President Yoweri Museveni has mourned the passing of former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who died on February 29. While paying tribute to Mwinyi’s impactful life and leadership, Museveni 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.
