By Evaline Alum
International University of East Africa chancellor, Professor Tumusiime Mutebile, the governor of the Bank of Uganda, died in Nairobi on 23rd January 2022.
Professor Tumusiime was the founding chancellor of IUEA since its establishment in 2010.
“Prof Mutebile made a significant contribution to the growth of IUEA as chancellor. He was an ardent supporter, defender, and advisor. IUEA stretched from strength to strength throughout his reign,” one of the University administrators noted.
From a minor university to one of Uganda’s most prestigious private universities. He was a source of inspiration for everyone.
He was frequently seen at IUEA graduation ceremonies, board of directors’ meetings, and product launches.
On the 4th of August 2017, he took the responsibility to unveil the plaque of IUEA Engineering laboratories. On the 10th of December 2015, during IUEA’s 1st Graduation, he took the sole authority to confer upon the graduating students of the class of 2015.
When his health began to deteriorate, Ambassador Moses Kiwe Sebunya, Chairperson of the University Council, started to step in for him at some of the most recent Graduation ceremonies, one of which was the 8th Graduation Ceremony in November 2021.
The late aged governor collapsed on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2021, owing to diabetes issues, and was rushed to a Nairobi hospital where he fought for life until his last breath. Family members confirmed that he died at the dawn of Sunday, 23rd January 2022
According to the Bank of Uganda, Mutebile has so far been the longest serving central bank governor of Uganda since his first appointment on January 1, 2001.
On top of being the IUEA Chancellor, he was also an Honorary Professor of Makerere University, an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy of Nkumba University, a Companion of the Commonwealth Partnership for Technology Management (CPTM), and a Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) of Bishop Stuart University.
Professor Mutebile had a range of duties on his table, each of which has greatly steered the growth of Uganda’s economy, institutions, companies and individuals.
Born January 27, 1949, Mutebile passed away at the age of 72, four days to his birthday.