15th Anniversary Of Our Hero Major General JOHN BUTLER WALDEN Death (BLACK MAMBA)

As the country commemorates the fallen heroes of the nation since Independence on July 25, one of the most charismatic characters of the nation's legends unspoken comes to life in this piece with a concise political history of the country's milestones; Major General John Butler Walden
Tanzania is one of the most celebrated nations of peace on the continent with a record of national unity and peace that has been hailed since independence in 1961, that was transformed through diplomatic relations with the British Colonialists. Home to a multi-ethnic base of indigenous cultures mixed with foreign ancestry from various colonial powers through what was once a significant and strategic trade area on the African continent. In today's world that is consumed by political instability and subsequent wars in many African countries, some recently, others throughout history since liberalism, The United Republic of Tanzania has been endowed with Peace as on the most significant instrument of National pride, unity, stability and development that has been inscribed in the deepest roots of the nation's foundations and identity.
With an identity characterized by peace, Tanzania has arguably one of the best covert armies in Africa. Few have risen to the highest ranks of this mighty army. Since the nation gained its independence in 1961, countless soldiers have srved the nation to the rights of freedom and independence for Tanzania but most importantly for other African countries. Many legendary soldiers have perished in silence throughout history in what is one of the most secretive armies in Africa. The concept of freedom has laid the ultimate price in Africa, which has been a continent of struggle from the earliest times of colonialism, and through ashes most have risen, some have been poisoned by countless civil wars and instability.  Unless young people understand the sacrifices some have made for the nation, they will take the freedom they enjoy for granted. The late Major General John Butler Walden aka the “Black Mamba”, provides us with an example of a brilliant soldier who gave his all to the nation and served it with distinction.

An unexpected event which occured at the beginning of the second decade was the arm coup which took place in the neighbouring Uganda in January 1971, which spurred the greatest negative impact on the country's economy at the opportunity cost of the 1975/1980 national development plan. Despite this, there was also a positive impact in terms of policy making by the ruling party through the adoption of the "1971 TANU Guidelines"  whose main purpose was the introduction of a civil defense mechanism popularly known locally as "mgambo" meaning militia.  This was to provide an ethical principle towards the movement of freedom in the East African region as described by the the First President then, Mwalimu J.K. Nyerere:
"Any action which empowers the people to make their own decisions is a progressive action, even if it does not give them better health or more food. But any action which denies power of the people to decide for themselves, is retrogressive"
Walden served the army in different capacities during the late 1960s. He was at one point head of the JKT camp in Mafinga, Iringa. He was then a major in the army. Walden was one of the armies’ best marksmen. Walden was known to hit a target accurately from a distance using various weapons. In one instance in Mafinga, he aimed and shot used cartridges placed at a distance without missing a single target. Few soldiers in the Tanzanian army could surpass him in target shooting. Tanganyika Rifles was a young army. Walden was among a handful of highly trained officers who attended prestigious military academies in UK by 1963. Sarakikya, Kashmiri, and Nkwera were among the Commissioned officers who attended the prestigious Sandhurst. Others would join Sandhurst subsequent years, including Kombe and Kiwelu. Walden was among small group of Commissioned officers who attended Mons; others include, Mahiti, Marwa, and Mboma.
TPDF pushed Ugandan soldiers out of Tanzania. Walden was given the task of taking over Minziro along a sugar plantation during the early operations. Walden, then Brigadier General, led a battalion that was one of the first to enter Ugandan territory. Walden and other military planners came up with a brilliant plan for taking the important city of Masaka, Uganda. From Minziro, where Walden and his soldiers camped, there were two roads to Masaka. The main road was too dangerous as Ugandan forces were waiting with tanks. Another road was through a narrow footpath and swamps on the edge of the lake. The enemy did not expect Tanzanian soldiers to take this route. Uganda soldiers would be caught with their pants down.
Apart from Military prowess, Walden's tactics where a measure of ingenuity in political and psychological warfare, At one point Walden broadcasted on the radio assessing the preparedness of the Cuban, Israelis, Americans, and Mozambican soldiers; it was all made up. The whole broadcast was done with the understanding that Ugandan soldiers monitoring radio waves would hear the conversation. The ploy worked; Uganda soldiers were struck with fear at the thought Cubans, Americans and Israelis fighting against them. Amin wrote to the OAU and UN to complain about foreign interference in the conflict. Idi Amin’s rush to judgment made him look like a fool in the international community while broadcast caused Ugandan soldiers to be filled with fear. Walden’s psychological operation worked, but it caused some consternation with the political leadership.

