The Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Hamad Yussuf Masauni, has described the late Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume as a visionary leader whose policies laid a strong foundation for the Union of Tanzania and advanced social justice for ordinary citizens in the aftermath of colonial rule.
Speaking during a conference held in Dar es Salaam on April 6, 2026 to commemorate Karume’s life and contribution to the nation, Masauni said the late leader played a pivotal role in shaping the early years of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar following the Zanzibar Revolution of 1964.
He said Karume served as the First Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania and President of Zanzibar between 1964 and 1972 during the presidency of Julius Kambarage Nyerere, a period marked by both political uncertainty and determined efforts to build strong national institutions.
According to Masauni, Karume’s administration moved quickly to address the economic and social inequalities that had existed under colonial rule and the former Sultanate government in Zanzibar.
One of the major initiatives undertaken by his government was the distribution of free land to citizens in need of residential and farming areas.
On November 11, 1965, Karume launched the land distribution programme in Dole village, and by the time of his death in 1972 more than 24,000 acres had been allocated to citizens across Unguja and Pemba.
Masauni noted that Karume also introduced a policy of free education for all in September 1964, aimed at reversing decades of limited access to schooling for Africans under colonial administration.
As a result, African student enrolment in secondary schools increased sharply from 11.7 percent before the revolution to 66.1 percent within two years.
In the health sector, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar introduced universal free medical services and nationalised private hospitals to ensure equal access to healthcare.
At the time of the revolution, Zanzibar had only 32 health facilities, but the number rose to 112 within three decades, significantly improving public health services and life expectancy.
Housing development was another key pillar of Karume’s reforms. The government initiated the construction of modern residential estates for low-income citizens in areas such as Kikwajuni, Michenzani, Kilimani, Gamba and Makunduchi in Unguja, as well as Machomanne, Wete, Micheweni and Mkoani in Pemba.
The government also took steps to eliminate symbols of slavery and social humiliation that had persisted in Zanzibar.
Human-pulled passenger carts, which had previously been used to transport Europeans, Arabs and Asians, were banned, while pawn businesses dealing in jewellery and valuables were also prohibited due to their association with widespread poverty.
Karume’s administration further introduced a monthly subsistence allowance of 50 shillings for elderly citizens, alongside free healthcare, housing and land support.
Masauni said the late leader also focused on strengthening economic institutions by establishing key financial organisations that continue to operate today.
These include the People’s Bank of Zanzibar, established in 1966 to support individuals and businesses, and the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, founded in 1969 to provide insurance services for citizens, companies and public institutions.
He noted that Karume’s political legacy is also closely tied to the formation and survival of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Masauni said Karume demonstrated rare leadership by accepting the position of First Vice President within the Union government despite being the head of Zanzibar, reflecting his commitment to the broader vision of African unity.
Beyond governance, Karume maintained a close connection with ordinary citizens and frequently interacted with communities to hear their concerns and views on national development.
During his eight-year leadership, he also established a tradition of publicly presenting the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar’s revenue and expenditure reports to citizens through public meetings, a practice that strengthened transparency and accountability.
Karume also oversaw the amendment of the 1965 Interim Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which formally outlined the structure of the two-government system under the Union Agreement.
His administration also launched several major infrastructure and modernisation projects that positioned Zanzibar as one of the most progressive territories in East and Central Africa at the time. Among them was the establishment of the region’s first colour television station in 1972 and the construction of Amaan Stadium in Unguja in 1970.
Masauni added that Karume also supported the development of sports in Tanzania by contributing to the construction of the headquarters building of Young Africans S.C. and assisting in the development of the Sunderland club building in Dar es Salaam, which was later renamed Simba S.C..
He said the leadership of Karume and other founders of the Union continues to guide the country today under the stewardship of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi.
Masauni said commemorating Karume provides an opportunity for Tanzanians to reflect on the country’s history, appreciate the sacrifices of its founding leaders and renew their commitment to strengthening national unity and development.
