Tundu Lissu claims that the imperial presidency in Uganda and Tanzania stems from Julius Nyerere’s legacy. In a Makerere University lecture, he outlines how Nyerere’s governance model influenced Uganda’s constitutional arrangements, critiques Museveni’s regime, and recognizes Nyerere’s commitment to term limits and Pan-Africanism while lamenting the decline of academic freedom.
Tundu Lissu, Chairman of Tanzania’s CHADEMA party, argues that the concept of an “imperial presidency” in the constitutions of Uganda and Tanzania is rooted in Julius Kambarage Nyerere’s legacy. Speaking at Makerere University during a lecture on Nyerere’s constitutional impact, Lissu emphasized this significant effect on governance in both nations. The event was organized by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and Makerere’s Human Rights and Peace Centre.
During his speech, Lissu explained that under Nyerere, Tanganyika transformed from a parliamentary democracy to a republican government featuring a powerful executive presidency akin to early European monarchies. He pointed out that this model influenced Uganda’s governance framework when Uganda gained independence shortly before Tanzania’s shift to a republic.
Lissu noted the establishment of a republican constitution in Uganda in 1966, characterized by a strong presidential authority, asserting, “If you examine the 1966 ‘Pigeonhole Constitution’ and the 1967 constitution that followed, one key feature stands out—the imperial presidency.” He connected this constitution’s structure back to Nyerere’s reforms in Tanganyika.
Furthermore, Lissu discussed how Nyerere’s political influence extended to Uganda after the ousting of Idi Amin in 1979, linking the continuation of Uganda’s political trends to Nyerere’s models. He criticized President Yoweri Museveni, suggesting he perpetuates the imperial presidency concept introduced by Nyerere, evidenced by the naming of Uganda’s armed forces to mirror Tanzania’s military structure.
Despite his critiques, Lissu acknowledged a key positive aspect of Nyerere’s legacy—his introduction of presidential term limits, making Tanzania a pioneer in this area in Africa. Lissu noted Nyerere’s voluntary relinquishment of power, contrasting it with Uganda’s situation where such limits were abolished.
Lissu also recognized Nyerere’s contributions to Pan-Africanism and his support of independence movements across Southern Africa. He celebrated Nyerere for promoting academic freedom and vibrant intellectual debates, highlighting a decline in such discussions in current universities compared to Nyerere’s time at the University of Dar es Salaam.
Tundu Lissu highlights Julius Nyerere’s profound influence on the governance frameworks of Uganda and Tanzania, particularly through the establishment of the imperial presidency. He critiques the subsequent political developments under Museveni while recognizing Nyerere’s contributions to term limits and Pan-Africanism. Lissu’s reflections underscore the complexities of Nyerere’s legacy in shaping political discourse in East Africa, especially concerning academic freedom and military involvement in politics.
Original Source: thechanzo.com
