for a strong round when he recovered from an early bogey with a birdie, then strung together four pars on the back nine before catching fire with back-to-back birdies from No. 14.

But just as he seemed to have gained control of his round, the young Filipino stumbled with a double bogey on the 16th, followed by another bogey on the next hole, wiping out the gains from his late charge.

He regained his composure on the par-5 No. 18, however, hitting back with a birdie to close with matching 36s and salvage a 71.

The three-day 217 total lifted Dumdumaya five places to 13th, just two strokes outside the Top 10.

The other Filipino survivor, Shinichi Suzuki, failed to make significant headway, carding a 76 to slip into a share of 52nd at 231. Still, it marked his best round of the tournament after 78 and 77.

At the top, New Zealand’s Zach Swanwick seized control with a closing flourish, birdieing three of the last six holes to fire a 67 and move past erstwhile leader Fifa Laopakdee with a seven-under 206 aggregate.

Swanwick’s charge capped a steady recovery from an opening 72, as he followed up with a 67 in the second round before matching that four-under output in Saturday’s crucial third round.

The victory carries added significance, with the champion earning an invitation to next year’s Masters and The Open.

Laopakdee, who launched his title-retention bid with a near-flawless 63 on Thursday, continued to surrender ground after barely holding on with a 72 in the second round. He carded a 73 on Saturday to slip to second at 208, two shots behind Swanwick.

Cooper Moore, another New Zealand standout, matched par 71 to catch Laopakdee at six-under 208, setting up a potential all-local battle for the title.

Japan’s Kaito Sato fired a 70 to move into fourth at 210.

One Taguig FC enters strategic deal with Indonesian cheesemaker

One Taguig Football Club is collaborating with artisanal cheesemaker GIOIA Cheese Indonesia in a one-season strategic alliance to promote excellence and community engagement.

“This alliance perfectly aligns with our vision for the club’s commercial and operational growth. We are thrilled to partner with GIOIA Cheese Indonesia, a brand that shares our dedication to quality and community,” One Taguig FC Chairman Esti Puji Lestari said.

“Together, we look forward to building a strong presence both on and off the pitch over the coming season,” he added.

This partnership between a professional football club and an artisanal food brand will see them jointly carry out promotional efforts, commercial development, and enhance both matchday and fan experience.

“We proudly support the team because we deeply believe in the story they are trying to print in the world of football and sport. It is a story about life and joy – which perfectly captures the very essence of ‘Gioia’,” Ilios Maggi Andreadakis, owner of GIOIA Cheese Indonesia, said.

One Taguig FC is known for its social, sporting, commercial and professional nature. Based in Taguig City, the club was established to compete at the highest levels of Philippine football, including the top-flight Philippines Football League.

But beyond its professional ambitions, the club is deeply committed to community development, driving sports-centric initiatives, and building strong commercial partnerships that elevate the local sporting landscape.

GIOIA Cheese Indonesia is an artisanal cheesemaker dedicated to producing premium, handmade fresh cheese locally in Bali.

Inspired by traditional Italian cheesemaking techniques, GIOIA crafts its distinctive product range right in Indonesia, utilizing high-quality fresh milk sourced directly from Java.

Breast cancer awareness programs

The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and the Health Ministry has taken an important step to promote early detection of breast cancer, one of the most commonly reported cancers among women in Sri Lanka and raise public awareness in this regard. The countrywide special national program will be held on 2 November.

This is indeed a timely move and deserves all the support of the medical fraternity and international organisations working in the health sector.

According to the Health Ministry, approximately 6,000 new cases of breast cancer are reported in Sri Lanka annually, while around 1,000 women die from the disease each year. Although breast cancer can be completely cured when detected at an early stage, delays in seeking treatment due to fear, embarrassment or a lack of awareness remain a major challenge. Breast Cancer cannot be dismissed as a disease affecting elderly women. One third of diagnosed breast cancer patients in Sri Lanka were below 50 years of age.

Being almost an exclusive condition affecting women, the kind of research and attention that it deserve is not always given and for women, who remain the main homemakers in the country while juggling work, parenting and carrying out other family and social obligations, their personal health is often neglected, unless it is too late like in the case of breast cancer.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer caused an estimated 694 000 deaths globally in 2024 and was the most common cancer in women in 164 countries out of 186 in the same year. Approximately 80% of breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors other than sex and age.

