President Yoweri Museveni has urged East Africans to advance the vision of unity championed by Tanzania’s founding president, Julius Nyerere, saying his legacy should be honoured through practical efforts to unite, defend and develop the region.
Museveni, who was the chief guest at the 2026 Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue, described Nyerere as a courageous, decisive and exceptionally skilful leader whose contribution to African liberation and regional integration deserved lasting recognition.
In a message delivered by former Ugandan minister Dr Crispus Kiyonga, Museveni praised Nyerere for his unwavering support for the East African Federation, his backing of armed anti-colonial struggles in southern Africa and his principled support for the struggle that led to the overthrow of former Ugandan president Idi Amin.
He also credited Nyerere’s people-centred policies and commitment to African solidarity with helping Tanzania maintain peace for decades, while providing a strategic rear base for liberation movements fighting colonial and minority rule across the continent.
“Uganda shall never forget this profound solidarity and contribution,” Museveni said in his message.
The President said he remained a believer in Nyerere’s ideals, urging African leaders and citizens to move beyond commemorative events and translate the former Tanzanian leader’s principles into action.
Museveni called on participants to honour Nyerere “not merely through commemorative speeches, but completing the historical task of uniting, defending, and prospering our motherland.”
He concluded his message with a call for African unity, reinforcing Nyerere’s long-standing conviction that the continent’s political and economic future depended on cooperation among its nations.
Nyerere family welcomes continued legacy
Speaking on behalf of the Nyerere family, Julia Nyerere, the late leader’s granddaughter, thanked Museveni for supporting the establishment of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre at Makerere University.
She also commended the keynote speaker, panellists and other participants for contributing to the symposium, saying the continued interest in her grandfather’s ideas demonstrated the enduring relevance of his values.
Julia said the family was pleased that Nyerere’s legacy continued to inspire people across Africa and beyond, highlighting his interest in preserving humanity as a moral responsibility.
Makerere centre promotes ethical leadership
Dr Nansozi K. Muwanga, executive director of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, said the institution draws inspiration from Nyerere’s principles of service, human dignity, self-reliance and Pan-African solidarity.
She said the centre was committed to nurturing ethical, conscious and transformative leaders who understood that leadership was fundamentally an act of service.
The centre seeks to connect Nyerere’s political and philosophical ideas with contemporary leadership challenges, including public accountability, national development and regional cooperation.
Makerere credits government support
Representing the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration Professor Henry Alinaitwe traced the celebration of Nyerere to his contribution to Tanzania’s formation and his commitment to universal education.
Alinaitwe thanked the Ugandan government for supporting the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, saying the initiative was progressing well.
He asked the guest of honour to convey the university’s appreciation to Museveni for backing the initiative.
The 2026 dialogue provides a platform to reflect on Nyerere’s political philosophy, his role in African liberation and the continuing debate over regional integration and leadership.
For Uganda and Tanzania, Nyerere’s legacy remains closely tied to the pursuit of East African unity—a goal that Museveni argues must be advanced through concrete political, economic and social action rather than remembrance alone.
