Veterans credit unity for victory

DODOMA: NATIONAL unity, military discipline and the leadership of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere were the decisive forces be – hind Tanzania’s victory in the 1978-79 Kagera War, veterans who fought on the frontline said on National Heroes Day.

Speaking in separate interviews with the ‘Daily News’ during the National Heroes Day commemorations on Saturday in Dodoma, retired Brigadier General Wilfred Kabunda and retired Brigadier General Mary Hiki said the country’s triumph over the invading forces of former Ugandan leader Idi Amin was made possible by patriotism, collective sacrifice and a disciplined military.

Brig Gen (rtd) Kabunda, who served in the elite commando unit during the war, said rigorous military training prepared soldiers for the difficult mission ahead.

“When we went to war, Brigade 208 had already completed brigade-level military exercises. That collective training gave us confidence and strengthened our ability to fight as one force,” he recalled.

He said the training was quickly put to the test after President Nyerere declared war following the occupation of part of the Kagera Region by Idi Amin’s forces, he was stationed in Zanzibar when orders came for his deployment.

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“An aircraft was dis – patched to collect us from Zanzibar and we flew straight to Kagera,” he said.

Upon arrival, he reported to Brigade Headquarters under then General Tumainieli Kiwelu at Nyakibimbili, where troops were being mobilised for the counter-offensive.

Brig Gen (rtd) Kabunda recalled that after Idi Amin’s forces destroyed the Kagera bridge in an attempt to cut communication with the oc – cupied area, commandos were ordered to cross the Kagera River and gather intelligence before the attack.

“Our commander ordered us to cross the Kagera River, gather intelligence on the en – emy’s positions, strength and activities before launching the counter-offensive,” he said.

With military engineers yet to arrive, the commandos crossed the river using civilian canoes, leaving one soldier be – hind with each canoe operator while reconnaissance teams in – filtrated enemy positions.

“We carried out the mis – sion successfully. Once the information was gathered, ar – tillery units opened fire and commandos launched the as – sault. The enemy retreated all the way to Mutukula,” he said.

Brig Gen (rtd) Kabunda said the successful operation enabled military engineers to rebuild the destroyed bridge and restore vital transport and communication links before the offensive continued. Looking back nearly five decades later, Brig Gen (rtd) Kabunda said victory was se – cured not only on the battle – field but through nationwide solidarity.

“Every Tanzanian supported the war. People volunteered in different ways and that national mobilisation greatly boosted the morale of our soldiers,” he said.

Brig Gen (rtd) Hiki echoed the sentiments, saying national unity and patriotism inspired citizens to support the war effort from across the country.

“When Mwalimu Nyerere declared war, Tanzanians responded with everything they had. Some donated cattle while others provided buses, lorries and other vehicles. The army could not have fought alone,” she said.

She described unity, patriotism and discipline as the pillars that carried Tanzania to victory.

“The greatest strength we had was the unity of Tanzanians. Our soldiers were disciplined and committed to defending their country. That is what defeated the enemy,” she said.

Brig Gen (rtd) Hiki recalled being the only woman selected in the first group deployed for brigade exercises in Arusha shortly before the conflict.

As a military communications operator, she remained at the frontline, relying entirely on radio communication as troops advanced through Mutukula and into Uganda before later being redeployed because she was the only woman in the operational area. She vividly remembered the warm reception soldiers received after the war.

“When we returned, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere personally received us. It was a memorable celebration and Tanzanians were overjoyed by the victory,” she said.

The veterans urged younger Tanzanians to safeguard the peace, unity and patriotism that secured victory in the Kagera War, saying those values remain as vital today as they were on the battlefield nearly five decades ago.