The late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebil
MPs have approved an amendment to the motion mourning fallen Central Bank Governor, Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, urging Government to construct a house for the family of the great economist.
MPs say this will save the family from the pending eviction from the Governor’s home in Kololo.
The decision followed a move by Solomon Silwany (Bukhooli Central) who sought to amend the motion brought by Government to pay tribute to the former Governor and include a clause urging Government to construct a house for the family of Mutebile that would be managed by his widow Betty Mutebile.
Silwany said that Mutebile served Uganda diligently without any sense of corruption and it is only appropriate that Government awards Ugandans who have served the country with dignity a befitting send off and settlement for the family.
“It is known knowledge that Professor Mutebile was a very honest man and the fact that he was governor for Bank of Uganda for a very long time, the family may not have where to go. But these days, if people are in such positions, they amass a lot of wealth which this gentleman wouldn’t do. It would only be good if this Parliament supports the family to get a befitting home,” said Silwany.
Deputy Speaker Anita Among backed the proposal informing Parliament that during the vigil at Mutebile’s home in Kololo, his widow expressed fears on where the family would relocate after the new Governor of Bank of Uganda is named and thus takes over the official residence.
“Whatever you are doing here, people are watching how insensitive you can be. What the widow talked all of us know Mutebile was corruption free and the widow said that when the Professor contract was ending, he asked the husband, where are we going and he said, God will provide and now you are becoming the God to provide,” Deputy Speaker said.
Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja asked Parliament for time to go make wide consultations with cabinet before a decision is reached on the amended proposal to construct a home for the late Governor’s family.
“I have taken note of the concern of members and all of us know that when you leave this world sometimes, you may leave some gaps. I request that you allow me go and inform Government and consult widely. We shall come and inform you of the action taken,” said Nabbanja.
When the Committee of Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises investigated salaries of civil servants, it emerged that the Governor Central Bank was the highest paid civil servant, walking home with Shs57M monthly in salary. The Governor is also entitled to a house, a vehicle with a driver, alongside house help paid by Bank of Uganda.
Parliament’s tribute comes on the day Mutebile would have made 73years of age, having been born on 27th January 1949 in Kabale district. He ascended to the throne as Central Bank Governor in 2001 a position he held until his death on 23rd January 2022 in Nairobi Hospital after succumbing to diabetes and other complications.
Deputy Speaker while paying tribute to Mutebile thanked God for blessing Uganda with a patriot who championed the socio-economic transformation of the country.
“As a Governor Bank of Uganda, he served with distinction, corrupt free with integrity. This nation will dearly miss Mutebile. I wish we could have more of the Mutebiles in this country,” said Among.
Nabbanja decribed Mutebile as a versatile economist who lived out his fully potential and thanked Mutebile for restoring Uganda’s economic standing hence attracting investing and improving household income.
Mathias Mpuuga, Leader of Opposition described Mutebile as a leading pillar of Uganda, and a right man with right credentials and helped cushion economy from state of near collapse to one where our people nearly survive on life.
Mpuuga cited three scenarios when Mutebile courageously disagreed with President Museveni like in 2011 where he objected to Museveni’s move to spend US$740M for the purchase of fighter jets which led to the rundown of stock of our foreign reserve which decision explains the continued recapilisation of Central Bank.
The Opposition however argue that Mutebile has left Uganda chocking on debt that is currently to a tune of Shs73.7Trn, about 50% households are still in non money economy.
During the special sitting, the Kigezi gang showed their support to their former Big Boy member and leading this gesture was former Premier Ruhakana Rugunda, John Patrick Mbabazi who owned defunct National Bank of Commerce and only former Supreme Court Justice George Kanyehamba was absent.
The other big boys included former Presidential candidate Olara Otunu, former Minister of Works and ICT, John Nasasira, Elly Karuhanga, Amanya Mushega, Prof Mwondo Kagonyera, Ezra Suruma.
Other members in the gallery to take part of the special sitting included; Makerere University Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe, women rights activist Maria Matembe, Prof Augstus Niwagaba, business man Charles Mbire and former Vice President Edward Ssekandi put the final icing on the cake of big boys by gracing Mutebile’s special sitting.
Mutebile’s family was led by his widow Betty Mutebile, Duncan Tumusiime, David Mutebile, Alice Mutebile, Timothy Sabiti (brother), Irene Sabiti (sister) in law among others.
Deputy Governor, Bank of Uganda, the man that has been left to shoulder Mutebile’s duties at Bank of Uganda led the Staff of Bank of Uganda Alongside Daudi Murungi, Okello Personal Assistant, Charles Mugisa Chief Accountant, Jacob Opolot Economic Advisor to Governor.
The Banking community was represented by Uganda Bankers Association with top bankers Mathias Katamba Executive Director DFCU Bank, Ann Juuko Chief Executive Officer Stanbic Bank Uganda and, Wilbrod Owor Executive Director Uganda Bankers Association.
But surely if the Governor was getting a good salary and was well looked after including medical, food,clothes he does not need anything else.