The study assessed the public awareness on the role of Maji Maji war towards Tanzania’s independence struggles (1940s and 1950s) in Songea district, Ruvuma region. The study had the following specific objectives: to examine the people’s perceptions of Maji Maji war (1905-1907) in Songea district, to explore causes of Maji Maji war in Songea district, to determine the link between Maji Maji war and the later Tanzania’s political Nationalism, to explore Maji Maji war’s role to Tanzania’s independence struggles (1940s – 1950s) in Songea District and to identify effects of Maji Maji war (1905-1907) in Songea district. Data were gathered from 83 respondents composed of elders, Youths, former TANU members and former leaders and Maji Maji Memorial Museum staff. The study employed qualitative research approach whereby interview, questionnaire, documentary review and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were used as data collection methods. Findings revealed that Songea district is one of the areas which were affected politically economically and socially by Maji Maji war. A good number of people in the area are aware of the war’s role towards Tanzania’s independence struggles particularly in 1940s and 1950s. Majority of the people in the area perceive Maji Maji war as a liberation movement and expression of Africans’ rejection of German colonial domination. Results obtained from this study provide a clear picture of the public understanding and perception of Maji Maji war in Songea district. The results from this study generate new knowledge and help policy makers including other stakeholders in their planning and problem solving in dynamic issues.