President Yoweri Museveni has paid tribute to the late former President of Tanzania, Mzee Hassan Mwinyi, describing him as a revered comrade in the struggle for freedom and regional cooperation.
Mwinyi, 98, died from lung cancer he had been treating for a long period, and served as Tanzania’s second president from 1985 to 1995.
In a statement released by the President, he reminisced about the pivotal role Mzee Mwinyi played in the liberation of Uganda during the turbulent era of Idi Amin’s dictatorship.
He praised Mzee Mwinyi for his unwavering support for Uganda’s struggle for freedom, revealing that he played an instrumental role in allocating crucial resources, including weaponry, to aid the Ugandan Resistance Army (NRA) .
President Museveni stated that Mzee Mwinyi’s dedication to fostering regional cooperation and unity, particularly in reviving the East African Community (EAC)and appreciated his collaborative efforts with Uganda in various bilateral initiatives, including infrastructure development projects and joint peacekeeping efforts in the region.
Furthermore, President Museveni acknowledged Mzee Mwinyi’s commitment to peace and stability, citing Tanzania’s constructive role during regional conflicts, such as the Rwanda war. He further praised Mzee Mwinyi’s diplomatic acumen and impartiality, which facilitated peace negotiations and conflict resolution in the East African region.
In expressing his condolences to the family of Mzee Hassan Mwinyi and the people of Tanzania, President Museveni emphasized the profound impact of Mzee Mwinyi’s leadership on the collective aspirations of the East African community.
He hailed Mzee Mwinyi as a visionary statesman whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.