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President Yoweri Museveni

Museveni Pays Tribute to Ex-Tanzanian President Mwinyi, Highlights His Role in Uganda's Liberation

President Museveni recalled the profound impact of Mwinyi's support during Uganda's critical times, stating, "Indeed, the 20,000 rifles we used to liberate Kampala, contained the 5,000 ordered by Mwalimu as already pointed out and implemented by Mzee Mwinyi."
posted onMarch 4, 2024
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President Yoweri Museveni mourned the passing of former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who died on February 29. Museveni, paying homage to Mwinyi's impactful life and leadership, recounted the late president's significant contributions to Uganda and the East African region.

"Mzee Hassan Mwinyi, our comrade in the struggle, has left us," Museveni said in a statement posted on X on Sunday, March 3, acknowledging Mwinyi's long service in the successive governments of the United Republic of Tanzania during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

Reflecting on the past, Museveni shared his personal connection with Tanzania's struggle for freedom, noting that during the time Mwinyi was serving in various capacities in Tanzania, he and others were students and later freedom fighters against Idi Amin's regime, seeking refuge and support in Tanzania.

A pivotal moment came when Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, before retiring as President of Tanzania, promised support to the Ugandan resistance. "I am glad Mzee Mwinyi implemented Mwalimu’s pledge," Museveni stated, revealing how Mwinyi facilitated the delivery of crucial support to the National Resistance Army (NRA), aiding in their efforts against the oppressive regime of Idi Amin.

Museveni underscored Mwinyi's role in the revival of the East African Community after 1986, portraying him as a key figure alongside Kenya's President Daniel Arap Moi in rekindling the spirit of regional cooperation. He also touched on the bilateral cooperation between Uganda and Tanzania during Mwinyi's presidency, including infrastructure development and peace initiatives in the region.

"During the Rwanda war, Tanzania played a constructive neutral role," Museveni recalled, praising Mwinyi's positive influence on the peace negotiations in Arusha and his broader contributions to peace and stability in East Africa.

President Museveni recalled the profound impact of Mwinyi's support during Uganda's critical times, stating, "Indeed, the 20,000 rifles we used to liberate Kampala, contained the 5,000 ordered by Mwalimu as already pointed out and implemented by Mzee Mwinyi."

As Museveni offered his condolences to Mwinyi's family and the people of Tanzania, he encapsulated the sentiment of a region in mourning, yet grateful for the legacy of a leader who played a significant role in its history. "May his soul rest in eternal peace," Museveni reflected, a testament to the enduring respect and admiration for Ali Hassan Mwinyi's contributions to his country and his neighbors.

Below is the full statement:

This week, our comrade in the struggle, Mzee Hassan Mwinyi, former President of Tanzania, died. On Friday, in our CEC meeting, we observed one minute of silence in his memory.

Mzee Mwinyi had been in the successive governments of the United Republic of Tanzania in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, in various capacities.

It was in that very period, that some of us were students and, later on, freedom fighters against Idi Amin, in Tanzania. I had, however, not worked directly with Mzee Mwinyi until towards the end of 1985.

In that period, Mwalimu Nyerere retired as President of Tanzania. However, before he retired, he directed that the NRA, our Resistance Army, should be allocated 5,000 SMGs and 1 million rounds of ammunition.

I am glad Mzee Mwinyi implemented Mwalimu’s pledge. 13, 10-tonne Lorries, delivered the useful cargo to us at Nyamarungyi border point, in Isingiro District. A few months ago, Her Excellency Samia and I were at Kyikagate, to the West of that point, commissioning a joint hydro-power station on the Kagyera River. Whatever a man sows, that is what he reaps.

After capturing power in 1986, Mzee Mwinyi worked with us very well in the matter of reviving the East African Community. It was Mzee Moi and Mzee Mwinyi who helped to revive that great organization.

On other bilateral issues, we worked very well with Mzee Mwinyi on all issues. I remember, going to Kimwanyi, near Masaka, to break ground for the power line to supply electricity to Bukoba, in Tanzania from Uganda. During the Rwanda war, Tanzania played a constructive neutral role. That is why the peace negotiations were taking place in Arusha. Mzee Mwinyi made a positive contribution to the East African region and Uganda’s future.

Indeed, the 20,000 rifles we used to liberate Kampala, contained the 5,000 ordered by Mwalimu as already pointed out and implemented by Mzee Mwinyi. His contribution within Tanzania is better commented on by the Tanzanian comrades who are more qualified.

May his soul rest in eternal peace. We express our condolences to the family and our Tanzanian comrades.

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