By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
Makerere University, K’la, Uganda: The spirit of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere is alive and well in Uganda, as evidenced by the resounding success of the first day of “The Julius Nyerere Youth Festival” held at Makerere University. Organized by the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, the festival, celebrating the 103rd birthday of Tanzania’s founding father, served as a vibrant platform for intergenerational dialogue and a mark to the enduring bond between Tanzania and Uganda.
(L-R) Late Nyerere’s Grand Daughter, Ambassador Kisesa & Dr. Saturninus Kasozi-Mulindwa, Chair Board of Directors at The Julius Nyerere Leadership Institute, Other Participants are seen during the Festival. Photo Julius Mugaga.
His Excellency Paul Simuli Kisesa, the Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to Uganda lauded the festival as a “true fitting tribute of Mwarimu’s vision who understood the power and dynamism inherent in the youth.” He emphasized that “youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow, but also active agents of change today,” and that the festival serves as a “powerful intergenerational bridge connecting the dynamism of today’s youth with the profound legacy of Mwarimu Julius Nyerere.”
The ambassador underscored the relevance of the festival’s regional theme, “Our Heritage, Our Voice, Culture, Innovation and Civic Leadership,” urging young Africans to “not only understand and appreciate their rich heritage and diverse cultures, but also to find their own voice within this context” and to “embrace innovation and tools for progress, all while embodying the selfless, servant leadership that defined Mwarimu’s life.”
He reminded the attendees that Nyerere’s time at Makerere University was “a formative period in his intellectual journey and Pan-Africanist vision,” highlighting the deep historical ties between the two nations and inviting the youth to “connect with the very ideas that shaped the leader who understood their potential to build a better society.”
Beyond the celebration of Nyerere’s legacy, Ambassador Kisesa highlighted the strong political and economic relationship between Tanzania and Uganda, calling it a “practical manifestation of the Pan-African ideals championed by Mwarimu Julius Kambaragi Nyerere.” He pointed to regular high-level engagements, joint infrastructure projects like the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline, and collaborative efforts within the East Africa Community as evidence of a “deep commitment to mutual growth of stability.”
This partnership, he affirmed, “not only benefits the economies of both nations through trade, investment and shared resources, but also fosters a sense of region unity and cooperation that empowers the youth to vision and contribute to a prosperous and interconnected East Africa,” echoing Nyerere’s vision of a unified and self-reliant continent.
Ambassador Kisesa reiterated that “Mwarimu Julius Nyerere’s legacy is not just a matter of historical record, it is also a living inspiration,” and pledged his office’s continued cooperation with the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre “to ensure that the enduring legacy of Mwarimu Julius Nyerere continues to be cherished and actively engaged with the future generation.”
His address is a powerful reminder of Nyerere’s lasting impact and the bright future that lies ahead for Tanzania and Uganda through continued collaboration and the empowerment of its youth.