My son, if you have memories, treasure them

DAR ES SALAAM: Dear nephew Milambo,

I greet you in the name of our revered Nyamwezi ancestors, whose strength and wisdom continue to guide us even in these changing times.

May their blessings rest upon you, upon our family and upon the soil of our beloved village of Ukumbisiganga. I invoke especially the spirit of our great-greatgrandfather, the mighty Chief Mirambo, whose courage, leadership and vision remain a beacon for all of us who carry his blood.

Though the world around us has transformed in ways he could never have imagined, I believe his spirit still walks among us, urging us to remain steadfast, dignified and united. I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.

I often think of you there in Ukumbisiganga, where life still moves to the rhythm of nature, where the land speaks and the wind carries stories of those who came before us. Here in the confused city, life could not be more different.

The city is alive, restless and at times, quite overwhelming. Lately, the rains have been falling regularly here, almost as if the heavens themselves are uncertain of their intentions. One moment the skies are clear and bright, and the next they are heavy with dark clouds, releasing torrents of rain that flood the streets and bring the city to a standstill.

The rain has its own beauty, of course, the smell of wet earth, the cool breeze that follow, but in this crowded city, it often brings more frustration than joy. Roads become rivers, and simple journeys turn into long and exhausting ordeals.

My dear nephew, speaking of ordeals, the traffic jams in Dar es Salaam have become something of a daily battle. You would hardly believe it unless you saw it with your own eyes my son. As l always tell you, what used to take minutes can now take hours.

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Cars, buses, motorcycles and pedestrians all struggle to find their way through the congested roads. Part of the problem, as many say, is the ongoing construction of the Bus Rapid Transit system, which is spreading across almost every part of the city. While this project promises to bring order and efficiency in the future, for now it has added to the confusion.

Roads are narrowed, diversions are everywhere, and drivers are often left frustrated and impatient. Sometimes, as I sit in the traffic, watching the chaos unfold around me, I find myself longing for the simplicity of village life, the open paths, the familiar faces and the sense of calm that seems so distant here. In our beloved Ukumbisiganga, a journey is not just about reaching a destination, it is about connection, about greeting those you meet along the way, about being part of a community.

Here, everyone seems to be in a hurry, yet no one seems to arrive any faster. My dear nephew, a few days ago something happened that brought me a great deal of joy and nostalgia.

By chance, I met an old classmate of mine, Mustafa Baruani. It had been many years since we last saw each other, and yet, the moment we recognised one another, it was as though time had folded in on itself.

We greeted each other warmly and soon found ourselves laughing like the young boys we once were. As we sat together and shared stories, our memories took us back to those days under the strict hand of the old Italian priest, Father Leonardo, who taught us.

You will remember the stories I have told you about him, the way he carried himself with authority, the sharpness of his gaze and the discipline he demanded from all of us. At the time, we feared him greatly, for he spared no one from punishment when we stepped out of line.

Yet now, looking back, we can see that his intentions were rooted in a desire to shape us into responsible individuals, good Christians and worthy members of society. Mustafa and I could not help but laugh as we recalled the many mischiefs we got ourselves into.

We spoke of the times we tried to outsmart our teachers, only to be caught and punished. We remembered how we would sneak away when we were supposed to be studying, thinking ourselves clever, only to find that the village elders already knew of our antics.

Those elders, with their wisdom and watchful eyes, ensured that we never strayed too far from the path. There was one particular incident we recalled with great amusement. We had attempted something so foolish, convinced that we would escape unnoticed.

Instead, we were brought before the elders, who listened patiently before delivering not only their judgment but also words of wisdom that have stayed with us to this day. At the time, we felt embarrassed and resentful, but now we understand the value of those lessons.

They were shaping us, guiding us and preparing us for the responsibilities we now carry. Our conversation with Mustafa lasted for hours, filled with laughter, reflection and a renewed appreciation for the journey we have taken from those youthful days to the present.

It reminded me of the importance of remembering where we come from, of staying connected to our roots and of honouring those who played a role in shaping our lives.

As I write this letter, I am reminded of you, my dear son, and the path that lies before you. You are growing up in a world that is both rich in opportunity and filled with challenges. It is my hope that you will draw strength from our heritage, from the stories of our ancestors and from the values that have been passed down through generations. Remember always who you are and where you come from, for that knowledge will guide you even when the way seems uncertain.

My dear son, your aunt sends her warm greetings to you and to your family. Little Neema also sends her greetings. Though she is still young, she has already begun to learn about her roots and I tell her stories of Ukumbisiganga so that she may grow up with a sense of belonging and pride in her her heritage. Please extend my greetings to everyone at home, to your wife and children, to our relatives, and to the elders of the village. Tell them that though I am far away, my heart remains with th em.

The city may claim my time and energy, but it will never take away the bond I share with Ukumbisiganga and its people. Take care of yourself, my dear nephew. Continue to learn, to grow and to uphold the values that define us. May the spirits of our ancestors watch over you and guide you in all that you do.