Early action is the key to curing breast cancer which is why a program like the one initiated by the women’s caucus is crucial.

According to the WHO, treatments for breast cancer are more effective and are better tolerated when started early and taken to completion. The effectiveness of breast cancer therapies depends on completing the full course of treatment. Partial treatment is less likely to lead to a positive outcome.

For women detected with breast cancer, family support is essential for them to complete their treatment and make a full recovery. It is in this department that the role of the health authorities is crucial.

The program by the women’s caucus will include health clinics and awareness programs at the electorate and district levels. Special attention will be given to encouraging women in rural communities, plantation areas, urban high-rise housing complexes and underserved areas to attend these clinics. As only around 50% of women aged 35-45 currently attend these clinics, efforts will be made to encourage more women in this age group to make use of the facilities available at designated cancer early-detection centres.

A comprehensive program is also planned for implementation next year to refer all women aged 35-45 for screening tests, bringing together relevant stakeholders, including women’s societies operating at the Grama Niladhari division level. In addition, plans are afoot to conduct cervical cancer awareness programs in January under the leadership of women Members of Parliament.

The programs that focus on women’s health are crucial given that women usually are caregivers for others and often neglect themselves. There is also lack of awareness such as the self-examination of breasts to detect lumps and other signs of cancer. It’s important to draw attention to women’s health and campaigns such as this will go a long way to educating not only women, but all others in society on how early medical intervention even in cancer can lead to full recovery after treatment.

Animal protection, care bill pushed after dead pets dumped in Bulacan

Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña has called for the passage of their bill which seeks stronger protection of animals, after reports on the dumping of 29 dead pets’ remains in the City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

In a statement on Saturday, Cendaña called for the passage of House Bill (HB) No. 11495 or the proposed Animal Life Advocacy and Guardianship Act (ALAGA), after netizens and different organizations sounded the alarm on the dumping of 29 pets in a vacant lot in the said city.

‘Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit itong ganitong ginawang pag tapon sa labi ng mga aso at pusa na parang ordinaryong basura. Kahit hayop deserve naman ng maayos na libing,’ Cendaña said in a tweet on X.

(It is deeply saddening and infuriating to learn about what some people did to the remains of pet dogs and cats, as if they were mere trash. Even animals deserve proper burial.)

‘If indeed these were dumped by pet aftercare facilities then we need them to be held to account and at the very least have their business licenses suspended. Kaya kailangan isabatas ang ALAGA Bill upang may maayos na regulation ng mga animal control facilities at proper reporting and documentation for our pets,’ he added.

(If indeed these were dumped by pet aftercare facilities then we need them to be held to account and at the very least have their business licenses suspended. That’s why we need to enact the ALAGA Bill so that there will be proper regulation of animal control facilities and proper reporting and documentation for our pets.)

Cendaña’s statement came after an animal rescue page on Facebook said that the remains of 26 dogs and three cats were ‘thrown away like trash’ in a vacant lot.

According to the Luna and Furry Siblings Facebook page, there were no microchips used for the pets, but they were labeled with their exact names and weight at the time of death.

Aside from Cendaña, other lawmakers from Akbayan party-list like Rep. Chel Diokno and Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, authored HB No. 11495.

If enacted, HB No. 11495 will amend the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as amended by Republic Act No. 10631, to further strengthen the country’s animal protection laws.

Section 1 of the said law, should HB No. 11495 be signed into law, will mandate the government to ‘promote the humane and ethical treatment of animals’ based on the following criteria:

adequate nutrition

appropriate physical environment

optimal health and veterinary care

opportunities to express natural behaviors; and

the promotion of a positive mental state free from fear, distress, and suffering

‘The state recognizes animals as sentient beings capable of feeling pain, distress, comfort, and pleasure. It will align domestic animal welfare law with the universal declaration on animal welfare, world organization for animal health standards, and the Philippines’ obligations under the convention on biological diversity and the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora,’ the proposed Section 1 read.

There will also be a new Section 5(c) which tackles the issue of humane euthanasia, or the termination of an animal’s life to spare it from suffering.

