Tundu Lissu critiques the ‘imperial presidency’ in Uganda and Tanzania as a legacy of Julius Nyerere, highlighting its origins in Nyerere’s transformation of Tanganyika’s governance. He explores Uganda’s constitutional development under Milton Obote and Yoweri Museveni, linking it directly to Nyerere’s influence. Lissu acknowledges Nyerere’s positive contributions, including presidential term limits and his support for Pan-Africanism, while advocating for a revival of academic freedom.
In a recent public lecture at Makerere University, Tundu Lissu, Chairman of the CHADEMA party, discussed the constitutional legacy of Julius Kambarage Nyerere, asserting its impact on the formation of an ‘imperial presidency’ in Tanzania and Uganda. Lissu emphasized that Nyerere’s leadership transformed Tanganyika’s parliamentary democracy into a republican presidential system, which influenced Uganda’s governance after its independence in 1962, serving as a model for the region.
Lissu pointed out that Uganda established a republican constitution in 1966 under Prime Minister Milton Obote, leveraging military force. He noted that this constitution entrenched an imperial presidency similar to Nyerere’s system in Tanganyika. “If you examine the 1966 ‘Pigeonhole Constitution’ and the 1967 constitution that followed, one key feature stands out—the imperial presidency,” Lissu stated, highlighting the similar governance structure between the two nations.
Additionally, Lissu discussed Nyerere’s influence on Uganda post-1979, when Uganda ousted Idi Amin. He argued that Yoweri Museveni’s political philosophy was heavily influenced by Nyerere during his time at the University of Dar es Salaam. He affirmed, “Who can deny that Uganda, under Yoweri Museveni and the 1995 constitution, does not have an imperial president?” illustrating the continuity of Nyerere’s legacy in Museveni’s governance style.
Citing Museveni’s militarization of politics as a continuation of Nyerere’s political style, Lissu suggested that Museveni mirrored Nyerere by naming Uganda’s army similarly to Tanzania’s. However, Lissu acknowledged a positive aspect of Nyerere’s legacy—the introduction of presidential term limits, which set Tanzania apart as an innovator in African constitutional provisions. Nyerere’s voluntary relinquishment of power contrasted sharply with Uganda’s political situation, where term limits were later abolished.
Lissu further praised Nyerere’s contributions to Pan-Africanism and his support for independence movements in Southern Africa, while lamenting the erosion of academic freedom in contemporary universities compared to Nyerere’s time. He expressed a desire for a return to the vibrant dialogues that characterized university life during Nyerere’s leadership, reminiscing about the era when he actively engaged with students on national policy issues.
Tundu Lissu’s analysis at Makerere University highlights the profound influence of Julius Kambarage Nyerere’s legacy on the governance structures of Tanzania and Uganda. Lissu’s critique of the ‘imperial presidency’ underscores the connection between Nyerere’s constitutional development and the political trajectories of these nations. Furthermore, his praise for Nyerere’s commitment to term limits and academic freedom contrasts sharply with the authoritarian tendencies observed in contemporary Ugandan politics, culminating in a call for renewed intellectual vibrancy in universities.
Original Source: thechanzo.com
