DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 15 -- JULIUS Nyerere, the first President of Tanzania, remains a lasting symbol of freedom, integrity and servant leadership across Africa.

Twenty-six years after his death, his vision of unity and self-reliance continues to influence the nation, particularly as Tanzania prepares for another general election.

Mwalimu Nyerere, as he was widely known, led Tanganyika to independence from British colonial rule in 1961 and later united it with Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

His philosophy of Ujamaa, rooted in African socialism, aimed to foster equality, dignity and economic self-dependence through cooperation and shared responsibility.

Born in Butiama, Mara Region, Nyereres ideals transcended the bord...