ULISKIA WAPI! FORMER TANZANIAN MP BEHIND VIRAL MEME PASSES AWAY

Seleman Bungara, a former Member of Parliament from Tanzania who was popularly known as Bwege and famous for his catchphrase “Uliskia wapi,” has died.

Bungara passed away on Monday while undergoing treatment in Dar es Salaam, according to news reports. He had represented the Kilwa South constituency in Tanzania’s National Assembly. His passing brings to a close a political journey that lasted more than ten years and left a notable impact both in Tanzania and across East African internet culture.

First elected in 2005 as MP for Kilwa South, he won several successive terms under the Civic United Front (CUF) before later switching to the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT Wazalendo). Known for his fearless approach, Bungara gained a reputation as an outspoken lawmaker who didn’t hesitate to raise tough issues in parliamentary sessions.

In a response to reporters, he asked, “Uliskia wapi? ”meaning “Where did you hear that?” The line spread rapidly online, especially in Kenya, where users adapted it to “Olisikia wapi” and turned it into a popular meme. It was widely shared in digital conversations and even printed on clothing and merchandise.

Despite his online fame, Bungara lost his parliamentary seat in the October 2020 general election while running under ACT Wazalendo. He received 10,096 votes, falling to CCM’s Ally Kasinge, who won 22,521 votes. The loss ended his 15-year tenure in parliament.