The Legacy of Julius Nyerere: Tundu Lissu’s Insights on the Imperial Presidency in East Africa

Tundu Lissu, Chairman of CHADEMA, discussed Julius Nyerere’s influence on the establishment of an “imperial presidency” in Tanzania and Uganda during a lecture at Makerere University. He highlighted Nyerere’s shift from parliamentary democracy to a strong executive presidency and critiqued Museveni’s regime for its militarization of politics. Lissu also acknowledged Nyerere’s contributions, such as presidential term limits and academic freedom, while calling for reflective discussions on these legacies.

Tundu Lissu, the Chairman of the opposition party CHADEMA in Tanzania, articulated that the constitutional legacy of Julius Kambarage Nyerere has contributed to the establishment of an ‘imperial presidency’ in both Tanzania and Uganda. During a public lecture at Makerere University, he discussed Nyerere’s influence, particularly the shift from a parliamentary democracy to a republican government with significant executive powers, echoing historical European monarchs.

Lissu elaborated that Tanganyika served as a governance model for Uganda when it gained independence, noting that former Ugandan leadership utilized military force to implement a republican constitution in 1966. This constitutional framework, according to Lissu, entrenched the concept of an imperial presidency, similar to that of Nyerere’s Tanganyika. He remarked, “If you examine the 1966 ‘Pigeonhole Constitution’ and the 1967 constitution that followed, one key feature stands out—the imperial presidency.”

He further acknowledged Nyerere’s influence remained significant even after Tanzania intervened to oust Idi Amin in Uganda in 1979. Lissu emphasized that Uganda’s political landscape has continued along a similar trajectory after Yoweri Museveni ascended to power, claiming Museveni had been philosophically shaped by Nyerere’s principles during his university years.

Critically assessing Museveni’s administration, Lissu argued that it mirrors Nyerere’s militaristic political approach, resulting in the military’s increased involvement in political affairs. He pointed out the parallel naming of armed forces in both nations, noting Museveni’s Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is reminiscent of Nyerere’s Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF).

Despite his critique of certain elements of Nyerere’s legacy, Lissu recognized the significance of presidential term limits, which Tanzania adopted under Nyerere, making it the first African nation to do so. He contrasted this with Uganda, where term limits were abolished, allowing for prolonged leadership. Additionally, Lissu commended Nyerere for his contributions to Pan-Africanism and his advocacy for academic freedom, lamenting today’s restrictive academic environments compared to Nyerere’s era of open discourse at institutions like the University of Dar es Salaam.

Tundu Lissu’s remarks underscore the substantial impact of Julius Nyerere’s constitutional legacy in shaping governance in both Tanzania and Uganda. He highlights how the ‘imperial presidency’ model established by Nyerere has influenced Uganda’s political development, particularly under Yoweri Museveni. While Lissu critiques aspects of military involvement in governance, he also acknowledges Nyerere’s progressive moves, such as presidential term limits and his contributions to Pan-Africanism and academic freedom. Overall, Lissu’s insights invite a critical reevaluation of Nyerere’s enduring legacy in East Africa.

Original Source: thechanzo.com