RIP: Sorrow As Ex-Tanzania MP Bwege Known With His Controversial Say 'Ulisikia Wapi' Dies

Tanzanian politician Selemani Saidi Ally Bungara, popularly referred to as Bwege and widely recognized across East Africa for his iconic catchphrase “Wewe ulisikia wapi?” (“Where did you hear that?”), has died.

The former Member of Parliament for Kilwa South constituency passed away on Monday afternoon, March 30, 2026, while undergoing his regular dialysis treatment at EM Hospital in the Kibada area of Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam.

The sad news was confirmed by his brother, Abbas S.A. Bungara, and his son, Hassan Seleman Bungara. 

They revealed that the veteran politician was at the hospital for his routine dialysis session when he suddenly passed on. He was 64 years old, having been born on November 18, 1961.

Bungara first entered Parliament in 2005 as the representative for Kilwa South, initially under the Civic United Front (CUF). He later switched to the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo).

In February 2026, he publicly declared his plan to join the opposition party CHADEMA, although he had not yet completed the formal membership process.

He served three terms in Parliament before losing his seat in the 2020 general election to CCM candidate Ally Kasinge. Even after the defeat, Bwege continued to be a strong critic of the government and a passionate advocate for opposition principles.

Bwege gained widespread fame across the region in June 2020 during a press conference when he forcefully denied rumors that he had returned to the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.

In his characteristic lively and dramatic manner, he responded to the journalists with the now-famous line:

“Wewe ulisikia wapi?” The video clip quickly went viral in both Kenya and Tanzania, inspiring numerous memes, stickers, and humorous skits that continue to circulate widely to this day.