I was the Chief Guest, yesterday afternoon, at the Mass organised at the Uganda Matyrs' Shrine Namugongo, in memory of the former President of Tanzania for his outstanding contribution to Tanzania and to Africa.
The late Mwalimu was a Pan-Africanist who loved God and mankind. He united the people of Tanzania and helped liberate most African countries like Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, South Africa and Uganda.
I salute his contribution to our struggle for freedom. If Nyerere had not helped us get rid of Idi Amin's regime, Uganda would not have contributed to the restoration of peace and security in other African countries like in Burundi, the Congo, Somalia, Rwanda and Kenya among others.
I worked with Mwalimu Nyerere for a long time and he indeed deserves to qualify as a Saint. He did not only make a big contribution to the liberation of African countries but also introduced universal education in Tanzania.
While people in some countries were engaged in sectarian conflicts, along religious and tribal leanings, Mwalimu Nyerere united the people of his country.
I thank Maama Maria Nyerere for choosing the 1st day of the month of June, two days before Matyrs' Day, to pray in Uganda for the cause of the beatification and eventual canonization of her late husband.
I look forward to hosting African leaders who used to work with the late Mwalimu at next year's prayers. The leaders include President Eduardo dos Santos of Angola, former President Sam Nujoma of Namibia and Alberto Chissano of Mozambique.
I have noted that there are many more pilgrims to Namugongo from Uganda and the region and will ensure our capacity is increased by boosting accommodation facilities.
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| With Mama Maria Nyerere |
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