Under the said section, euthanasia will only be conducted by a licensed veterinarian for animals ‘that are severely injured, terminally ill, or afflicted with a highly communicable disease.’

‘The conduct of euthanasia shall be reported to the public at least eight (8) hours prior to the procedure through social media or other publicly accessible means, accompanied by a veterinarian’s assessment,’ the bill read. Stiffer penalties will also be prescribed:

causing the death of animals: imprisonment of one (1) year and six (6) months and one (1) day to three (3) years, and a fine of P100,000.00 to P500,000.00

causing grave injury to an animal: imprisonment of one (1) year and one (1) day to one (1) year and six (6) months, and a P50,000.00 to P80,000.00, if the animal survives but is severely injured and requires human intervention to sustain its life

causing injury not classified as grave. imprisonment of six (6) months to one (1) year and a fine not exceeding P30,000.00

The scariest things are not in costumes

Halloween. Children dress as ghosts, witches, vampires and assorted creatures that would make any respectable homeowner hesitate before opening the door. Shopping malls display cobwebs, skeletons and pumpkins. Even adults participate, sometimes wearing costumes that cost more than their monthly grocery budget.

But I have noticed something interesting. The older I get, the less frightening these imaginary creatures become. Perhaps it is because, after years in business and leadership development, I have encountered things far scarier than ghosts. And most of them wear business attire. Some even have impressive titles on their business cards.

A ghost might frighten you for a few seconds, but a dishonest business partner can give you nightmares for years. A vampire supposedly sucks your blood, but a toxic boss can drain your energy and confidence without leaving a bite mark. And while zombies wander around completely unaware, I have occasionally encountered people in meetings with remarkably similar traits. The difference is that zombies rarely request another PowerPoint presentation.

Seriously, Halloween offers an opportunity to examine the fears that genuinely threaten businesses, careers and relationships. Let me share five.

First, the fear of becoming irrelevant.

Technology changes, markets evolve and customer expectations shift. Artificial intelligence is transforming how work gets done. Skills that once guaranteed employment may no longer provide the same security. Yet some professionals continue relying on yesterday’s knowledge while expecting tomorrow’s opportunities.

They proudly announce having twenty years of experience. But there is a difference between twenty years of learning and one year of experience repeated twenty times.

Experience becomes valuable when it produces wisdom. Otherwise, it merely produces seniority. The real danger is not that technology will change, but that we refuse to change while technology moves forward.

Second, the fear of losing credibility.

Years of hard work can establish a reputation. One dishonest decision can destroy it.

I have encountered talented individuals whose careers suffered because they compromised their integrity. Their abilities were impressive, but their credibility eventually collapsed.

Trust is an invisible business asset. You may not find it on the balance sheet, but you’ll notice its absence when customers leave, employees resign and partners withdraw. Dishonesty rarely begins with a spectacular scandal. Sometimes, it starts with a small lie, a conveniently adjusted figure or an ethical compromise justified as necessary for business. One compromise makes the next easier.

The scariest person in business is not someone who makes mistakes, but someone who has learned to justify wrongdoing.

Third, the fear of facing the truth.

Some leaders dread unpleasant news. They prefer reassuring reports, favorable figures and employees who consistently agree with them. Eventually, people learn to tell the boss what they want to hear. They conceal problems, minimize mistakes and ignore warning signs.

Everything looks wonderful until reality arrives uninvited. And reality has the unpleasant habit of refusing to respect organizational hierarchies. Wise leaders welcome uncomfortable information because ignoring problems does not make them disappear.

What we refuse to confront today often becomes the crisis we cannot escape tomorrow.

Fourth, the fear of failure.

Fear can protect us from recklessness, but excessive fear prevents progress. Some professionals become so afraid of making mistakes that they avoid decisions, postpone opportunities and resist experimentation. Not every risk is worth taking. Courage without wisdom is recklessness, but wisdom without courage can become paralysis. Organizations need people willing to learn, experiment and take responsible risks.

Fifth, the fear of succeeding at the wrong things.

This may be the most frightening of all. A person can build a successful business, accumulate wealth, receive prestigious awards and enjoy public recognition, only to discover they’ve neglected the people who matter most. The business flourishes while relationships deteriorate. The calendar is full, but life feels empty. The professional succeeds at work but becomes increasingly absent at home. There is nothing wrong with ambition, wealth or achievement. But these become dangerous when they replace character, relationships, faith and purpose.

