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Uhuru Torch hero who remains committed
2008-01-30 09:19:27
By Michael Haonga
There are heroes of many categories and on different distinguished services to mankind. In this interview with Michael Haonga, Brigadier Alexander Nyirenda (71 years old), who hoisted the Tanzania Uhuru Torch on Mt Kilimanjaro in 1961, touches on his history, citing achievements he has made and challeneges he has faced in his life. Read on.
QUESTION: Brigadier Nyirenda, can you tell Tanzanians why you were picked to hoist the Uhuru Torch on Mt Kilimanajaro on the Country`s Independence Day 9th December, 1961?
ANSWER: It was circumstancial. Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere was looking for a Tanzanian army officer to carry out that assignment and I happened to be the first commissioned Tanzanian (Tanganyika citizen by then).
So the responsibility to implement the task of hoisting the Uhuru Torch which is todate banked upon to shine with a view to bringing hope where there is despair, love where there is hatred and unity where disunity existed fell on me. I, therefore, was duty bound and carried the function enthuastically and proudly in the service of my country.
Q...After accomplishing that noble mission of national and international historical importance, what followed?
A...Joy and celebrations followed after the successful hoisting of the Uhuru Torch on Mt.Kilimanjaro.
As it were, we came back home and participated in the celebrations receiving congratulations for executing the assignment from all corners and from Mwalimu Nyerere too.
Q: It is really one of the eye-catching and heartening accomplishments in one`s life. Why did you leave the Army later in 1964?
A:As you might recall, there was an army mutiny that year (1964). The disorder in the army made me decide to leave the army .
Q:When retiring you were serving as Lt. Colonel in the army. When were you appointed Brigadier and what is your professional training?
A:I was given that honour along with other Tanzanians such as Moses Nnauye by President Ali Hassan Mwinyi during the Second Phase Government of Tanzania.
As for my professional training after completing secondary education I attended military training within the country and abroad. For instance, I successfully completed a four year military training course at the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy in the United Kingdom.
Q: After retirement, have you been associated with any national ceremonies such as attending Independence Day celebrations by invitation ?
A: No. I have never been invited to any Uhuru Day celebrations after my retirement.
Q:What have you been doing after retiring from the army?
A:After retirement from the army, I have been engaged in different business activities within the country and outside the country.
Q: Can you explain more about yourself?
A: Well, I am a family man. I had five children. However, now I am left with four after the death of my first born daughter in 1990.
The four are Suzyo, Tima, Foti, and Tiwonge. I remain thankful to God for blessing me with these children.
Q: Finally, what would you like to tell Tanzanians?
A: Well, first I take this opportunity to salute and stress that I remain faithful to the Commanders in Chief of the country`s Armed Forces starting with the deceased Father of the Nation, Mwl. Julius Kambarage Nyerere, retired Presidents Ali Hassan Mwinyi, Benjamin Mkapa and the Fourth Phase Government President Jakaya Kikwete.
To them and the people of Tanzania generally I say thankyou all and, God willing, I will, on my recovery meet some of them and pass my thanks to them.
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