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 the Makerere Guild has ever seen. At that time, Amin had come to power and banned political activities in the country except @Makerere. 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 Campus and Kampala city . It was a Campaign of two students that startled, galvanized and thrilled the nation. At the time,It was a campaign like none other. It was a two man horse race. It excited the country. He was branded a Socialist and Pro-Obote and I was branded a Monarchist/Capitalist agitating for the return of the Kabaka and the restoration of kingdoms.
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 style Debates. We were Front page Headlines in the Kenya, Tanzania and Ugandan newspapers.
All the prominent people within and without Makerere were rooting for either of us. My brothers @RuhakanaR, @AmamaMbabazi, @KabatsiPeter, Amb.Moses Sebunya were in his camp while on my side was Prof. Ali Mazurui, Hon Sam Kuteesa, Hon. Abu Mayanja ,Hon. Tim Lwanga and Rt. Rev. & Rt. Hon. Baron Sentamu @JohnSentamu now in the UK House of Lords. And many others. ETM narrowly won the race and I conceded and pledged to support him. My partner in @KAAdvocates Peter Kabatsi was his Guild speaker.ETM 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 @KagutaMuseveni. He was the PS/ST and longest serving Governor of @BOU_official. An icon. A friend. A dedicated Rotarian in my club. Strong. Direct. Open. Friendly and Dignified. He exhibited a sense of Duty,Honor & Integrity. We worked closely together when I was chairman of committees in parliament.He had a Great Sense of Humor and was always wonderful company.He was the 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.Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile has ran the race and kept the faith. He has fallen proudly serving his country. What a man ! Rest In Peace my Brother.
The writer is the founding partner KAA ,Consul General Seychelles, Chairman Private Sector, Dfcu Group, BAT, UCMP, Minet Ltd, Marasa etc.
