Ambassador Juma Volter Mwapachu: A legacy beyond politics

Acting publicity secretary

UDP

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Reading about his life reminded me of a book from the 1980s by a colourful Zambian public figure, Vernon Mwaanga, titled An Extraordinary Life. The message conveyed through Mwaanga’s book was so profound that Mwapachu’s illustrious life could similarly be summarised.

That said, a unique opportunity arose that Mwapachu would have found difficult to resist. One might argue that the closest he came to engaging in politics was during Benjamin Mkapa’s second term in office, around the year 2000. Some may counter this by citing his emotional investment in Edward Lowassa’s candidacy in 2015. No one can deny the level of personal commitment Mwapachu displayed, surpassing even his involvement in his brother-in-law Mark Bomani's campaign in 1995. Mwapachu was so unwavering in his support for Lowassa that he left CCM on the eve of Nyerere Day in 2015, only to return less than a year later, after feeling out of place. At the time of his departure, he issued a powerful statement, which, regrettably, was not included in his book. It was, as some Brits might say, “a moment of madness.”

Reflecting on Mwapachu’s broader connection to Tanzanian politics, Jenerali Ulimwengu, an independent Tanzanian thinker and writer, notes in Mwapachu's book the special relationship he shared with Julius Nyerere, who treated him like a son. Mwapachu’s closeness to Nyerere was evident when, in January 1992, he was selected to represent the Commission led by Justice Nyalali, tasked with advising Nyerere on the future of the Union. Mwapachu was asked to present a proposal for a three-government structure, despite the sensitivity of the subject. Upon hearing the recommendation, Nyerere was outraged, declaring he would campaign against it, even threatening to leave CCM if the proposal was adopted. Mwapachu’s task, though daunting, was a clear example of the trust placed in him by Nyerere, but also an indication of the political courage required to challenge the status quo.

Ambassador Juma Volter Mwapachu: A legacy beyond politics

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