NEWS- President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has returned to the country from Zanzibar where attending and participated in the 60th Anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution celebrations which took place at the Amaani Stadium at the invitation of Tanzania President Samia Hassan Suluhu.
Prominent among the Regional leaders who attended the function was Reanda Strongman and President Gen Paul Kagame and the Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who represented the President William Somomei Ruto.
The Zanzibar Revolution occurred in January 1964 led by a 25 year old Ugandan identified as John Okello who overthrew the Sultan of Zanzibar and his mainly Arab government by the island’s majority Black African population.
The celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution began three weeks ago, encompassing a countrywide initiative of environmental cleaning and launching various projects across Tanzania and yesterday’s event marked the apex of these celebrations, where leaders and citizens alike come together to remember this pivotal moment in history.
The Zanzibar Revolution is also known as Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar, which took place on January 12, 1964 and this significant event led to the overthrow of the Arab regime and Sultan Jamshid bin Abdullah by the Black African population of Zanzibar.
The Zanzibar Revolution, lasting nine hours in total, unfolded with the leadership of John Okello, a 25-year-old Ugandan hailing from the Albetong District in Northern Uganda who rallied approximately 600 men, arming them with sticks, stones, pangas, axes, bows, and arrows, and initiated the uprising against the oppressive regime.
Under the cover of darkness, on the evening of January 11th, 1964, Okello and his men descended upon Stone Town, the Sultan’s residence and Okello who had kept his plans secret ensured his operation would be conducted swiftly and with determination.
The impact of the Zanzibar Revolution extended beyond the island itself, and Tanganyika, which was a separate nation at the time, was inspired by Okello’s liberation of Zanzibar as his courageous actions acted as a catalyst, fostering the process of uniting Tanganyika and Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanzania and this unification was officially established in March 1964, marking a significant milestone in the region’s history.
President Museveni was therefore in Zanzibar yesterday to join President Samia and the people of Tanzania in commemorating this momentous occasion; it serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the African people.
“The Zanzibar Revolution stands not only as a milestone in the fight against oppression but also as a symbol of unity and the pursuit of freedom” President Museveni said at the function.
He added, “Through this celebration, we acknowledge and honor the bravery and determination of John Okello and the many others who participated in the revolution. Their actions forever changed the course of history, laying the foundation for a united and prosperous Tanzania”.
The commemorations also served as a reminder of the power of unity and the importance of cherishing our past and by looking back upon the Zanzibar Revolution, the people are reminded of the struggles faced by our ancestors and the progress that has been achieved as it is a time to reflect on the achievements made in the last 60 years and consider the steps we need to take to build upon this legacy.
In her remarks Tanzania President Samia Hassan Suluhu noted that as the flames of the commemorative torch burn bright on this 60th anniversary, it ignite the spirit of progress, unity, and freedom in the hearts of all Tanzanians and reminded the citizens the sacrifices made and ensure that the legacy of the Zanzibar Revolution lives on, inspiring future generations to strive for a better tomorrow.
