Butiama 2025: Pilgrims Unite to Celebrate Mwalimu Nyerere’s Legacy

Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Amb. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, joined regional leaders and Pan-Africanists for the 2nd edition of the Twende Zetu Butiama Pilgrimage Safari 2025, held from 28th–29th September at the country home of the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere in Butiama, Mara Region.

The pilgrimage, organized by Afrika Kwetu Fest under the leadership of Dr. Tendo Kisembo, honors the legacy of Tanzania’s founding father and his pivotal role in Africa’s liberation and integration. This year’s participants included Bishop Joshua Maponga, Hon. Shacky Timburwa, and Madane Agness from Zimbabwe, alongside pilgrims from Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Sudan.

Upon arrival in Butiama, Amb. Mwesigye was received by Dr. Tendo and Madaraka Nyerere, son of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. In his remarks, the Ambassador commended the pilgrims for keeping alive Nyerere’s vision of unity, integration, and social justice.

“Do not underestimate your efforts,” he told the gathering. “Through your collective work and determination, you are shaping a future Africa that is united, self-reliant, and prosperous.”

Earlier on 28th September, Amb. Mwesigye joined the faithful at Mass in the Julius Nyerere Catholic Church, where he urged the congregation to emulate Nyerere’s Godly virtues of kindness, selflessness, brotherhood, and togetherness.

Hon. Shacky Timburwa praised the Ugandan envoy for his humility, describing him as a freedom fighter whose legacy has influenced the course of Uganda’s and Africa’s history.

Adding to the reflections on Nyerere’s Pan-African vision, Rose Nabwire, the Guild Presiddent of Makerere University Business School shared:

“I honestly believe that Africa is not just a continent on the map, it’s a story waiting to be told and a dream waiting to be shared.”

Rose Nabwire, the Guild President of Makerere University Business School

In his keynote address to the pilgrims, Amb. Mwesigye delivered a speech themed “Espousing Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s Enduring Legacy and Values: Enhancing Jumuiya’s Adoption and Domestication of Kiswahili.” He underscored Nyerere’s pivotal achievements, including:

• Uniting Tanzania’s 120 ethnic groups through Kiswahili as a national language.

• Championing the Ujamaa policy that fostered national solidarity.

• Mentoring African leaders such as President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.

• Founding the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the cornerstone of continental integration.

• Supporting the liberation struggles of SADC countries.

The Butiama Pilgrimage Safari continues to grow as a Pan-African event that not only celebrates Nyerere’s legacy but also calls upon present and future generations to advance the cause of African unity and integration.