Maria Nyerere urges young leaders to embrace humility, integrity
“Julius Nyerere was a humble and down-to-earth leader. He understood that leadership was about serving the people and not seeking personal benefits. That is why people continue to remember him decades after his death,” Maria said.
Addressing participants virtually via Zoom during the Annual Nyerere-Museveni Generation Dialogue at Makerere University today (October 14), Maria said Nyerere’s down-to-earth character and dedication to serving the people had ensured that his legacy remained alive decades after his death. The event was held under the theme: "Borrowing from the past, building the future". 9
Mama Maria Nyerere, Tanzania’s former First Lady, has urged young leaders to emulate the humility, integrity and spirit of selfless service demonstrated by her late husband, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.
Addressing participants virtually via Zoom during the Annual Nyerere-Museveni Generation Dialogue at Makerere University today (October 14), Maria said Nyerere’s down-to-earth character and dedication to serving the people had ensured that his legacy remained alive decades after his death. The event was held under the theme: "Borrowing from the past, building the future".
She described the former Tanzanian president as a leader who prioritised the interests of ordinary citizens over personal benefits and material rewards.
“Julius Nyerere was a humble and down-to-earth leader. He understood that leadership was about serving the people and not seeking personal benefits. That is why people continue to remember him decades after his death,” Maria said.
“He (Nyerere) was a leader who knew how to serve his people without expecting payment or personal gain. Young leaders should learn from his spirit of service and understand that leadership is about the people,” she added.
Prof. Henry Arinaitwe, Makerere University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, thanked the Government for its continued support towards the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre at Makerere.
Arinaitwe said the support was important in enabling the centre to continue its work of nurturing responsible leaders and promoting values that strengthen public service.
“We thank the Government for its continued support towards the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre. This support is important in ensuring that the centre continues to fulfil its mandate of developing and mentoring young leaders,” he said.
He encouraged young people to join the centre and benefit from its programmes, saying leadership knowledge was essential for those preparing to take up responsibilities in society.
Dr. Suzie Nanzosi Muwanga, the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre Executive Director, said the institution was established to mentor young leaders and prepare them for leadership responsibilities.
She emphasised that leadership development deserved greater attention and deliberate investment.
“The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre was established to mentor young leaders. Leadership development matters and should be given the attention it deserves,” Muwanga said.
She noted that mentorship and knowledge-sharing were essential in equipping young people with the values and skills required to address challenges facing their communities.
The dialogue provided a platform for reflecting on leadership, governance and the enduring lessons associated with Julius Nyerere and President Yoweri Museveni.