Dodoma. Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi has challenged current and future leaders to uphold the legacy of the late former National Assembly Speaker Samuel Sitta by strengthening public institutions, promoting accountability and prioritising national interests over personal ambitions.
He said Sitta’s contribution to Tanzania went beyond the senior positions he held, noting that his greatest legacy lay in his efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, improve parliamentary performance and promote responsible leadership.
Mr Ndejembi made the remarks on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during an event to mark 10 years since Sitta’s death and launch a book documenting his life and leadership journey at Msekwa Hall in Dodoma.
The Vice-President, who represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan, said Mr Sitta believed national development depended on strong institutions guided by established procedures, integrity and good governance principles.
‘For him, procedures were not merely a collection of papers, but a guarantee of justice, protection of democratic legitimacy and a pillar of institutional continuity,’ he said.
Mr Ndejembi recalled that Mr Sitta introduced the slogan ‘Speed and Standards’ when he became Speaker in 2005, a move that helped reshape parliamentary operations and improve the institution’s performance.
He said the former Speaker was remembered for his patriotism, courage and commitment to accountability, qualities that should continue to guide those entrusted with public responsibilities.
The Vice-President said Mr Sitta’s leadership offered lessons on the proper exercise of public authority, particularly at a time when the effectiveness of public institutions depended on the integrity and commitment of their leaders.
‘True leadership is not a path to seeking prestige or personal benefits, but a responsibility, service and commitment to others,’ he said.
Drawing on the teachings of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Mr Ndejembi said leadership was fundamentally about service, while public office was a responsibility entrusted to individuals for the benefit of citizens.
Mr Sitta served Tanzania for more than four decades in various capacities, including Executive Secretary of the National Development Corporation, Urambo Member of Parliament, Regional Commissioner for Iringa and Kilimanjaro, National Assembly Speaker and Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs.
He also served as Minister responsible for the Capital Development Authority, East African Cooperation and Transport, as well as chairman of the Constitutional Assembly.
Mr Ndejembi said the book launched at the event should be viewed as more than a biography, as it also documents an important chapter in Tanzania’s democratic development.
He urged young leaders, students and members of the public to read it, saying the experiences of past leaders could offer lessons in public service, institutional development and national responsibility.
He also acknowledged Mr Sitta’s family’s contribution to his public service career, noting that national leadership often required sacrifices and patience from family members.
Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Mussa Azzan Zungu recalled Mr Sitta’s passion for sports, particularly football, saying the former Speaker used his influence to support Simba and Yanga.
Mr Zungu said Mr Sitta once pushed for Simba to secure an opportunity to travel to Brazil for training after learning that Yanga had visited the South American country.
He said Sitta followed football closely and was emotionally invested in match results, recalling a match between the two traditional rivals at Nyamagana Stadium in Mwanza that the former Speaker followed with great excitement until the final whistle.
Beyond sports, Mr Zungu described Mr Sitta as a leader who recognised the abilities of others and assigned responsibilities according to their talents.
He cited Mr Sitta’s experience in parliamentary committees and his contribution to improving Parliament’s performance, saying his leadership demonstrated the importance of identifying and nurturing talent within public institutions.