As a guild presidential candidate, Mutebile rocked the country.
Tumusiime-Mutebile was seen as "a Socialist and Pro-Obote," whereas Tumusiime-Mutebile was regarded as "a Socialist and Pro-Obote."
Elly Karuhanga, a well-known lawyer and businessman, has recounted his battle for the guild presidency of Makerere University in 1972 with dead Bank of Uganda governor Professor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile.
Karuhanga, who later founded Kampala Associated Advocates, one of Uganda’s largest law firms, claims the competition for Makerere University’s top student leader was so heated that it drew the attention of government officials.
“He, I, and others were running for Guild President,” he recalls. Our campaigns drew national and international attention. It was a two-student campaign that stunned, galvanized, and enthralled the nation. It was a campaign unlike any other at the time.
It was a horse racing between two riders. It enthralled the nation.”
The two student politicians from poor backgrounds were offered a variety of benefits. “Open roof automobiles in motorcades were offered to us to drive around the Campus and Kampala city,” he recalls.
President Idi Amin had just taken control after toppling Dr Milton Obote in 1971, and Uganda was on edge at the time of this prestigious race. “At that time, Amin had risen to power and banned political activity in the country except at Makerere University,” Karuhanga explained, “so it was understandable why Amin’s government was interested in the two opponents.”
“I was called a Monarchist/Capitalist pushing for the return of the Kabaka and the restoration of kingdoms, nearly from the outset,” Karuhanga says.
Tumusiime-Mutebile was seen as “a Socialist and Pro-Obote,” whereas Tumusiime-Mutebile was regarded as “a Socialist and Pro-Obote.”
Almost immediately, the election appeared to be a referendum on the emerging Amin government and the regime it had recently replaced, which had been leaning toward a socialist philosophy.
Karuhanga recalls how national events influenced how the race was run on a daily basis. “Amin ejected Asians on election day (August 4, 1972),” for example. All of my Asian capitalist allies deserted me. We were invited to participate in live presidential debates on television. We were on the front pages of Kenyan, Tanzanian, and Ugandan newspapers.”
A world eager to learn more about Uganda’s new president, Idi Amin, was watching for clues from the country’s most prestigious academic institution.
Karuhanga had gathered an army of talent to execute his campaign, many of whom would play key positions in East Africa’s governance. Professor Ali Mazurui, later foreign affairs minister Sam Kuteesa, future ministers Abu Mayanja and Tim Lwanga, and the future first black Anglican Archbishop Rt. Rev. & Rt. Hon. Baron John Sentamu were all part of Karuhanga’s campaign team.
Mutebile had no shortage of talent at his disposal for the race. Mutebile’s team included two future prime ministers, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda and Amama Mbabazi, who would become lifelong friends. Moses Sebunya, the future ambassador, was present, as was KAA lawyer Peter Kabatsi.
Many of the persons mentioned here will subsequently play crucial roles in the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) climb to power in January 1986, led by current President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Their participation in the fight “against lousy governance” began throughout their secondary and undergraduate years and continued into their working years in the 1970s and 1980s.
Mutebile won the guild election after a hard fought battle, with Peter Kabatsi set to be his deputy. “ETM narrowly won the race, and I conceded and swore to assist him,” Karuhanga explains.
“ETM could not continue his term, he had to escape the country because Amin was on a crazy spree,” Karuhanga says.
Many of the persons mentioned here will subsequently play crucial roles in the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) climb to power in January 1986, led by current President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Their participation in the fight “against lousy governance” began throughout their secondary and undergraduate years and continued into their working years in the 1970s and 1980s.
Mutebile won the guild election after a hard fought battle, with Peter Kabatsi set to be his deputy. “ETM narrowly won the race, and I conceded and swore to assist him,” Karuhanga explains.
“ETM could not continue his term, he had to escape the country because Amin was on a crazy spree,” Karuhanga says.
“An icon,” Karuhanga eulogizes Mutebile in words that would mean a lot to him. A companion. In my club, there is a dedicated Rotarian. Strong. Direct. Open. Friendliness and dignity are two words that come to mind when I think of you.
He possessed a strong sense of duty, honor, and integrity. When I was chairman of committees in parliament, we worked closely together. He was always great company and had a great sense of humor. He embodied what it meant to be a true patriot. My brother, I salute you in reverence.”
