From Campus to Cabinet: How Alumni–UDSM Ties are Shaping National Leadership and Development
By Renancy Remmy, CMU
The strategic value of alumni engagement in advancing university excellence and national development was vividly demonstrated on 27 January 2026 when the Minister of Works, Hon. Abdallah Hamis Ulega (MP), paid a courtesy visit to his alma mater, the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).
The visit, coming shortly after Hon. Ulega officiated the Annual Roads Convention 2025 organised by the Tanzania Roads Association (TARA), reaffirmed the enduring partnership between UDSM and its graduates, which continues to generate leadership, professional expertise and public service at the highest levels.
The convention, held under the theme “Transport Sector Reforms in Africa: Enhancing Efficiency, Integration and Sustainability,” brought together policymakers, practitioners and scholars to advance dialogue aligned with Tanzania’s national and regional development priorities.
Addressing students and invited youth during the convention and later at the University, Hon. Ulega reflected on his academic journey at UDSM, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology (Aquatic Science) at the then Faculty of Science, now the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CoNAS).
He recalled his formative years at Mabibo and Kijitonyama hostels, noting that the University’s academic rigour and campus life instilled discipline, leadership, patriotism and a deep commitment to public service.
“I once walked the same paths you walk today and faced similar academic challenges. My time at the University of Dar es Salaam laid a solid foundation for who I am today. I remain proud to be not only an alumnus, but also an ambassador who continues to fly the UDSM flag high wherever I serve”, said Hon. Ulega.
He encouraged students to remain focused, disciplined and resilient, emphasising that sustained effort and perseverance are essential to success. The Minister also urged young people to cherish and safeguard Tanzania’s peace and unity, observing that national stability provides the foundation for learning, innovation and meaningful contribution to development.
Welcoming the Minister, UDSM Vice Chancellor Prof. William A. L. Anangisye commended Hon. Ulega for returning to his alma mater and engaging directly with the University community, noting that such interactions provide inspiration and affirmation to students, staff and leadership.
“We highly appreciate this visit by Honourable Ulega to his alma mater. It is encouraging to see our graduates occupying strategic national leadership positions while remaining connected to the University. We look forward to formally inviting him for a guest lecture, both as a distinguished alumnus and in his capacity as Minister of Works, to further enrich our academic and professional discourse,” said Prof. Anangisye.
Nurturing future generations for national service
During the visit, Hon. Ulega also toured the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, where he pursued his undergraduate studies. He interacted with former professors and classmates, commending their continued dedication to teaching, research and mentorship, and encouraging them to continue nurturing future generations for national service.
The Head of the Department, Dr. Juma Hussein, described the visit as both symbolic and deeply motivating. “An alumnus who has risen to the level of a Cabinet Minister returning to his department is a powerful affirmation of the quality of training offered by the University. It inspires both staff and students to strive for excellence, knowing that academic commitment can translate into national impact”.
Hon. Ulega reaffirmed that the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, under President H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, continues to work closely with the University of Dar es Salaam in strengthening higher education. He assured the University community of the Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and fostering a conducive environment for teaching, learning, research and innovation in line with national development aspirations.
The visit served as a compelling reminder of UDSM’s central role in nurturing leaders who shape Tanzania’s development trajectory, while reinforcing alumni–alma mater engagement as a strategic catalyst for institutional strength, national leadership and sustainable progress.