Alute Mughwai Lissu, the 72-year-old brother of Chadema national chairman Tundu Lissu, has died in Arusha, Tanzania, after a prolonged illness. According to family members, Alute passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2 am. Before his death, he delivered a final message to his family, urging them to live in love, unity, and cooperation, and to continue the good deeds he had initiated.
Peter Lissu, a relative who cared for Alute, said the deceased had been battling his condition for a long time, having first fallen ill in 1999. Alute's final words to the family were brief, but emphasized the importance of maintaining love and unity. The family has received condolences from Chadema leaders, who have been informed of the death and are expected to participate in the funeral arrangements.
Dr. Vincent Lissu, Alute's younger brother and spokesperson for the family, said Alute had become the family's spokesperson and clan leader, and his death has left a huge gap. Alute was also an important figure in Tundu Lissu's life, and the family expects him to be buried in Mahambe Village, Ikungi District, Singida Region, after Tundu's court case on November 6, 2026.
The family had postponed the burial arrangements to allow them to attend Tundu Lissu's court case, where he is expected to receive a judgment. Some family members, accompanied by Chadema leaders, had gone to Ukonga Prison to formally inform Tundu of his brother's death. Alute, a widower, leaves behind five children.
Dr. Vincent Lissu described Alute as a role model, particularly for Tundu, who may have been inspired to pursue law by looking up to his brother. The family has remained united and loving, and Alute's death has been a significant loss. Chadema Deputy Secretary General Amani Golugwa said the party has received news of Alute's death with deep sorrow and will stand with the family during this period of mourning.
The party will issue an official statement conveying its condolences to the family and participate fully in the funeral arrangements. Alute's death has also been acknowledged by The Citizen Tanzania, which reported that the family is mourning while arranging to attend Tundu Lissu's judgment.
The family will provide further information on the burial arrangements and other programs the following week, after the judgment. Alute's legacy as a unifying figure in the family and his role in supporting Tundu Lissu will be remembered.
Key points
- Alute Mughwai Lissu, brother of Chadema chairman Tundu Lissu, dies in Arusha after prolonged illness
- Family urges loved ones to live in love, unity, and cooperation following Alute's death
- Burial arrangements postponed to allow family to attend Tundu Lissu's court case on November 6, 2026
