President Samia orders for preservation of union documents for the benefit of future generations

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan on April 24, emphasised the significance of documenting and preserving union documents for the benefit of future generations.

The President also decorated 17,850 Tanzanians with six types of medals according to each’s contribution to the advancement of the union and the development of the country.

The 26 decorated Tanzanians who represented the nearly 18,000 include former president Jakaya Kikwete and his successor, John Magufuli.

The event that went concurrently with the launch of the two books that have documented several union issues took place at the Chamwino State House in Dodoma.

Speaking during the live broadcast event, President Hassan said the documentation would provide room for people taking African studies to have access to everything it takes to understand the union.

“Others would like to know the ups and downs of unification. The move will also serve as an attraction to visitors,” she said.

She said there are countries that attract tourists because of their history.

“I have just arrived from Turkey, which attracts 28 million tourists annually, but tourists are attracted merely by the history of the country,” she added.

She said Tanzania can reap similar benefits if the country’s history is well documented and preserved.

The union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar took place on April 26, 2964.

The Head of State directed that the two books (The 60 Years of the United Republic of Tanzania and The 60 Years of the Vice President’s Office) be made available in both English and Swahili for locals and foreigners to understand.

“I should call upon Tanzanians to maintain peace, love, and solidarity, work hard, and promote patriotism to honour the legacy left behind by the founding fathers of the union,” she stressed.

President Samia presented the Order of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere medal to former presidents Kikwete and Magufuli. The medal is designed to honour retired heads of state in the United Republic of Tanzania who are alive or dead.

Those illegible need to constitutionally have assumed office and continue to display sound ethics and respect.

The medals were received by Ms Salma Kikwete on behalf of her husband, former President Kikwete, and Ms Janeth Magufuli on behalf of her departed husband, President Magufuli.

The names of other decorated leaders and the medal categories in brackets included John Malecela, Dr Mohamed Gharib Bilal, and Frederick Sumaye (Order of the Uhuru Torch of Mount Kilimanjaro, Second Class).

The Chief of Defence Forces, General Jacob Mkunda, the Inspector General of Police, Camillus Wambura, the Tanzania Intelligence and Security Services Director General, Ali Idi Siwa, the commissioner general of prisons, Mzee Nyamka, the commissioner general of immigration, Dr Anna Makakala, and the Fire and Rescue Force Commissioner, General John Masunga (Union Commemorative).

The Tanzania People’s Defence Forces Lieutenant, Salumu Haji Othman, Commissioner of Police, Suzan Kaganda, Prisons Senior Assistant Commissioner, Chacha Jackson, Immigration Commissioner, Hassan Ali Hassan, and Fire and Rescue Commissioner of Finance, Mbaraka Sultani Semwanza (meritorious or outstanding service).

The TPDF Lieutenant Colonel, Gaudensia Mapunda, Zanzibar’s Commissioner of Police, Hamad Khamis Hamad, Prisons Assistant Commissioner, Magreth Nyoka, Assistant Superintendent of Immigration, Zawadi Fanuel, and Fire and Rescue Force Inspector, Omary Memba (long service).

The long service and good behaviour medals went to Tanzania People’s Defence Forces Sergeant Neema Mahiga, Police Station Sergeant Rehema Mbeye, Prisons Assistant Inspector Martin Mwakyoma, Immigration Inspector Fatuma Kunema, and Fire and Rescue Sergeant Jacqueline Munisi.