Nyerere hailed for liberating Africa

By Godfrey Olukya 19-10-2012

The first president of Tanzania, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere has been hailed for his role in liberation struggles in Africa.

Nyerere is remembered for playing key roles in fighting for independence of Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. He also fought Ugandan dictator Idi Amin Dada until when he was overthrown in 1979.

An NGO called ‘Always be tolerant’ (ABETO) has honored Nyerere with an award called ABETO Africa Peace Award. Such an award has ever been given to former South Africa president Nelson Mandela.

The chairperson ABETO, which has offices in several African countries, Moses Musana said at the award giving ceremony in Dar-es Salam , ‘Nyerere did not only struggle for the independence of Tanzania, but also for the whole Africa. After leading Tanzania to independence, he embarked on liberating other African countries from colonialism. That is the reason why we are giving him this award.’

Tanzania government high commissioner, Ladislaus Komba, said that Tanzania would continue to pursue Nyerere’s dream of a united and free Africa.

Founded in 1996, ABETO’s main objective is to promote peace and
tolerance in governance of African countries.

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