By Elly Karuhanga
Sad day. My brother Governor Mutebile has Rested.
Our paths crossed at Makerere when we vied for student leadership in probably the hottest election Makerere Guild has ever seen.
At that time, Amin had come to power and banned all political activities in the country except at Makerere University.
He, I and others were running for Guild President. Our Campaigns got the attention of the whole country and beyond.
We were offered Open roof cars in motorcades to drive around the Compass and Kampala city . It was a Campaign of two students that startled galvanized and thrilled the nation.
At the time,It was a campaign that it was. It was a two man horse race. It divided the country and It was alleged that he was he was a Socialist and Pro-Obote and I to be a Monarchist/Capitalist.
None of these were favored by Amin and on the day of elections he expelled Asians. I lost all my Capitalist Asian supporters.
We were hosted on TV in live Presidential Debates.
We were Front page Headlines of Kenya, Tanzania and Ugandan newspapers.
All the prominent people within and without Makerere were rooting for either of us.
My brothers Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda , Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, Peter Kabatsi HE Amb.Moses Sebunya were in his camp while on my side was Prof. Ali Mazurui,Sam Kutesa,Abu Mayanja, Hon. Tim Lwanga and Rt. Rev. & Rt. Hon. Baron Sentamu now in the UK House of Lords.
And many others.
He narrowly won the race and I Conceded and pledged to support him. My partner at Kampala Associated Advocates Peter Kabatsi was his Guild speaker.
He could not finish his term ,he had to flee the country because Amin was on mad rampage.
He returned back to Uganda after the fall of Amin and has served ever since.
He was responsible for arresting inflation which was at one point in triple digits and was one of the highest,if not the highest in the world.
He was a key mind in formulating our Liberal Economic Policy that has stabilized our Economy under the guidance and leadership of President Museveni.
He was the PS/ST and longest serving Governor of Bank Of Uganda. An icon. A friend. A dedicated Rotarian in my club. Strong. Direct. Open. Friendly and Dignified.
He exhibited a sense of Duty,Honor and Integrity.
He had a Great Sense of Humor and was always wonderful company.
He was a personification of a true patriot. I salute you in Reverence my brother and my comrade.
I have lost a brother. Uganda has lost an iconic son.
His wife Betty Kyakyo, his son and his family have lost a pillar.
A true leader of the Banyakigezi community has rested. A visionary has departed from the stage.
The curtain of his active life has closed.
He has played his part incredibly well. His memory will linger on forever.
Prof.Tumusiime Mutebile has ran the race and kept the faith.
He died serving his country.
Rest In Peace my Brother.
#Governor.
