# Julius Nyerere

_Tanzanian politician and writer, first Prime Minister and President of Tanzania (1922–1999)_

Canonical: https://diginpl.com/people/julius-nyerere
Last updated: 2026-11-01

> Julius Kambarage Nyerere was a Tanzanian politician, anti-colonial activist, revolutionary and political theorist. He governed Tanganyika as prime minister from 1961 to 1962 and then as president from 1962 to 1964, after which he led its successor state, Tanzania, as president from 1964 to 1985. He was a founding member and chair of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) party and of its successor, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, from 1954 to 1990. Ideologically an African nationalist and African socialist, he promoted a political philosophy known as Ujamaa.

## Quick facts

- **Born:** 13 April 1922 ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186525#P569))
- **Place of birth:** Butiama ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186525#P19))
- **Died:** 14 October 1999 ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186525#P570))
- **Place of death:** London ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186525#P20))
- **Citizenship:** Tanzania ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186525#P27))
- **Occupation:** linguist; politician; translator; writer; educator; teacher ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186525#P106))
- **Political party:** Party of the Revolution (1977–1999); Tanganyika African National Union (1954–1977) ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186525#P102))
- **Education:** Makerere University; University of Edinburgh; University of Fort Hare ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186525#P69))
- **Spouse:** Maria Nyerere ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186525#P26))
- **Positions held:** chairperson of the Organisation of African Unity (12 November 1984 – 18 July 1985); President of Tanzania (29 October 1964 – 5 November 1985); President of Tanganyika (9 December 1962 – 26 April 1964); Prime Minister of Tanganyika (1 May 1961 – 22 January 1962); Prime Minister of Tanganyika (2 September 1960 – 1 May 1961); president ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186525#P39))
- **Awards:** Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding; Order of José Martí; Nansen Refugee Award; Lenin Peace Prize; Gandhi Peace Prize; International Simón Bolívar Prize; Royal Order of the Seraphim; Order of the Elephant; Order of Jamaica; Order of the Welwitschia; Order of Agostinho Neto; Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo; Grand Cross of the Order of the Aztec Eagle; Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose of Finland; Honorary doctor of the University of Ottawa ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186525#P166))

## Questions

**When was Julius Nyerere born?**  
Julius Nyerere was born on 13 April 1922 in Butiama.

**What positions has Julius Nyerere held?**  
Positions held by Julius Nyerere include: chairperson of the Organisation of African Unity (1984–1985); President of Tanzania (1964–1985); President of Tanganyika (1962–1964); Prime Minister of Tanganyika (1961–1962); Prime Minister of Tanganyika (1960–1961).

**Where did Julius Nyerere study?**  
Julius Nyerere was educated at Makerere University, University of Edinburgh, University of Fort Hare.

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## Sources

- [Wikipedia (English): Julius Nyerere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Nyerere) — [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
- [Wikidata item Q186525](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q186525) — [CC0 1.0](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
- [Image: President Nyerere van Tanzania, koppen, Bestanddeelnr 928-2879 (cropped).jpg by Rob Mieremet / Anefo (CC0)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:President_Nyerere_van_Tanzania,_koppen,_Bestanddeelnr_928-2879_(cropped).jpg)

## Licence and attribution

Text from the Wikipedia article Julius Nyerere, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page's text is shared under the same licence. Facts from Wikidata (CC0). Image: President Nyerere van Tanzania, koppen, Bestanddeelnr 928-2879 (cropped).jpg — Rob Mieremet / Anefo, CC0.

## Cite this page

"Julius Nyerere". DigiNepal. Last updated 1 November 2026. https://diginpl.com/people/julius-nyerere. Retrieved 5 November 2026.