Museveni credits Mzee Mwinyi for honoring Julius Nyerere’s promise; 5,000 SMGs and 1 million rounds of ammo to the NRA

Summary:

• Mwalimu Julius Nyerere issued a significant directive before leaving office. He allocated 5,000 submachine guns (SMGs) and 1 million rounds of ammunition to the NRA (National Resistance Army), the leading force in Uganda’s resistance movement.
• President Museveni expressed appreciation for Mzee Mwinyi’s unwavering dedication to fulfilling Mwalimu Nyerere’s pledge.

---

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda took to X, formerly, Twitter to commemorate the life and legacy of Mzee Hassan Mwinyi, the former President of Tanzania, who passed away earlier this week. Mwinyi, a stalwart figure in Tanzanian politics, served in various capacities within the United Republic of Tanzania throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

“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.” he adds on X

President Museveni, reflecting on the shared history of struggle and camaraderie, recalled the pivotal role Mzee Mwinyi played during the era of resistance against the regime of Idi Amin. He reminisced about their days as students turned freedom fighters, a period marked by tumult and defiance against oppression.

It was towards the end of 1985 when President Museveni’s path intersected directly with that of Mzee Mwinyi. This juncture, President Museveni noted, was catalyzed by the retirement of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the revered leader of Tanzania. Prior to his departure from office, Nyerere made a historic directive: the allocation of 5,000 submachine guns (SMGs) and 1 million rounds of ammunition to the NRA (National Resistance Army), the vanguard of Uganda’s resistance movement.

President Museveni expressed gratitude for Mzee Mwinyi’s steadfast commitment to fulfilling Mwalimu Nyerere’s pledge.

“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 to Uganda’s future.” he adds

“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.” the Tweet reads in part

Museveni further recounted the delivery of 10-tonne lorries, numbering thirteen in total, laden with the much-needed arsenal. The cargo was transported to the Nyamarungyi border point, nestled within Isingiro District, a tangible symbol of solidarity and support during Uganda’s tumultuous period of upheaval.

Mzee Hassan Mwinyi’s passing reverberates not only within the corridors of power but across the spectrum of East African politics. His legacy, intertwined with the struggle for liberation and the pursuit of democracy, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds that unite nations in the face of adversity.