Jokate Urban Mwegelo - Biography, Education, Political Career, Entrepreneurship and Awards

Jokate Mwegelo is a Tanzanian politician and currently serves as the Secretary General of the Chama cha Mapinduzi’s Youth Wing (UVCCM). Prior to this role, she established herself as an entrepreneur and media personality. In July 2018, the President of Tanzania, Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, appointed Hon. Jokate Mwegelo as the District Commissioner for Kisarawe district in the Pwani region. Following this, in July 2021, she was appointed as the District Commissioner for Temeke District in the Dar es Salaam Region. In January 2023, the President of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, appointed her as the District Commissioner for Korogwe District in the Tanga Region. Jokate is a member of Chama Cha Mapinduzi and previously held the position of Secretary in charge of Public Relations and Mobilization for UVCCM, the youth wing of Chama Cha Mapinduzi.

In October 2023, the Central Committee of Chama Cha Mapinduzi, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, appointed Jokate as the Secretary General of UWT, the Women’s Wing of Chama Cha Mapinduzi.

Jokate is recognized as one of Tanzania's most influential young leaders and entrepreneurs. In 2017, she was featured in Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Africa. Additionally, in August 2017, Africa Youth Awards named her among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans. The 2018 Most Influential Young Tanzanians by Avance Media ranked her as the third most influential young Tanzanian and the most influential young Tanzanian in the category of Law and Governance.

Early Life and Education

Mwegelo (born March 20, 1987), was born in Washington, D.C., where her parents were working. She was raised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and started her primary education at Olympio Primary School, serving as a prefect.

In January 2000, she enrolled at St. Anthony Secondary School for her ordinary secondary education, graduating in 2003 with a Certificate of Secondary Education. She served as Assistant Head Girl from 2002 to 2003 and was appointed Secretary General during the Model United Nations General Assembly in Tanzania in 2002.

In March 2004, Mwegelo joined Loyola High School in Dar Es Salaam to pursue her Advanced Secondary Education, graduating in February 2006 with an Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education. She coordinated all club activities at the school from 2004 to 2005 as a prefect and was the head prefect from 2005 to 2006. In April 2005, she achieved 2nd position in the inter-commonwealth essay competition organized by the Commonwealth of Nations and ranked 2nd nationally among female candidates in the English language examination.

From 2007 to 2010, Mwegelo attended the University of Dar Es Salaam, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Political Science and Philosophy, achieving a G.P.A. of 4.0. She founded and coordinated the University of Dar Es Salaam United Nations Association Chapter in 2008, organizing initiatives such as the Stand Up Campaign towards the MDGs in 2009, the commemoration of the International Day of Peace with United Nations Information Centres in 2009, and the Mwalimu Nyerere Intellectual Festival (Kigoda cha Mwalimu) in 2010. Additionally, Mwegelo served as the President of the Tanzania International Student Week in 2009.

Political Career

Mwegelo's affiliation with Chama Cha Mapinduzi, Tanzania's dominant political party, began with her appointment as Acting Secretary of Public Relations and Mobilization in the youth wing, UVCCM. She actively participated in the party's processes, including contesting among 450 members for election to represent Tanzania in the East African Legislative Assembly.

From a young age, Mwegelo demonstrated leadership qualities, starting as a prefect in primary school. She continued to excel at St. Anthony Secondary School, where she served as Assistant Head Girl from 2002 to 2003 and was appointed Secretary General for the Model United Nations General Assembly in Tanzania in 2002. During her tenure at Loyola High School from 2004 to 2006, she coordinated club activities as a prefect and later became Head Prefect until her graduation.

Her leadership trajectory further blossomed at the University of Dar Es Salaam, where she served as Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations for the International Students Week in Tanzania from 2007 to 2008. She subsequently became President of the International Students Week in Tanzania in 2009. Mwegelo also played a pivotal role as the project creative coordinator for the United Nations Association initiative with UNIFEM during the 16 Days Against Violence on Women and Girls in 2009. Her commitment to community service led to her appointment as the local ambassador for the Live Global Run Water initiative in 2010 and as Ambassador for the Walk for Water initiative benefiting 100,000 villagers in Bagamoyo in 2011.

