Kampala — Makerere University has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation to establish the Professor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Centre of Excellence, a new hub aimed at advancing research, policy, and leadership in economics and public service.
The MoU was signed on 12 March 2026 by Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Sarah Ssali, alongside Mrs. Betty Mutebile and Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, in a ceremony attended by senior dignitaries, including Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire, as well as former guild leaders and university officials.
Prof. Ssali emphasized the Centre’s role in fostering academic excellence, policy innovation, and leadership development for Uganda and the wider region. She said, “Operationalizing this Centre of Excellence ensures that Professor Mutebile’s legacy of scholarship, public service, and economic leadership continues to inspire future generations.”
Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu was appointed as the first Director of the Centre, tasked with driving its strategic vision and programs.
The Centre aims to curate the academic and professional legacy of Professor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, Uganda’s long-serving central bank governor, while promoting research initiatives that address national development priorities.
Mrs. Betty Mutebile noted that the partnership with Makerere University will provide young Ugandans and scholars a platform to access archival resources, mentorship, and research opportunities.
The creation of the Centre is seen as a significant milestone in strengthening research, policy dialogue, and leadership training at Makerere University, ensuring that the contributions of Professor Mutebile continue to influence Uganda’s economic and public sector development.
