Prof. Tumusiime-Mutebile, the icon of Institution building

As an off-spring of the Christian Revival of Kigezi, I start this tribute with the confession that since I heard of the passing away of Prof. E. T Mutebile, I have been complaining to God, wondering why, why, and why; because of late, key founders and promoters of Kabale University (KAB) are being plucked from our midst at a fast rate.  Just to mention but a few: we recently lost Dr. Joseph B. Byamugisha (First Chairperson of the University Council), Hon. Manzi Tumubweinee (Third Chairperson of the University Council), Eng. Ezekiel Balaba (First Chairperson of the Assembly of Promoters), Mr. Charles Byabakama (Second Chairperson of the Assembly of Promoters), Hon. Avitus Tibarimbasa (Chairperson of the Steering Committee which planned for the establishment of KAB), and Justice Amos Twinomujuni (Second Chairperson of the Board of Trustees).  Now comes the bombshell of losing the KAB Chief Fund Raiser!

The Governor, for that is his name (as opposed to title) within the Kigezi community, has left a legacy in many aspects of life in Uganda and beyond. Many have already and continue to articulate his contribution to the economy of Uganda.  However, my obligation, and privilege, is to enlighten the public, as I applaud him, about his ability and success in building institutions.  From this perspective, and without doubt, the late Prof. Mutebile occupies a special place in the founding and building of Kabale University.

When the Kigezi Development Association resolved to start a University, to be owned by the people of Kigezi, there was no clear source of funding.  Members contributed whatever they could. This was quickly spent on initial renovations of the premises inherited from Kabale District Local Government.  Professor Mutebile embarked on hosting a series of fund-raising drives to keep the University running.  More buildings were improved, and the first vehicle, a 14-seater van, to run errands was secured, among other purchases.

In 2005, there was a concerted effort to recruit a Vice Chancellor who might perhaps stay longer than the short spells my three predecessors had spent in Kabale over the short period of less than three years.  Consequently, Prof. Emmanuel Tumusime Mutebile, Dr Joseph Byamugisha, and Justice Prof. George W. Kanyeihamba persuaded me to have a go.  They promised to top up my salary  from their individual earnings.  It actually ended up by being the salary, rather than top up.  In order to make me move, Prof. Mutebile gave me a cheque to cover his six-month contribution – and off I went.  When the situation became tighter, he was able to fundraise for my salary for another eight months. He periodically sponsored me, from his own pocket, so that as Vice Chancellor, I could attend Kigezi gatherings, to market the University, particularly regarding the meetings of the International Community of Banyakigezi (ICOB) – in the USA, the UK, and Canada.  His Office and Home remained open to us, whenever we needed advice and other forms of assistance.  For example, when I needed to tap into the Presidential Science Fund for construction of a Science Lecture Hall Block, he not only made an opening for me to explain the need to the Secretary to the Treasury, but also surrendered his luxurious Governor’s Vehicle to me so that I could fit into the PS/ST’s schedule!  The trip was, of course, super comfortable, and it yielded dividends.

He was the KAB Chief Fund Raiser, not just because he was Governor of the Central Bank.  The underlying factor was his talent and character, which made him a unifying and respected leader for the people of Kigezi.  I recall one such occasion when two politicians who had sworn not to talk to each other found themselves simultaneously entering Prof. Mutebile’s home where the function was to take place.  They had no choice but greet each other, to the applause of the rest of us in the audience.   There are many varying interests amongst the people of Kigezi, many of them very divisive, but he managed to transcend these and earn the trust of the majority.

It is for his attributes that when the International Community of the Banyakigezi was ready to form the Ugandan Chapter, there was no other person appropriate for this position, but Prof. Mutebile.   Once the Chapter was established, and a Patron was required, no other name came forward.  I believe his role here will  be articulated elsewhere.   Here, I can only comment on the decisive manner in which he chaired these meetings, often not in a peaceful environment, but he was able to take command and sail through, and none would complain.

Prof. Mutebile was visionary, for how else could he have earned the title of the Architect of the Recovery of Uganda’s Economy?  In the case of Kabale University, he supported the idea of establishing what we call the Bank of Uganda Chair of Economics.  The Promoters submitted a formal request to BOU.  As a result, the Bank makes an annual contribution of UGX 50 Million for the promotion of the discipline of Economics – his speciality.  In these early stages, Kabale University was not the first port of call for many academicians.  It was not easy to recruit a Professor of Economics to occupy this Chair, as was required.  We could only persuade someone at the level of Senior Lecturer!  The Governor invited me to his Office and gave me a stern warning.  In his own words he stated, “I do not want to live a lie.  Either you get a Professor, or you forfeit this money”.   As fate would have it, our Guardian Angel directed the late Professor George Alibaruho, a renowned Economist of international repute, to Kabale!   We are thankful that the funding has continued to-date.

Prof. Mutebile has also cemented his leadership because of being a man of the people.  He relates to all, down to the level of those running Bufunda businesses.   Many times, I have interacted with youths who waylay him when he visits his home in Kabale or Bunyonyi.  Once they catch his eye, he has been able to talk with them and guide, advise, and many times give a hand.   There are some youth groups that I am associated with – as a mentor and I have in the past introduced some of them to the Governor.  In fact, I have, in my possession, proposals that such groups had requested me to pass on to him, because they argued, that although they know him, he may not be accessible to them by virtue of his job.

Prof. Mutebile’s achievements are underlined by a high level of generosity.  Every other mourner confirms this.  One time, I visited his home in Kololo on Sunday, when he opens his house to anyone who would want to see him.  Lunch is normally served.  In the process, he introduced a number of youths he had supported to complete their education, here and abroad.  I commended his generosity, but he was quick to explain that if he had not been helped by philanthropists in his earlier years, he would not be where he was.  It was a duty to reciprocate.  This is a big lesson for us Ugandans.

We have lost a pillar, and institution builder, a community mobiliser, a generous and cautious man of integrity – expressing all these through action, humour and song.

On behalf of Kabale University, and on my own behalf, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family, the people of Kigezi and Uganda, for this great loss.  We can only celebrate his excellent service to society, as we have a lot to emulate.  My deepest condolences go to Mrs Betty K. Mutebile, for fulfilling her vows.  She has constantly provided the support needed, and as a woman, I commend her most highly, and hope and pray that God will provide the strength for her to go through this very difficult time.

Fare thee well, Prof. E T Mutebile, the benefactor of many!

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

By Prof. Joy C Kwesiga
Vice-Chancellor