KAGERA Regional Commissioner (RC), Ms Fatma Mwassa has warned some unpatriotic officials who tarnish the government good image by engaging in corrupt practices, including issuing residence permits to foreigners without following the required procedures.
“The government is closely monitoring the exercise while some unpatriotic officials tarnish the government good image by engaging in corrupt practices including issuing resident permits to foreigners without following laid down procedures. Those found guilty will be punished including prosecuting them in court,” she warned.
Ms Mwassa issued the warning during the commemorations of the 43rd National Heroes Day held at the regional level at the Tanzania Peoples’ Defense Forces (TPDF) Kabaya Camp, in Muleba district.
Addressing leaders and residents who attended the commemorations, Ms Mwassa paid tribute to the fallen heroes, including men and women, who dedicated their lives during the 1978/79 Kagera War to guard the nation against invading forces of the former Ugandan ruler, dictator Idi Amin.
“While we mark 43 years of the Kagera War we cherish the patriotic lives of our heroes, both males and females who sacrificed their lives to guard the nation against invading forces of the former Ugandan ruler, Dictator Idi Amin. May the Lord God rest their lives in eternal peace,” she stated.
RC Mwassa hailed President Samia Suluhu Hassan for implementing people-oriented projects.”For many years Tanzanians have enjoyed national unity. Each one of us has a duty to safeguard national interests. We should not allow religious differences to divide us.
President Samia on Tuesday led thousands of Tanzanians to commemorate the Heroes Day, both men and women, who dedicated their lives to defend the nation at a ceremony that was held in Dodoma Capital City. As for Kagera, special tribute was paid to those who fought aggressors, including the then dictator Idi Amin of Uganda’s forces.
Before the 1978/79 Kagera War with the then dictator Amin of Uganda, people in the Kagera lived peacefully. They were cultivating various cash and food crops, including bananas, coffee, maize, cassava and millet on their farms. Many people were killed by Amin’s forces and properties were destroyed.
In October 1978 Amin’s forces invaded Tanzania and annexed the Kagera Salient extending from Mutukula to Kyaka (over 60 kms). The late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, who was the President and Commander in-Chief of Tanzania Armed Forces could not tolerate such nonsense. He declared war to the invaders with orders to repel the enemy from Tanzanian soil.
The ensuing war was bitter and expensive. Tanzanian commanders, including Major General Silas Mayunga, Major General Mwita Marwa, Major General Tumainieli Kiwelu, Brigadier Imran Kombe and Brigadier John Walden, just to mention a few, did a commendable job at the battle front, leading gallant Tanzanian forces.
The task was successfully accomplished in October 1979 with fugitive dictator Amin fleeing to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Tanzanian forces received a heroes’ welcome at Bunazi, in Missenyi district led by Mwalimu Nyerere, from where he addressed the nation and awarded medals to the commanders. The event was also witnessed by former Ugandan ruler, Mr Godfrey Binaisa.
