The Rise of Tanzania into Great Governance
Mwalimu Julius Nyerere was elected and chosen to be the first president of the United
Republic of Tanzania in 1964, October 29th. This was under the influence of his public
address which took place in 1962 at the 9th Independence ceremony conference. He
led the country until the 5th of November 1985, meaning rulership for 21 years.
Julius Kambarage Nyerere was born at Butiama in Tanzania and raised in Tanganyika, a British
colony in 1922 on the 13th of April. He began schooling in 1934 at Native Administration School
in Mwisenge, by 1936 he was done with elementary school. Granted a scholarship to study at
Tabora Secondary School, he completed his learning in 1941. From 1943 to 1945, he studied in
Makerere University and later in Edinburgh University from 1949 to 1952. Thereafter, he
returned home with his Diploma in Education and became a teacher. Nyerere’s popularity stems
from his childhood, being that he inherited the name of a chief, putting him at a higher position
compared to the rest of the villagers. Due to his intelligence, he was awarded a scholarship to
study in Britain; therefore, being the first Tanzanian to study overseas and the second in Africa at
large. His ability as a communicator and organizer, and the willingness to work with a variety of
people was a very important contributor towards his popularity. These great qualities led to the
development of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) campaign which he led. His
popularity grew through his leadership skills, therefore leading Tanganyika to its independence.
During his teaching period, Julius became an anti- colonist, politician, and theorist. With his
experience, knowledge, and powerful voice, he became the Prime minister of Tanganyika from
1961 to 1962. From 1963 to 1964, he was the President of Tanganyika, thereafter leading
Tanzania as a President from 1964 to 1985. Apart from this, he was a founding member and
chairperson of the TANU campaign from 1954 till 1990. Ideologically, as an African Philosopher
and Socialist, he promoted a political philosophy called Ujamaa. Nyerere was Chosen for the
Authoritative Council during the period between 1958–1959 decisions, Nyerere then, at that
point, drove TANU to triumph at the 1960 general political race, becoming Prime Minister.
Dealings with the English specialists brought about Tanganyika autonomy in 1961. In 1962,
Tanganyika turned into a republic, with Nyerere chosen as its first president, however this was
the 4th nomination for Nyerere for the Presidency Office. All these Power positions held by
Nyerere were due to his Charismatic and unchallenged leadership abilities. Julius Nyerere’s
policy was based on socialism and self-reliance. Tanzania people trusted and respected his
decisions. The fundamental and foundation of Tanzania’s policy was ujamaa which is socialist
system of village cooperatives based on equality of opportunity, which was imposed on Tanzania
the years after independence around the 1960s. Its aim was to help people of villages get access
to better education and nearby medical services. Julius used the approach called “indaba” which
was a Southern Africa traditional style where they will have a meeting and everyone will say his
peace, thus that led him to be loved and followed.