As Halloween approaches, perhaps we should examine the fears that truly deserve our attention. Not imaginary monsters hiding in dark corners, but the real dangers of complacency, dishonesty, pride, cowardice and misplaced priorities.

Thankfully, we are not powerless against them. We can confront irrelevance through continuous learning, protect credibility through integrity, overcome denial through humility, face uncertainty with courage and pursue success without sacrificing what matters most. Halloween costumes come off when the celebration ends. But our character accompanies us everywhere.

Halloween reminds us that monsters may be frightening, but they are usually imaginary. The real dangers are the fears we refuse to confront, the values we quietly compromise and the people we neglect along the way. After all, the scariest things in life are not the monsters we encounter, but the kind of person we might become if we stop guarding our character.

Catch Kongversations with Francis on YouTube and all major podcast platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and more. Plus, listen to Inspiring Excellence wherever you stream.

Tanzanian Home Affairs Minister leads mourners at IGP’s father’s funeral

Musoma. Minister for Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi has led mourners at the funeral of the father of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camillus Wambura, Mr Deusdedit Wambura, who died aged 100.

The deceased, who died on October 26, 2026, in Dar es Salaam after battling illness for more than 19 years, was buried on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

He reportedly suffered from prostate, kidney and heart conditions, which required treatment at various hospitals across the country.

Delivering condolence messages, several leaders who attended the funeral urged family members, relatives and friends not to mourn but instead celebrate the deceased’s life, noting that he had lived longer than many people.

They said few people were blessed with the opportunity to live to 100, urging the family to thank God for granting their loved one such a long life.

‘The family should celebrate the deceased’s life rather than grieve because he had lived a full life,’ said Minister Katambi.

He said religious scriptures put the human lifespan at 70 years, meaning any additional years were a blessing from Almighty God.

He also linked the deceased’s life to the Catholic faith, noting that he was born in April, when Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and died in October, the month dedicated to the Rosary.

“I have not even reached 50 years. May Almighty God help me. Our elder has set a huge challenge for us, particularly in bringing up children. He raised his children well; among them are God-fearing people and public servants who are patriotic and guided by integrity,” he said.

Musoma Urban MP Mgore Miraji (CCM) said the family had no reason to grieve but should instead celebrate their father’s and grandfather’s life because he had been a blessing to them.

“Although the elder has departed, and death is always painful and something we never get used to, we should thank God for granting him 100 years. Few people reach such an age,” he said.

Serengeti MP Mary Daniel (CCM) said the family should thank God for granting the deceased a long life, noting that many people wished to reach such an age but could not.

“My own father, Joseph Surati, did not even reach 60 years. I ask to share in our elder’s blessings so that I, too, may live many years. Instead of mourning, let us celebrate his life and glorify God,” she said.

Leading the funeral Mass at the Virgin Mary Mother of God Catholic Cathedral in Musoma, Musoma Urban Parish priest Father Medard Chegere urged mourners to live exemplary lives that benefited society, the Church and the nation.

He said the deceased had strived to live with integrity and humanity, leaving a positive legacy in various sectors, including education, health, politics and leadership.

“This gathering is a true reflection of how Deusdedit lived in society. We should uphold integrity and leave a good mark. Every leader, starting at the community level, should leave a positive legacy for the people. That legacy should be peace, solidarity, unity and love,” he said.

A teacher by profession, Mr Wambura held various positions in the education sector.

By the time he retired from public service, he was serving as an education officer, a position he had held in several districts across the country.

Beyond public service, Mr Wambura was also a politician, first with the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) and later the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), where he held various leadership positions at district, regional and national levels.

He is survived by eight children, 30 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

He was buried at Mwisenge Cemetery in Musoma Municipality, Mara Region.

The funeral was attended by several leaders, including Minister for Information, Culture and Sports Paul Makonda, Minister for Works Masanja Kadogosa, Minister for Defence and National Service Rhimo Nyansaho, and Chief of Defence Forces General Jacob Mkunda.

Others included Njombe Regional Commissioner Anthony Mtaka, Simiyu Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda, regional police commanders from various regions and other leaders, including politicians.