President John Magufuli recognized her leadership and appointed Mwegelo as the District Commissioner of Kisarawe District on July 28, 2018. She was sworn in on August 3, 2018, marking a significant milestone in her public service career.

Entrepreneurial Endeavors

In October 2012, Mwegelo officially launched her company, Kidoti Loving Company Limited, simultaneously introducing her new hairline. This marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey, which gained momentum when she founded Kidoti in December 2014. Partnering with Rainbow Shell Craft from China, her company specializes in producing slippers, wigs, school bags, and other fashion accessories under the Kidoti brand.

The Be Kidotified campaign, initiated by her company, aims to empower students, particularly in improving their learning environments. Kidoti has collaborated with prominent figures like Mohammed Dewji, contributing to its success and community impact. In recognition of her business innovation, Clouds Media Group honored Mwegelo with the Malkia wa Nguvu Award in March 2017.

Beyond business, Mwegelo actively engages in social and community activities through Kidoti. In 2015, she organized the Kidoti Inter-school Bonanza, a talent and networking event involving 20 schools from the Dar Es Salaam region, engaging over 4000 students. The same year saw the launch of the Manjano Dream Makers mentorship program under her leadership. In 2016, Mwegelo spearheaded the 'Be Kidotified' campaign's expansion, which included the installation of basketball and netball facilities at Jangwani Girls Secondary School, further enhancing educational and sporting opportunities for students.

Television

Mwegelo began her career in television as a presenter for the Bongo Star Search during the 2006/2007 season, a popular singing competition aimed at discovering music talent across Tanzania. Her role extended to hosting TV shows and live events throughout 2006 and 2007, establishing her presence in the media landscape.

In 2010, Mwegelo expanded her influence by becoming a regular contributor to The Citizen magazine in Tanzania, focusing on issues related to women and girls in the Saturday edition. Her insightful contributions aimed to raise awareness and advocate for gender-related matters within the community.

By 2012, Mwegelo transitioned into managing the Kidoti Brand and Company, a role she continues to fulfill with dedication. Her leadership and entrepreneurial skills have been instrumental in steering Kidoti towards success, fostering its growth in the fashion and accessories industry.

Personal Life

Mwegelo hails from a family deeply rooted in basketball, with her parents Urban and Bernadette Ndunguru. She shares this sporting passion with her sister Desi Mwegelo and brothers Magavilla Constantine and Martin Kolikoli. Basketball runs in their family, with her cousin Louis Charles Ngonyani having played for the Pazi Basketball Team for four seasons from 1994 to 1998. Another cousin, David Wilbard Ngonyani, continues to actively play in the ACAMIS and ISAC leagues in Beijing, China.

In her leisure time, Mwegelo indulges in staying updated on global politics and is an avid reader. Drawing from her personal experiences, she channels her thoughts into journals, articles, and short stories. She finds joy in engaging with youth through various initiatives, motivational talks, and outdoor activities such as basketball.

Mwegelo also dedicates her time to volunteering with organizations like the Tanzania Youth Cultural Organization and Tanzania Mitindo House, focusing on supporting children affected by HIV/AIDS. Her commitment to community service underscores her dedication to making a positive impact in Tanzania.

Awards, Honors and Nomination 

Awards

2006 - Miss Tanzania in the Vodacom Miss Tanzania

2011 - Best Actress in Swahili Films in the Zanzibar International Film Festival

2013 - Female Stylish Personality Award in the Swahili Fashion Awards

2013 - Fashion Category in the Under30 Youth Awards

2015 - Best Actress in Swahili Films in the Zanzibar International Film Festival

2015 - Baileys Female Stylish Personality in the Swahili Fashion Week Awards

2017 - Business Innovation in Clouds Fm Malkia Wa Nguvu Awards

2018 - Law & Governance in the AvanceMedia Most Influential Young Tanzanians

Honors

2011 - 25 Young African Women Leaders, Milead Fellowship Program 

2017 - Forbes 30 Under 30 in Africa, Forbes Africa 

2017 - 100 Most Influential Young Africans, Africa Youth Awards 

Nominations

2012 - Pan Africa Actress of the Year in the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards

2017 - Entrepreneur Of The Year in the African Youth Awards

2017 - Startup of the Year in the Africa Youth Awards