Every editor needs a Zephania Ubwani

With a heavy heart, I bid farewell to a cherished era in business journalism as I mourn the passing of a remarkable figure, who has left an indelible mark on our profession.

Zephania Ubwani, who passed away last Saturday at the age of 70, illuminated the pages of The Citizen with his unparalleled talent and unwavering commitment to excellence.

In fact, it was due to his writing style, along with the likes of Costantine Sebastian Muganyizi and Richard Mgamba (who are still alive), that I personally cultivated a passion for business journalism and writing for The Citizen in particular.

Their collective contributions spanned the vast landscape of business, finance, economy, mining, tourism and construction, captivating readers with their insightful analyses and engaging narratives.

Under the stewardship of Bakari Machumu, these luminaries flourished, embodying the ethos of journalistic integrity and dedication to the craft. Machumu’s leadership, from the helm of the newsroom to the pinnacle of Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL), served as a beacon of inspiration for all he worked with.

Amidst the bustling news desk and spirited discussions, our departed colleague exemplified the epitome of professionalism and camaraderie. His humility and willingness to collaborate endeared him to his peers and superiors alike, leaving an indelible impression on all who had the privilege of working with him.

As I reflect on his legacies, let me remember Ubwani not only as a consummate professional but also as a compassionate individual who enriched lives with his kindness and wisdom in line with MCL’s slogan of “Empowering the Nation”.

Ubwani was not merely a journalist; he was a beacon of sincerity, diligence and kindness in the bustling corridors of The Citizen. His gentle demeanour and unwavering dedication to his craft endeared him to all who had the privilege of working with him.

A little known but interesting fact about Ubwani is that he started off as a teaboy at the now-defunct National News Agency (Shihata) before he gradually developed into a force to be reckoned with in journalism in Tanzania.

A consummate listener, Ubwani possessed the rare gift of making everyone he conversed with feel valued and respected. Never once did he belittle others or flaunt his expertise in the field of business journalism. Instead, his responses were always filled with positivity and encouragement.

His reliability was unparalleled, evident in his steadfast commitment to delivering on promises, whether it be submitting a story within a specified timeframe or seeking approval before leaving his workstation. Unlike some, who resort to dishonesty to fulfil personal assignments, Ubwani approached his work with integrity and honesty at all times.

Editing Ubwani’s articles was a delight for every editor, courtesy of his mastery of the English language. His proficiency in crafting compelling narratives often left only the keen eye of the Chief Sub-Editor, Hassan Muhiddin, to identify any shortcomings. In fact, whenever the current Managing Editor of The Citizen, Mpoki Thomson, emphasises the importance of meeting deadlines, we (and colleagues at the News Desk – Alawi Masare and Louis Kolumbia) would always rely on Ubwani to supply us with one or two Page One stories. We were confident that once submitted, Ubwani’s stories required only 10 to 20 minutes for the News Editor to cross-check the facts before moving on to the next gate-keeping level. This was a testament to Ubwani’s reliability and the trust placed in his work.

Ubwani’s work ethic was akin to that of a well-oiled machine, tirelessly churning out stories even on the busiest of days. His generosity knew no bounds, as he willingly offered assistance and companionship to colleagues and visitors alike, exemplifying the true spirit of hospitality.

A man of gratitude, Ubwani never hesitated to express appreciation, even for the smallest gestures. During Sundays, my routine often began at the church, knowing with certainty that Ubwani would come to my aid. Before leaving for my place of worship, I would communicate with him in the morning, agreeing on the topics he would tackle. After prayer time, Ubwani would promptly return with three or four stories, among which one or two would often be strong contenders for the front page.

His advocacy for regional integration through coverage of the East African Community was a testament to his passion for contributing to a greater cause.

As we mourn his untimely departure, we are reminded of the irreplaceable void he leaves behind. Yet, in our grief, let us find solace in the knowledge that Ubwani’s legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched and the stories he shared.

Rest in peace, Zephania Ubwani. Your time among us may have been fleeting, but the impact you made will be cherished forevermore.

As the scriptures remind us, “A man’s days are numbered... So, now, look away from him so that he may rest until he has lived the time set for him like a man paid to work...” (Job 14:5-6).