Makerere University hosted the 3rd Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile Public Lecture, honouring the late former Bank of Uganda Governor for his exceptional contribution to the nation’s economic stability and visionary leadership.
Speakers highlighted Mutebile’s legacy as a disciplined strategist committed to long-term planning and fiscal prudence.
Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego described him as a “pillar of macroeconomic stability,” crediting Mutebile with steering Uganda’s economy through crises and championing financial inclusion.
“We are working tirelessly to safeguard the legacy he built because all he ever wanted was a stable, resilient economy. His commitment to strong fiscal and monetary governance continues to guide everything we do at the Bank of Uganda,” Atingi-Ego said.
Former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Mutebile Foundation, John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, urged African leaders to invest in human capital and empower young people across all sectors.
He stressed that Africa can only progress by equipping its youth with practical skills and trusting them with leadership roles.
“Our young people are an asset, but they are only useful when empowered. If Africa is to prosper, young people must be trusted, given opportunities, and allowed to lead,” Mbabazi said.
Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile (1949–2022) was a distinguished Ugandan economist and public servant who served as Governor of the Bank of Uganda from 2001 until his passing.
Renowned for his fiscal discipline, strategic vision, and commitment to economic stability, he played a central role in steering Uganda’s economy through periods of crisis, championing financial inclusion and sound monetary policies.
A principled technocrat, Mutebile was widely respected for his intellect, integrity, and dedication to long-term national development, leaving behind a legacy of macroeconomic resilience and prudent governance.
Retired Makerere University lecturer Prof. Francis Tusubira, delivering the keynote address, emphasized the urgency of integrating youth into leadership and innovation spaces.
He criticized the sidelining of young people, noting their familiarity with modern technology and global trends.
“Discrimination against young people must stop. When you shut them out, you kill the country’s ability to innovate. Young people must lead today, not be endlessly referred to as the leaders of tomorrow,” Prof. Tusubira said.
The lecture, themed “Shaping Africa’s Future: Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience and the Power of Innovation,” attracted senior government officials, economists, academics, and students.
Attendees reflected on Mutebile’s principled leadership, his courage, intellect, and unwavering commitment to sound economic management.
Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, who served as Makerere University Guild President in 1971, was remembered as a technocrat whose policy decisions anchored Uganda’s fiscal stability for decades.
Speakers highlighted his role in defending and strengthening economic policies, stabilizing macroeconomic conditions, and laying strong foundations for fiscal discipline.