REMEMBERING THE LATE Dr. WILBERD CHAGULA: THE FIRST INDIGENOUS PRINCIPAL OF THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF DSM

By MZEE WA ATIKALI  ✍️✍️✍️


1. Introduction

The late Dr. WILBERD KUMALIJA CHAGULA was one of the most distinguished, most prominent and highly respected citizens of this country who trained in Medical Science and served as an Academician, a Member of Parliament, a Minister  and, eventually a Diplomat before he breathed his last.

2. Birth  Date & Place

The late Dr. CHAGULA was born on 3.2.1926 at Mondo Isulilo, Shinyanga, where his father was a prosperous farmer.

3. Dr. CHAGULA's Education

3.1 Primary Education

Dr. CHAGULA was a gifted student who was educated at Ibadakuli primary school.

3.2 Secondary Education

Dr. CHAGULA then joined Tabora Boys Government Secondary school, which has produced a high proportion of Tanzania's Cabinet ministers.

3.3 University Education

Dr. CHAGULA joined the prestigious Makerere university in 1945, graduating, in 1951, with an LMS (East Africa) degree.

4. Dr. CHAGULA Undergoes Internship

Having completed the Licentiateship in medicine at the age of 25, Dr. CHAGULA returned to Tanganyika as an Intern at the Sewa Haji hospital, Dsm where he underwent  a  mandatory internship program for one year, gaining his final qualifications to practice medicine.

5. Dr. CHAGULA Becomes a Lecturer at Makerere

As he had passed his exams with flying colours at Makerere university, Dr. CHAGULA, in 1953, returned to Makerere university college of Medical school, initially as a Tutorial Assistant and later as a full member of the academic staff, remaining there for 8 years.

However, much of that time was spent abroad studying at King's college , Cambridge UK, at West Indies, Kingston Jamaica and Yale University school of Medicine, USA.

6. Dr. CHAGULA Returns  to Tanganyika

The establishment of the University college, Dsm soon after independence drew Dr. CHAGULA back to his native country. It was a step that was to change the direction of his career forever. Although his short academic career in medicine had been full of promise, it was after this critical move that he was to record his major achievements.

7. Dr. CHAGULA Appointed Vice Principal

Dr. CHAGULA was appointed as the Vice Principal and Registrar of the then University College, Dsm in 1963.

8. Dr. CHAGULA Appointed the First Indigenous Principal

In 1965, Mwalimu NYERERE appointed Dr. CHAGULA as the first Indigenous Principal of the University college, Dsm.

9. Dr. CHAGULA Makes Unique Contribution

Dr. CHAGULA guided the College through the important growth phase that led to its emergence as the independent university of Dsm, when the College umbrella institution, the university of East Africa , was dissolved in 1970.

Dr. CHAGULA applied his strong scientific background to the wider range of activities. He was, at that time, without question, the most senior   Tanzanian scientist.

Frequently, Dr CHAGULA was called upon by the Govt to represent TZ at international conferences. The opportunity to discuss various topics with some of the world's greatest thinkers was an invaluable experience for Dr. CHAGULA.

10. Dr. CHAGULA Nominated as MP

On 10.11.1970, Mwalimu nominated 10 Tanzanians, including Dr. CHAGULA, as national MPs.

12. Dr. CHAGULA Appointed Minister for Water

After the General Elections in 1970, one of the significant Ministerial line-ups was the creation of a new ministry of Water. Dr CHAGULA was taken from the academics to head the new Ministry. Until then, the Water docket had been under different ministries.

13. Dr. CHAGULA Appointed Minister for Economic Affairs

In 1972, Dr. CHAGULA was moved to the higher profile position of Minister for Economic Affairs.

He frequently represented the Govt at international meetings, becoming very familiar with the UN & its specialised agencies, always looking for ways that TZ could derive benefit from its activities.

14. Dr. CHAGULA Appointed Ambassador

Following the demise of the East African Community in 1977, Dr. CHAGULA moved to Switzerland, in 1978, as TZ's first Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva.

In 1986, Dr. CHAGULA was transferred, by H.E President ALI HASSAN MWINYI, to the post of Ambassador to the UN HQs in NY, US, his last career posting prior to his retirement in 1989.

15. The University Library renamed after Dr. CHAGULA

The University of Dar es Salaam Library has been renamed after Dr. CHAGULA, in recognition of his vision, ambition and leadership. This was an absolute honour by the said University.

16. Dr. CHAGULA awarded many Awards & Medals

In recognition of his distinguished service to his country and the world at large, Dr. CHAGULA, during  his life time, was awarded various awards internationally and nationally.

By MZEE WA ATIKALI  ✍️✍️✍️

April 6, 2020