Fare thee well General Musuguri
MWANZA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday led Tanzanians in mourning the passing of iconic former Chief of Defence Forces, General David Musuguri.
General Musuguri (rtd), nicknamed General Mutukula, the man who is credited with the flushing out of dictator Idi Amin from Kagera and later Uganda, was promoted to glory yesterday at104 years in Mwanza.
Upon receiving the news of the passing on of the revered retired general, Musuguri, President Dr Samia sent heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Tanzania People’s Defence Forces, Geral Jacob Mkunda.
The Head of State said the fallen Musuguri has left the country with a shining example of public service that will continue to inspire both within and beyond the defence forces.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Defence Forces, General Jacob John Mkunda, the commanders, retired fighters, active service members, relatives, friends and all Tanzanians on the loss of our hero, beloved teacher, advisor and leader, former Chief of Defence Forces, Retired General David Bugozi Musuguri,” mourned President Samia.
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She added: “We thank Almighty God for the gift of his 104 years of life, of which he devoted 46 years to serving our nation with professionalism, dedication, bravery, discipline and exceptional achievement, living his oath to be ready to lay down his life for the defence of our country. May Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace.”
According to the information released yesterday by CDF Mkunda, the former CDF Musuguri passed away at Bugando Referal Hospital in Mwanza. It said that General Musuguri was born in Zanaki village, Butiama Muhunda Ward, Mara region.
He joined the military from August 9, 1943, and attended various military courses including the Effendes from 1959 to1960 in Nakuru, Kenya.
He was commissioned on February 6, 1962. He then attended the command and staff course from 1975 to 1976 in China.
Musuguri served the force on various ranks. He served as a Chief of Staff in 1972, Brigade Commander in 1974, Commander of the 20th Division in 1978 and CDF from 1980 to1988.
He retired from the force in September 1, 1988. CDF Mkunda said in a statement that in recognition to General Musuguri’s contribution and strong leadership, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces conferred him various medals including that of the Kagera war, the 20 years of TPDF, Medal for long service and the distinguished service medal.
General Musuguri began his military career in the King’s African Rifles (KAR), beginning as a private where he later served with the KAR in Madagascar.
He later became a sergeant and acted as an instructor at Kahawa Barracks in Nairobi, Kenya. Thereafter, he joined the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF).
In 1978, General Musuguri led Tanzanian forces in the war against Idi Amin of Uganda following the invasion of the Kyaka area in Kagera Region.
Among the wars he fought are the Second World War, the Battle of Madagascar and the Kagera War.
On many occasions, General Musuguri recalled the war between Uganda and Tanzania, insisting that he wanted to capture Idi Amin with his own bare hands after the Ugandan dictator had invaded Tanzania.
“Idi Amin was disrespectful because I taught him at Kahawa Barracks in Nairobi in 1947, at that time I was already a sergeant in the King African Riffles (the British colonial army),” the retired General told a local TV station during the interview for his 100 years birthday on January 4, 2020.
