President Museveni and Mama Maria Nyerere Discuss Canonization of Julius Nyerere

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recently met with Mama Maria Nyerere at State Lodge Nakasero to discuss her ongoing initiative to pray for the canonization of her late husband, Julius Nyerere, the former President of Tanzania.

During the meeting, President Museveni expressed his appreciation for Mama Maria's efforts, saying, *"Our mother Mama Maria Nyerere, you are most welcome. I’m very happy that you thought of this idea of praying through the Martyrs of Uganda to pray for the canonization of our father Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and it has brought us together."*

Why this matters: The canonization of Julius Nyerere has significant implications for African integration and unity, as it recognizes his contributions to the continent's development. This initiative could lead to increased cooperation and collaboration among African nations, promoting economic growth and stability.

He also highlighted the significance of the initiative in promoting African integration, noting, "Each year when you come, you see how many people who turn up from all parts of Africa and that was my vision. So, we who are still alive led by you, we are still pushing the vision in different ways. This is another way of looking at African integration."

Sr. Elidina Michael Ntandu, speaking on behalf of Mama Maria, expressed her appreciation towards President Museveni, stating, *"On behalf of the people of Tanzania, we thank God for giving us an opportunity to be here with our beloved father Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. "*

Mama Maria Nyerere has been a consistent presence at the Nyerere Beatification Prayer Day at Namugongo Catholic Shrine, held every June 1st ahead of the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3rd. This annual event gathers faithful from across Africa to pray for the beatification and eventual canonization of Julius Nyerere.

Julius Nyerere, who passed away on October 14, 1999, was declared a servant of God by Pope Benedict XVI on May 13, 2005, marking the first step towards his beatification and canonization. Since 2009, the faithful have held a Mass at Namugongo ahead of the Martyrs Day celebrations, with Mama Maria representing her family in these prayers.

The meeting between President Museveni and Mama Maria Nyerere highlights the shared vision of African integration and the continued efforts to honor Julius Nyerere's legacy through his potential canonization.

Key Takeaways

• President Museveni meets with Mama Maria Nyerere to discuss her initiative to pray for her late husband's canonization.
• Julius Nyerere's canonization could promote African integration and unity.
• Mama Maria has been praying for her husband's canonization at Namugongo Catholic Shrine since 2009.
• Julius Nyerere was declared a Servant of God in 2005, a step towards beatification and canonization.
• The meeting highlights the shared vision of African integration and honoring Julius Nyerere's legacy.