President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expressed his admiration for the late Mzee Hassan Mwinyi, praising him for fulfilling the pledge made by former Tanzanian President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere to provide 5000 sub-machine guns (SMGs) and 1 million rounds of ammunition to the National Resistance Army (NRA) during their struggle.
In a heartfelt message shared on his official social media account, President Museveni joined the global community in mourning the passing of Mzee Hassan Mwinyi, the former President of Tanzania.
“This week, our comrade in the struggle, Mzee Hassan Mwinyi, former President of Tanzania, has passed away. On Friday, during our Central Executive Committee meeting, we observed a one-minute silence in his memory. Prior to retiring, Mwalimu Nyerere directed that the NRA, our Resistance Army, should be supplied with 5,000 SMGs and 1 million rounds of ammunition,” President Museveni stated.
Expressing his gratitude, President Museveni added, “I am glad that Mzee Mwinyi implemented Mwalimu’s pledge. Thirteen 10-tonne lorries delivered this valuable cargo to us at the Nyamarungyi border point in Isingiro District.”
President Museveni shared that he had collaborated with Mzee Mwinyi towards the end of 1985 and reminiscenced about their earlier days as students and freedom fighters against the regime of Idi Amin in Tanzania.
“It was during that period when some of us were students and later became freedom fighters against Idi Amin’s regime in Tanzania. However, I had not worked directly with Mzee Mwinyi until towards the end of 1985,” revealed the President.
Mzee Mwinyi served in multiple Tanzanian governments during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, occupying various roles of responsibility, President Museveni noted.
Similarly, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania announced on Friday the passing of Mzee Mwinyi at the age of 98. President Hassan praised Mwinyi for his significant contribution to steering Tanzania towards multi-party politics, expanding democratic freedoms, and advocating for media independence.
Known as “Mzee Rukhsa,” Mwinyi is credited with transforming Tanzania from socialist policies to a more open and democratic society. His presidency from 1985 to 1995 witnessed notable economic reforms, border openings, and advancements in telecommunications.
As a mark of respect, Tanzania has declared a seven-day mourning period to commemorate the life and legacy of Mzee Hassan Mwinyi, during which flags will be flown at half-mast across the nation.
