Musuguri: The legacy of a general who defeated Amin

Dar es Salaam. Retired Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) General and former Chief of Defence Forces, David Musuguri, died on October 29 at the age of 104.

While the cause of death was not immediately disclosed, sources close to the centenarian reported that he passed away in Mwanza while receiving treatment.

News of his death reverberated across the nation, stirring nostalgia as many recalled his pivotal role in the 1978-1979 Kagera War against dictator Idi Amin.

Musuguri’s legacy has endured, symbolizing resistance against oppression. Streets have been renamed in his honour, and his story of bravery and sacrifice continues to inspire future generations, men and women of the TPDF.

The invasion began in late October, with Musuguri at the forefront, instilling both fear in the enemy and loyalty among his soldiers.

Sources say the battle was fierce, with heavy losses on both sides, but Musuguri's tactical brilliance stood out. He coordinated strikes that capitalized on Amin’s missteps, quickly gaining ground.

As the Tanzanian forces mobilized, General Musuguri devised a strategy that combined bold offensive tactics with a deep understanding of the Ugandan terrain.

The plan aimed for a swift assault on Amin's forces while minimising civilian casualties. His leadership galvanized the troops; they were not merely fighting for a cause, but for the oppressed and for justice.

Yet, amid the chaos of gunfire and the shouts of soldiers, a whisper of tragedy loomed. During a critical offensive near Lukaya, Masaka, Musuguri became aware of an impending ambush that risked surrounding his men.

Born in Butiama on January 4, 1920, Musuguri—nicknamed General Mutukula—was credited with expelling Dictator Idi Amin from the Kagera Salient and later from Uganda as the commander of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces. In his later years, he looked back on that war with nostalgia.

In the heart of East Africa during the turbulent 1970s, the threat of war loomed large as Idi Amin's brutal regime cast a shadow over Uganda.

Amid this turmoil stood General Musuguri, a stalwart of the Tanzania People's Defence Forces (TPDF) and later Chief of Defence Forces, synonymous with courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to peace.

On his 100th birthday, the General expressed his desire to capture Idi Amin with his own bare hands and hold him accountable for his atrocities. The two had met in Kenya while serving in the King’s African Rifles, a British colonial army in East Africa.

“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’s African Rifles,” the retired General recounted in one of his rare interviews.

Musuguri was enlisted in the King’s African Rifles (KAR) in 1942, serving with them in Madagascar during World War II. When Tanganyika attained self-rule on December 9, 1961, several KAR units were transferred to the newly formed Tanganyika Rifles.

During the Tanganyika Rifles mutiny in January 1964, Musuguri was stationed in Tabora, where rebellious troops declared him a major. He eventually rose to the rank of brigadier and was promoted to Major General in 1979, commanding the TPDF's 20th Division during the Uganda-Tanzania War.

During the war, he earned the nickname ‘General Mutukula’ and successfully commanded his forces during key battles, including those at Simba Hills, Masaka, and Lukaya. In 1980, Musuguri was appointed Chief of Defence Forces, and on December 30, President Julius Nyerere promoted him to Lieutenant General.

On February 7, 1981, Ugandan President Milton Obote honoured Musuguri with two spears for his gallant actions in the Battle of Lukaya. He retired from the army on August 31, 1988, after nearly 50 years of distinguished service in the King’s African Rifles, Tanganyika African Rifles, and the TPDF.