The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Mpango, has said that the Father of the Nation, the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, strongly emphasized the importance of preserving peace and unity across the country.
“Mwalimu Nyerere believed deeply in human equality and the creation of a classless society,” said Dr. Mpango during the symposium marking the 103rd anniversary of the late leader’s birth, held at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma.
According to the Vice President, the founding father was a strong advocate of reconciliation, resilience, and the building of an independent and self-reliant nation.
“He led this country with those principles at heart, and today, President Samia Suluhu Hassan is carrying forward that legacy through her R4 philosophy,” he said, referring to reforms aimed at rebuilding the nation through policy, administrative and structural changes, reconciliation, and resilience.
Dr. Mpango noted that through this philosophy, Tanzania has continued to enjoy strengthened national unity and institutional and economic systems.
“The R4 philosophy has expanded freedoms across the country, enabling people to engage in political, religious, and economic activities without fear,” he said.
He further explained that Mwalimu Nyerere’s vision of a united Africa was unmatched. “He believed in African unity, and it was through that belief that he, together with the late Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, formed the United Republic of Tanzania,” said the Vice President.
He emphasized that Nyerere urged Tanzanians to safeguard the Union through dialogue and reconciliation.
“In just four years of President Samia’s administration, 15 Union-related issues have already been resolved,” he said.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Dr. Mpango praised Mwalimu Nyerere’s early foresight in investing in the central railway line.
“He knew strong infrastructure was key to nation-building,” he said, adding that President Samia has carried forward that vision under the slogan “Kazi Iendelee” (Let the Work Continue).
“She has continued the good work of her predecessors, including investment in strategic infrastructure, widening economic opportunities for citizens, and improving public services such as health, education, and water,” he added.
He listed several flagship projects completed under President Samia’s leadership. “We are seeing the completion of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, the Standard Gauge Railway, modern hospitals, roads, ports, airports, ships, and education infrastructure across all levels,” he said.
Dr. Mpango also reflected on Nyerere’s advocacy for democratic participation. “He insisted on citizen involvement in elections right from the start like the first one held on November 1, 1962,” he said.
“He believed women must also participate actively in elections, and President Samia has honored that legacy by appointing more women to top leadership positions than ever before,” he added.
The Vice President urged Tanzanians to continue participating fully in democratic processes. “Through elections, people influence decisions that affect their lives and hold leaders accountable,” he said.
He also called on youth to study more about Mwalimu Nyerere. “Our young people must read books about Nyerere so they can learn from his wisdom and powerful vision,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere Memorial Foundation, Mzee Paul Kimiti, urged the government to keep supporting the institution.
“This Foundation must remain a pillar of unity, a guardian of Nyerere’s legacy, and a platform for peaceful democratic processes,” he said.
Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dunstan Kitandula, revealed that the Ministry had secured land in Mtumba, Dodoma, for the construction of a Presidential Museum.
“This museum will preserve and present the life and contributions of Mwalimu Nyerere, both nationally and internationally,” he said, adding that the area of Kongwa has also been declared a national heritage site for its role in hosting freedom fighters from southern Africa.
“We’ll continue working with other stakeholders to promote similar historic sites that were used by liberation movements,” he said.