Tanzania general calls for federation

Apr 11, 2002

The overall commander of the Tanzanian forces that fought Idi Amin in 1979, General D.B. Musuguri (pictured), has made a passionate appeal to the presidents of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to establish the East African federation.

By Joachim BuwemboThe overall commander of the Tanzanian forces that fought Idi Amin in 1979, General D.B. Musuguri (pictured), has made a passionate appeal to the presidents of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to establish the East African federation.He said this was the surest way to eliminate poverty, ignorance and disease in the region.“We the commanders who fought to end dictatorship, we appeal to you, our presidents, to set up this federation which will be the most viable vehicle to bring about development in our region,” the general, who was speaking in Kiswahilli, told the leaders at yesterday’s Great Lakes symposium at the International Conference Centre, Kampala.“Fortunately, Ugandans and Tanzanians have over the years decided to embark on the journey to establish the East African Co-operation to build for the future,” he said, adding that such a united country would develop in peace, stability and enhance a higher quality of life.“We thank you, Excellency Museveni, president of the people, for having changed the face of this country to a friendly one, a lot has taken place.” Musuguri said the war in 1979 was not between Uganda and Tanzania, but by the nationals of the two countries on one side against the dictatorship of Idi Amin.“We fought Idi Amin because he attacked Tanzania, and he was not sent by Ugandans to attack us,” he said.The general thanked Ugandans who fought in the 1979, and particularly commended Museveni for his role in fighting Idi Amin.Musuguri noted with satisfaction the transformation Uganda has undergone which he said is visible in increased commerce, new buildings and even on the peoples’ happy faces.Musuguri introduced some Tanzanian commanders Maj Gen Marwa who captured Masaka, Kampala up to Moroto.He said many Tanzanians who participated in the war had died and the most notable of them was the commander-in-chief of the day, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

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