By Milton Olupot

SOUTH Africa’s ruling party ANC leader Jacob Zuma has described the late Brig. Noble Mayombo as a revolutionary who played a great role in freeing Uganda from dictatorship.

“At the time of his death Mayombo had served his country in the highest levels. He is recognised for his robust debate and incisive mind, who possessed all leadership skills,” he said.

Zuma was yesterday speaking at Serena Hotel Kampala during the first Mayombo memorial lecture, where he also launched his biography.

Zuma is on a four-day visit on the invitation of the NRM party. He said he hoped the visit would strengthen the relationship between ANC and the NRM as “the two parties are struggling against despotism of the past regimes”.

He called for the revival of liberation movements that fought for freedom in the continent. He regretted that most ruling African parties concentrate on running government and forget the people who elected them to power.

“Power is derived from the masses and the parties give birth to governments. Weakening of liberation movements is tragic for Africa. It is through the liberation movements that we can build a stronger identity as Africans,” he said.

He called on political parties to work together to improve the lives of the people and to ensure peace and stability.
He blamed racial discrimination on prejudice and condemned the recent xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa.

He said Africa was still riddled with violence, citing Darfur in Sudan, Zimbabwe and northern Uganda. “I urge leaders to pressurise such states to engage in dialogue to find peace for prosperity in the continent.”

Zuma said under President Yoweri Museveni, Uganda had helped resolve conflicts in Africa. “We have worked closely in the Burundi peace process. This binds ANC and NRM because it ensures that we are not in a vacuum in pursuance of peace and in a bid to create Africa free of violence.”

Before the lecture, Zuma, who is expected to take over from President Thabo Mbeki next year, had met Museveni at State House Kampala.

Today, he is slated to visit former ANC camps in Kaweweta, now known as Oliver Tambo School of Leadership, and pay his respects to fallen ANC combatants buried there.

After launching Mayombo’s biography, his daughter Natalie handed Zuma a copy of the book, one of which he sold to Dr. Muyanja Mbabaali for sh15m. The proceeds will go to the Mayombo education fund.

Mayomb’s wife Juliet described him as a gifted son of Africa, a good leader, a revolutionary and a freedom fighter and called on well wishers to keep his spirit burning.

“Noble will always live in our hearts and I am sure he is happy where he is.”