The life of Ambassador Dr Nicholas Kuhanga has come to an end at the age of 93. He was buried on September 23, 2026, at his home in Bunju Kilungule, Dar es Salaam. Dr Kuhanga had a distinguished public service career, holding several senior positions, including Vice Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Minister of Education, and Tanzania's Ambassador to Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Dr Kuhanga served as Vice Chancellor of UDSM from 1980 to 1988, a period marked by student strikes and challenges facing the university. Despite these, the university continued to operate without closure due to student unrest. His leadership qualities, including patience and the ability to listen, played a significant role in resolving disputes. Prof Bonaventura Rutinwa, a UDSM student during Dr Kuhanga's tenure, attributed the peaceful resolution of conflicts to Dr Kuhanga's leadership style.
Prof Rutinwa cited an incident in 1986 when students convened an Extended Baraza and announced a strike. Instead of using force, Dr Kuhanga listened to their grievances and facilitated a meeting with the government. The students' concerns were heard by then Permanent Secretary in the President's Office, Planning and Personnel, Mr Bernard Mulokozi, and later by then Chief Secretary, Ambassador Paul Rupia, at State House.
This incident demonstrated Dr Kuhanga's approach to conflict resolution, which emphasized dialogue over force or authority. He viewed student grievances as problems requiring collaborative solutions rather than confrontations between the administration and students. Prof Rutinwa noted that Dr Kuhanga's legacy offers a valuable lesson to today's leaders on the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes.
Prof Rutinwa emphasized that leaders should be willing to listen to those they lead and avoid resorting to force or security agencies where dialogue can help resolve differences. Both parties involved in conflicts should be ready to listen and come to the negotiating table. Dr Kuhanga's experience showed that conflicts can be addressed through dialogue and discussion.
During the funeral service, parish priest of Mount Carmel Parish in Bunju, Father Dominic Maria Somola, urged mourners to honor Dr Kuhanga's life by continuing his good work. He highlighted Dr Kuhanga's contribution to education and suggested that his memory could be preserved through investment in education, such as building a classroom or naming it after him.
Dr Kuhanga's legacy serves as a reminder of the power of patience, listening, and dialogue in resolving conflicts. His contributions to education and his role in UDSM's history will be remembered for years to come.
Key points
- Dr Kuhanga's leadership style emphasized dialogue and patience in resolving conflicts.
- His experience at UDSM offers a valuable lesson to today's leaders on the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes.
- Dr Kuhanga's legacy can be honored through investment in education.
