Medical school, they say, can be a “baptism by fire,” at least for the majority. It’s like going through a furnace of academic rigor, fuelled by relentless lectures and unforgiving clinical rotations. Many emerge from its depths changed, some broken, but those who are truly fortunate find themselves guided by teachers whose hands both stoke the flames and offer them a soothing balm. I mean the teachers who push the students to their absolute limits, demanding excellence with a sternness that could chill to the bone. Yet, the same teachers wipe away the students’ tears when things get tougher than usual, offering a comforting embrace when the weight of the world threatens to crush them, and still remind them, with a fierce parental love, that even the hottest furnace could be endured, and ultimately, conquered.
Such a description befits Dr. Emmanuel Munubhi, a dedicated paediatrician, lecturer and mentor to many medical professionals in Tanzania. He passed away recently (13th March 2025) at the age of 76 while undergoing treatment at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Dar es Salaam. When he was alive, Dr. Munubhi demanded excellence from his students. He did that with sternness, yet had parental love while instilling clinical acumen, especially to those students he taught at Muhimbilli University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) and other medical schools across Dar es Salaam.
Why his life story matters to students
Before I share more details of my tribute to Dr. Munubhi, I think it’s important to set the stage a bit—get a bit academic for a second. We’ve got this study showing that medical students here in Tanzania face some real pressure, even bullying, and get this, over 40% of that comes from lecturers. This is from a survey of 10 medical schools across the country.
However, for stories of teachers akin to the late Dr. Munubhi, it was not about the negative energy. It was about how he balanced pushing students with actually caring for them. He showed us how crucial positive mentorship is, especially in a field as tough as medicine.
“Mbuzi” metaphor & student memories
Dr. Munubhi recognized the delicate balance between rigorous training and the emotional well-being of his students. He understood that while the system can be challenging, a compassionate educator can make all the difference. Many of his former students, including me, fondly recall his use of metaphors, particularly his repeated admonition against acting like “Mbuzi” (goat). This wasn’t merely a harsh word; it was a reminder, a challenge. He used it to steer us away from passively seeking easier paths(what he used to call greener pastures), reminding us always, that the power to succeed lay within us, and to address us mistakes head-on.
When his death was announced, a wave of heartfelt tributes emerged, particularly on WhatsApp statuses, where students shared a beloved video of him singing religious songs while mentoring a group of students. In it, he seamlessly wove biblical verses, instilling faith alongside academic rigor. Even when expressing frustration, a smile often graced his face, a proof of his genuine care. But he was human, and therefore imperfect. He, however, stands out as an example of a teacher/ lecturer whose love for his students was palpable, real, and enduring.
It’s sad that he is no more!
But who was Munubhi?
He was born on 19th January 1949 to Mr. Daudi Munubhi Kubhoja and Suzana Mafuru Ezekiel Nyerembe in the village of Bulinga, Majita in Musoma District, Mara Region. His academic path took him from Bulinga Majita Primary School to Bwiru Boys Secondary in Mwanza, and then to Minaki High School in the Coast Region. After fulfilling his national service at Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa (JKT), he pursued his medical degree at Makerere University in Uganda, obtaining his MBChB, and then completed his internship at Muhimbili Medical Centre (MMC) in 1977. His commitment to paediatrics led him to a Masters of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Dar es Salaam between 1979 and 1982.
His career was marked by diverse experiences, serving as a District Medical Officer for Mbulu, working at Arusha Regional Hospital, and even participating in the Tanzania-Uganda war as a Medical Doctor serving in the army. He then served as a Regional Medical Officer in Rukwa Region. From 1985 to 1998, he worked as a lecturer and Specialist in Paediatrics at the School of Medicine of MUCHS, continuing as a senior lecturer at MUHAS until his retirement in 2009, and subsequently on a contract basis until 2020. His impact extended beyond the classroom, with 20 academic publications in local and international journals and the supervision of over 50 post-graduate students. He even worked at Bora Shoes company as a Medical Doctor, and was a part-time lecturer at Hubert Kairuki Memorial University(HKMU), IMTU and Kampala International University(KIU). He was also a devoted member of the Adventist Church Mzizima in Dar es Salaam.
May he Rest in Eternal Peace!
