DODOMA: NATIONAL unity, military discipline and the leadership of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere were the decisive forces be – hind Tanzania’s victory in the 1978-79 Kagera War, veterans who fought on the frontline said on National Heroes Day. Speaking in separate interviews with the ‘Daily News’ during the National Heroes Day commemorations on Saturday in Dodoma, retired Brigadier General Wilfred Kabunda and retired Brigadier General Mary Hiki said the country’s triumph over the invading forces of former Ugandan leader Idi Amin was made possible by patriotism, collective sacrifice and a disciplined military. Brig Gen (rtd) Kabunda, who served in the elite commando unit during the war, said rigorous military training prepared soldiers for the difficult mission ahead.
“When we went to war, Brigade 208 had already completed brigade-level military exercises. That collective training gave us confidence and strengthened our ability to fight as one force,” he recalled. He said the training was quickly put to the test after President Nyerere declared war following the occupation of part of the Kagera Region by Idi Amin’s forces, he was stationed in Zanzibar when orders came for his deployment.
ALSO READ: VP Nchimbi backs OACPS reforms “An aircraft was dis – patched to collect us from Zanzibar and we flew straight to Kagera,” he said. Upon arrival, he reported to Brigade Headquarters under then General Tumainieli Kiwelu at Nyakibimbili, where troops were being mobilised for the counter-offensive. Brig Gen (rtd) Kabunda recalled that after Idi Amin’s forces destroyed the Kagera bridge in an attempt to cut communication with the oc – cupied area, commandos were ordered to cross the Kagera River and gather intelligence before the attack.
“Our commander ordered us to cross the Kagera River, gather intelligence on the en – emy’s positions, strength and activities before launching the counter-offensive,” he said. With military engineers yet to arrive, the commandos crossed the river using civilian canoes, leaving one soldier be – hind with each canoe operator while reconnaissance teams in – filtrated enemy positions. “We carried out the mis – sion successfully.
Once the information was gathered, ar – tillery units opened fire and commandos launched the as – sault. The enemy retreated all the way to Mutukula,” he said. Brig Gen (rtd) Kabunda said the successful operation…
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