Tundu Lissu Discusses the Legacy of Nyerere and Its Impact on Uganda and Tanzania
Tundu Lissu asserts that the ‘imperial presidency’ in Tanzania and Uganda is a legacy of Julius Nyerere. He highlights Nyerere’s impact on the political landscape during a lecture at Makerere University, emphasizing Nyerere’s model of governance. Lissu critiques Yoweri Museveni for following Nyerere’s militaristic style while also praising Nyerere’s notable achievements such as presidential term limits and commitment to academic freedom.
Tundu Lissu, Chairman of the opposition party CHADEMA in Tanzania, asserts that the “imperial presidency” established in both Tanzania and Uganda is a direct legacy of Julius Kambarage Nyerere. During a lecture at Makerere University, he discussed the constitutional impacts of Nyerere’s governance in both nations, emphasizing the parallels drawn from Tanzania to Uganda following independence.
Lissu elaborated that under Nyerere, Tanganyika transitioned from a parliamentary democracy to a republic with vast executive powers, likening it to the authority held by European monarchs pre-18th century. He pointed out that Uganda, gaining independence shortly before Tanzania, was influenced significantly by this governance model. “When Uganda gained independence, there was already a governance model in East Africa—Tanganyika—where the person in power controlled the instruments of the state and held real power,” he commented.
Expounding on Uganda’s political evolution, Lissu noted the use of military action in establishing a republican constitution in 1966, which further entrenched the notion of an imperial presidency in Uganda. He stated, “If you examine the 1966 ‘Pigeonhole Constitution’ and the 1967 constitution that followed, one key feature stands out—the imperial presidency. This was the same kind of presidency that Mwalimu Nyerere had established in Tanganyika with the republican constitution of 1962.”
Lissu also highlighted Nyerere’s pivotal influence following Uganda’s liberation from Idi Amin in 1979, reinforcing the mutual political trajectories of both countries. He criticized Yoweri Museveni’s regime for emulating Nyerere’s militaristic political style. “Who can deny that Uganda, under Yoweri Museveni and the 1995 constitution, does not have an imperial president? All of this was inspired by Julius Kambarage Nyerere,” he asserted.
Further critique was directed towards the militarization of politics, which he argues has led to military governance in both nations. Lissu noted that Museveni named Uganda’s military similarly to Nyerere’s establishment of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces in 1964. Conversely, he acknowledged Nyerere’s progressive step of instituting presidential term limits, making Tanzania the first African nation to implement such a policy.
Lissu commended Nyerere’s Pan-Africanist ideals and his support for Southern African independence movements. He emphasized Nyerere’s promotion of academic freedom, celebrating his engagement with intellectual circles at the University of Dar es Salaam. Lissu expressed regret over the current restrictive atmosphere within universities, contrasting it with the vibrant discourse fostered during Nyerere’s time.
In summary, Tundu Lissu’s reflections on the legacies of Julius Nyerere highlight the crucial influence of his governance on the political structures of both Tanzania and Uganda. He critiques how modern administrations have embraced an imperial presidency, echoing Nyerere’s original framework, while acknowledging significant contributions such as the introduction of presidential term limits and the promotion of academic freedom. Lissu calls for a recognition of these aspects as part of Nyerere’s broader legacy in the region.
Original Source: thechanzo.com