The 207th Brigade under the command of Major General Walden spent three nights moving in snake and crocodile infested swamps, with parts of their bodies under water. All the soldiers painted their faces black and moved quietly towards enemy lines. Walden was given the nick named “Black Mamba". He led his soldiers fearlessly through crocodile and snake infested waters, shooting them with his pistol when they got close to him.
The Ugandans fought hard at Masaka. Idi Amin sent Lt. Col Abdu Kisuule to lead the fight against Tanzanian soldiers at Masaka. About one thousand Libyan soldiers joined Ugandans to defend Masaka. The Libyans were equipped with heavy guns. Walden and his soldiers fought heroically and helped take over Masaka. Kisuule would later say that their defeat at Masaka was final blow for the Ugandan army. He stated that [Masaka] is were “we lost the war.” Walden played an important role in the victory at Masaka, and hence, overall victory for Tanzania. Walden led his soldiers by example and they learned to love and respect him and became a symbol of strength for the country and the fight for freedom.
Tanzania's role in the liberation of other african countries was significant through the nation's strong will and culture of Pan-africanism under it's leadership of Mwalimu J.K. Nyerere, Father of the Nation. Walden served the nation well during the period of the struggle for liberation in southern Africa. By the end of 1970s, Tanzania People’s Defense Forces (TPDF) had fought in various places, including Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Angola. Walden served in Mozambique as a military attaché shortly after that nation won its independence. TPDF gained valuable experience during period of intense liberation wars in southern Africa. The skills gained would be put to use in 1978-1979 war between Tanzania and Uganda.
However due to precedent colonialism racial ties had its take on silencing the unsung hero. Walden faced many challenges in the army. There were some suspicions about his loyalty because his father was white. The question of loyalty would creep from time to time during his carrier as a soldier. Part of the early suspicions were due to the fact that his father had been a British colonial official who was at times not supportive of the struggle for independence. S.A. Walden was, for example, hostile towards the UN mission when they visited Mwanza in 1957. The father’s attitude partly became the source of suspicion towards John Walden. Nyerere spoke to Walden at one point; he made no secret of his reservation about John’s loyalty. Nyerere informed the young soldier that he would have to work hard and earn his position in the new army. Walden was not discouraged. The young warrior gave his all in every task placed on his hands. It was his exceptional intelligence, dedication to his profession, and ultimately loyalty to his country that set him apart.
Under the Arusha Manifesto, Tanzania's wildlife was to become a beacon of preservation and treasure on of the country's most prized assets. Tanzania's immense and extraordinary wildlife reserves was at the epicenter of an ecoquake of intense ivory poaching, a problem that still exists to today.
Major General John Butler Walden - aka the Black Mamba, and just as lethal as the celebrated snake, according to the poachers - was the elephants' saviour, and the poachers' nemesis. Nor had he earned his monicker lightly. Walden once again came to the forefront of the public eyes in the end of the 1980s. He was given the task of eliminating game poachers in 1989. The operation came at a crucial time when poachers were wiping out elephants. Walden led an operation codenamed “Operations Uhai". This served as the country's last successful national strategic operation against curbing nationwide poaching. It was not uncommon to see Walden walking in the bush with his Colt 45 strapped to his waist during.The unit he commanded flushed out poachers and the elephant population started increasing once again. It was one of the last military operations for the proud warrior.
Major General John Butler Walden, The legendary Black Mamba,will be remembered for his bravery, brilliancy, and service to his nation.