Locals and leaders in the Kigezi region are mourning Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile , the Governor of the Bank of Uganda.
Mutebile died in the wee hours of Sunday at Nairobi Hospital where he has been admitted since December 31, 2021. He had been in and out of the hospital in recent years mainly in Uganda and India, with sources at the bank pointing to diabetic-related sicknesses, which have led to failing kidneys recently.
Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, a seasoned professional economist has served as Governor and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Uganda since 2001. He had just started a new term of office for which he was reappointed in 2021.
In Kigezi where he hails from, his death has come as a shock to elders, area leaders and residents. A big loss, they say has befallen them with the demise of one of their own, a gallant economist who put Kigezi on the World Map through his exemplary work and whose hand has not only touched but also lifted many other children from the area.
Rwakatojo Village chairman Sanvura Samson says that Tumusiime will be remembered for supporting schools in Kigezi, pointing out Kijuguta Government Primary School in Kabale Municipality.
Francis Musinguzi, the late Tumusiime’s neighbour and the Chief warden of St James Church of Uganda parish in the Diocese of Kigezi commended Mutebile for his support to Church activities.
John Bosco Ndyomugabe, the Executive Director of Little Angels Aid Ministries, a non-government organization operating in the Kigezi sub-region says that Mutebile was generous towards the needy, and in recent years, he helped to clear a USD 18,000 donation towards boosting education and health standards in Kigezi. The donation had been blocked by the government over suspicion that its funding subversive activities.
Saul Niwagaba Kagyema alias Magyaani, one of the renowned golfers in the Kigezi region says that Mutebilewill is missed for his love for games and sports, for the establishment of Kabale Golf Club and the establishment of a currency centre in Kabale District.
Kisoro District Chairman Abel Bizimana says that despite owning a lot of wealth, Mutebile was a down-to-earth person and one who was extremely humble and politically proud of his roots.
Kabale district Chairman Nelson Nshangabasheija says Mutebile always offered his time and support in terms of business consultancy to local leaders in Kigezi who sought advice on how to establish self-help projects.
State Minister for Trade, Industries and Cooperatives David Bahati says that the late Mutebile is commended for successfully regulating Uganda’s economy and fighting inflation; stabilising the Uganda shillings against major foreign currencies.
At his ancestral home in Rwakatojo village in Kijuguta ward, Kabale municipality security personnel are limiting access to the home ‘until further notice.’ At the home, casual labourers are trimming the fence, and cleaning the compound in preparation for his send-off.
