13 Apr
Celebrating Mwalimu Nyerere’s Legacy: A Tribute to Servant Leadership and Unity
Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) at Makerere University reverberated with the spirit of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s enduring legacy as it commemorated what would have been his 102nd birthday. The event, titled “Mwalimu Nyerere@102: Servant Leadership and Unity for Building the Africa we Want,” brought together a diverse array of participants, including students, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and public servants, to honor the life and ideals of Tanzania’s founding father.
In partnership with the High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania – Kampala and the Tanzania Students Association in Uganda (TSAU), theJNLC organized a series of activities aimed at celebrating Mwalimu Nyerere’s contributions to leadership, unity, development, and Pan-Africanism. The celebration took place at the Frank Kalimuzo Building (CTF1), Makerere University.
Welcome Remarks
Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, Executive Director of the JNLC, set the tone for the event with her welcome remarks, acknowledging the significance of the occasion. “I want to thank all of you for joining us today for this celebration. Although Mwalimu isn’t physically present with us, we celebrate him because of his enduring legacy,” Dr. Muwanga remarked, encapsulating the spirit of remembrance and reverence permeating the gathering.
Remarks by Prof. Josephine Ahikire
Representing the Vice Chancellor Prof B. Nawangwe, Prof. Josephine Ahikire, Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Makerere, emphasized the university’s commitment to nurturing Mwalimu Nyerere’s legacy. “As Makerere, we have offered the space, we have offered the leadership, and we have worked closely with H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to ensure that this idea grows,” Prof. Ahikire affirmed, underscoring the collaborative effort to uphold Nyerere’s ideals.
Keynote Address
In his keynote address, Maj. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his support in preserving Mwalimu Nyerere’s legacy. “I wish also to thank H.E Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, for his great work in ensuring that Mwalimu Nyerere’s legacy continues to be passed down from one generation to another for the unity & prosperity of the people of East Africa,” Maj. Gen. Simuli remarked, acknowledging the pivotal role of leadership in safeguarding Nyerere’s vision.
Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), established as a Presidential initiative by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, serves as a hub for intergenerational dialogue, knowledge production, and research. Named in honor of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the centre aims to nurture a new generation of leaders committed to advancing the principles espoused by the late Tanzanian leader.
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Panel Discussion
During the celebrations, an engaging panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gardner delved into Mwalimu’s legacy and his impact as an inspiration for young emerging leaders. The session featured alumni of the JNLC’s past leadership trainings, providing insights into Nyerere’s enduring influence on the youth.
Launch of the Basic Kiswahili Curriculum
A poignant moment of the event was the launch of the Basic Kiswahili Curriculum by Maj. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli, furthering the JNLC’s mission to equip young leaders with linguistic and leadership skills. The curriculum launch symbolized a commitment to preserving Nyerere’s linguistic heritage while fostering a new generation of Pan-African leaders.
The celebration of Mwalimu Nyerere’s 102nd birthday served as a testament to his lasting impact on African leadership and unity. As Africa looks towards the future, the principles of servant leadership and unity championed by Nyerere remain indispensable in shaping a brighter and more prosperous continent.
