DEFEATING IDDI AMIN: ‘Unity, determination key to victory’

THE Kagera War of 1978– 1979 remains a defining chapter in the leadership of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, whose determination to defend the country’s sovereignty culminated in the overthrow of Uganda’s former dictator, Idi Amin Dada.

“We have the ability to defeat him (Idi Amin), we have the reason to defeat him and we have the determination to defeat him,” Mwalimu Nyerere declared, capturing the resolve that guided Tanzania’s response to the invasion of Kagera region in October 1978.

As Tanzania marks 27 years since Mwalimu Nyerere’s death on October 14, 1999, the war provides an important perspective on his leadership, particularly his response to external aggression and the role of national unity in defending the country.

The conflict also left lasting memories among soldiers and civilians who participated in the campaign that eventually brought Amin’s rule to an end. The war followed years of strained relations between Tanzania and Uganda.

Tensions intensified after Amin seized power in 1971 by overthrowing President Milton Obote. In October 1978, Ugandan forces invaded Kagera, attacking communities, looting property and killing civilians.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Felix Ngatoni, one of the officers who led the first tank across Kyaka bridge during the war, said the invasion forced Nyerere’s government to decide how to respond to the occupation.

His declaration that Tanzania had the ability, reason and determination to defeat Amin expressed the government’s resolve to recover the territory and prevent further aggression.

He said the war therefore unfolded not only on the battlefield but also amid competing accounts of events.

For Tanzania, the central objective remained the restoration of Kagera Region and its borders, and the removal of the immediate threat posed by Amin’s forces. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Ngatoni recalled the difficulties Tanzanian troops faced in defeating the Ugandan forces.

“It was not easy to defeat Idi Amin, but because we were patriotic and loyal to our country, we managed to bring him down,” he said.

He attributed the outcome to patriotism, discipline and cooperation among soldiers, saying troops dug trenches by hand to protect people and military equipment, illustrating some of the difficult conditions they faced during the campaign.

Ngatoni said the unity that brought soldiers together remained relevant to the younger generation, urging young Tanzanians to respect their country, maintain discipline and take responsibility for preserving peace.

“Respect, discipline and love for our country should define the Tanzanian youth,” he said.

The contribution of civilians was another important part of the war experience. Beyond the military operations, ordinary Tanzanians supported troops through food donations, transport and other forms of assistance.

War veteran Ndeanka Barnaba recalled how civilians joined hands with the armed forces, singing patriotic songs to raise soldiers’ morale, donating food and providing vehicles for military operations.

He said the cooperation reflected the national unity promoted by Nyerere and helped sustain the campaign at a time when soldiers were facing difficult conditions.

“This strong sense of togetherness, inspired by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s leadership, was the key to our success. The Kagera War taught us that when Tanzanians stand united, there is no challenge, be it economic, social or political, that we cannot overcome,” Mr Barnaba said.

He said the war effort extended beyond those carrying weapons. Civilian participation demonstrated the importance of collective responsibility when the country faced a threat to its sovereignty.

Retired Captain Moses Mgendwa also recalled the invasion and the destruction caused by Amin’s forces in villages along the Kagera, saying the conflict remains a reminder of the human cost of defending the country’s independence.

Mgendwa urged young people to learn from the courage shown during the war, particularly the determination and willingness of soldiers and civilians to put national interests above personal concerns.

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“The peace we enjoy today was built on sacrifice. If we preserve that spirit of unity and compassion, Tanzania will remain strong for generations to come,” he said.

As the campaign progressed, Tanzanian troops advanced into Uganda alongside Ugandan forces opposed to Amin.

Kampala fell in April 1979, forcing Amin to flee and bringing his rule to an end. For Nyerere, the Kagera War became a defining episode of his presidency.

His response demonstrated his government’s willingness to use military force to defend Tanzania’s territory, while the eventual outcome showed the importance of organisation and cooperation in sustaining the campaign. For the veterans, the lessons extend beyond the defeat of Amin.

Their experiences underline the value of discipline, cooperation and a shared commitment to protecting the nation.

In June this year, more than 7,000 volunteer fighters who helped defeat former Ugandan ruler Idi Amin in 1979 began receiving benefits in the 2026/27 financial year following the completion of legal reforms and a nationwide verification exercise.

Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, announced the development while responding to questions during the Prime Minister’s Questions session in the National Assembly, saying all obstacles that had delayed recognition and compensation of the veterans had been resolved.

The announcement brought an end a long wait by thousands of former volunteer fighters who answered the nation’s call during the war but were not covered under previous legal frameworks governing veterans’ benefits.

Dr Nchemba said the government had completed all necessary preparations for the rollout of the programme.

“The payments will start because there is no longer any legal obstacle that was preventing the government from recognising and compensating these fighters. The verification exercise has also been completed,” the PM was quoted as saying.

The Prime Minister said President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed authorities to expedite the matter, leading to a series of measures aimed at ensuring the veterans are formally recognised and compensated for their contribution to national security

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