President Yoweri Museveni on Friday led the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) in observing a moment of silence to honor the legacy of former Tanzania President Ali Hassan Mwinyi.
Mwinyi died on last Thursday aged 98.
In a statement on his X page, President Museveni has described Mwinyi, a respected figure in the struggle for freedom and unity, as a significant ally in Uganda’s history.
President Museveni reminisced about the pivotal role played by Mzee Mwinyi during the era of resistance against Idi Amin. He highlighted Mwinyi’s commitment to supporting their cause, mentioning a crucial directive from Mwalimu Nyerere, the then-President of Tanzania, to allocate 5,000 submachine guns (SMGs) and one million rounds of ammunition to Uganda’s National Resistance Army (NRA) led by Museveni. This support proved instrumental in the liberation efforts against Amin.
The President expressed gratitude for the implementation of Mwalimu’s pledge, recalling the delivery of the much-needed weaponry via 13 lorries at the Nyamarungyi border point in Isingiro District. The impact of this support was evident, with Museveni noting that the same region was later the site of a joint hydro-power station commissioned by himself and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Mzee Mwinyi’s contributions extended beyond the liberation struggle. After assuming power in 1986, he collaborated effectively with Uganda in revitalizing the East African Community (EAC), a task in which he joined hands with leaders like Mzee Arap Moi (Kenya’s former president). The President praised Mwinyi’s positive role in regional affairs and emphasized the constructive neutral stance Tanzania maintained during the Rwanda war, with peace negotiations occurring in Arusha.
Reflecting on the significance of Mzee Mwinyi’s legacy, President Museveni acknowledged the instrumental role played by the rifles supplied by Tanzania in liberating Kampala. He extended condolences to the family and Tanzanian comrades, expressing hopes for Mwinyi’s soul to rest in eternal peace.
