Summary of Life
Professor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile was a respected Ugandan economist, banker, and public servant whose work shaped the future of Uganda’s economy. From 2001 until his passing in 2022, he served as the Governor of the Bank of Uganda—becoming the longest-serving central bank governor in Africa. Throughout his life, he was celebrated for his deep knowledge of economic policy and his lasting impact on financial stability in Uganda and beyond.
Born: January 27, 1949
Passed: January 23, 2022
Career and Public Service
Professor Mutebile’s career in public service began in the late 1970s. He held key positions in government, including:
- Deputy Principal Secretary to the President (1979)
- Undersecretary in the Ministry of Planning (1981)
- Chief Economist (1984)
- Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (1992)
As a chief architect of Uganda’s Economic Reform Program in the 1990s, he played a central role in revitalizing the economy. His leadership at the Bank of Uganda helped guide the country through decades of growth and reform.
Academic and Educational Contributions
Alongside his public service, Professor Mutebile was a passionate educator. He served as a visiting professor at Makerere University from 2006 and later as Chancellor of the International University of East Africa. In 2009, Nkumba University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in recognition of his contributions to Uganda’s financial sector.
Educational Journey
His academic path began at Kigezi College Butobere and Makerere College School. He later joined Makerere University, where he became the President of the Students’ Guild. In 1972, he left Uganda and continued his studies abroad—earning degrees from Durham University, and conducting postgraduate research at both Oxford University and the University of Dar es Salaam.
Legacy
Professor Mutebile’s expertise was sought after by leading global institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the African Development Bank. His work earned him numerous fellowships, honors, and awards.
To celebrate his remarkable legacy, Makerere University established the Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile Chair of Monetary Policy, Banking, and Finance, as well as the Tumusiime-Mutebile Centre of Excellence. These institutions continue to inspire and develop future leaders in economics and finance, keeping his vision alive.
