Many know him as the man behind the meme ‘We uliskia wapi!‘, which made him widely known online, but Selemani Saidi Ally Bungara, aka Bwege, was also the former Member of Parliament for Kilwa South.

Bwege died at the age of 64, after battling with kidney failure at around 1:00 p.m. on 30th March 2026. He passed away at EM Hospital, a private facility located in Mji Mwema, Kigamboni, where he had been receiving regular dialysis.

The hospital confirmed that kidney failure was the primary cause of death, noting that his condition worsened despite intensive care.

Bungara was a prominent figure in Tanzanian politics for more than a decade. He served as Member of Parliament for Kilwa South from 2005 until 2020, representing his constituency with a reputation for outspoken debate and grassroots engagement.

Despite his political achievements, Bwege bacame best known beyond Tanzania for an unexpected reason: a viral catchphrase that spread across social media.

The expression “Uliskia wapi? meaning Where did you hear that became a meme shared across East Africa platforms especially among the youth who had little interest in politics.

Tributes from across Tanzania and the wider region began pouring in following the news of his demise, with many remembering the humor he brought to the public life and his dedication to his community.

Selamani Bungara “Bwege”‘s family has begun making funeral plans an are prepping for his body to be transported to his home area in Kilwa District for burial later this week.