On October 14, 2024, hundreds of Ugandan pilgrims joined their Tanzanian counterparts to commemorate 25 years after Mwalimu Julius Nyerere's passing and 25 years of the revival of the East African Community (EAC).
The event took place at Nyerere's ancestral home and resting ground in Butiama in Tanzania's Mara region. Under the theme: Espousing Mwalimu Nyerere's Enduring Legacy and Values—Lessons for Mother Africa, the initiative was a result of the persuasion and conviction that the Journey to Mwalimu's Sainthood has heritage.
Organized by Afrika Mashariki, the travelling contingent chartered Uganda Airlines' Bombardier CRJ 900 from Entebbe to Mwanza and back, while others used two Kira Motors Kayoola Diesel coaches.
They included political leaders, university students, high school students, private sector actors, religious leaders, security officers and some cultural leaders. Among the high-profile figures were Gen Mugisha Muntu, MiriaObote, James Magode Ikuya, the state minister for East African Community Affairs, Paul Kisesa, the Tanzanian high commissioner to Uganda and Prof Mwebesa Ndebesa, among others.
During the dialogue, speaker after speaker praised Nyerere for his selflessness and putting the nation first, even though some of his policies did not succeed.
At one point, the pilgrims watched old videos of Nyerere, in which he advocated for the integration of the global south. He also spoke about zero tolerance for corruption and sectarianism.
Unsurprisingly, his message is still relevant today, so many years after his passing. At the end of the submissions, there was general conviction that a deeper reflection on Nyerere is essential to refocus the understanding and tackling of the challenges facing Africans today, especially the fight against corruption.
A JOURNEY FOR AGES
It is uncommon for a politician to receive reverence even decades after their death. At the pilgrimage in Butiama, what was even more impressive was the sight of hundreds of young, school-going children. They spoke of the awe they have for Mwalimu because of the simplicity he had for life and the humility of not leaving anyone behind.
"Being here makes you realise that material wealth is nothing without faith and concern about the well-being of others. In Mwalimu, we see someone who lived a life of purity," said one of the pilgrims who trekked all the way from Mwanza.
Beyond the pilgrimage, another thing that stood out was Tanzania's excellent road network and strict traffic laws. At a certain point, the buses had to stop at the weighbridge to have them weighed.
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