Bank of Uganda (BoU) deputy governor Michael Atingi-Ego has revealed the last words fallen governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile asked him to share with staff at the central bank before he died.
Mutebile died in Nairobi at the weekend. (Read story here, and a related one there).
His burial will cost millions. (Read story here).
Speaking at a funeral service held at Mutebile’s Kabale home, Atingi-Ego said that Mutebile had sought assurances from him, four times, on the delivery of his message to staff.
And, as it has now emerged, the governor’s last words to staff were communicated by his deputy as a New Year’s Message.
On his hospital bed, Mutebile had told Atingi-Ego that he was “in pain” and “suffering.”
He further quoted the fallen governor as telling him: “When you go back, tell my staff that I am going away for medical review but I will be back and come to office. Most importantly, extend my New Year wishes to the staff; wish them a bright, prosperous and a happy 2022.”
That in order to be certain that his message would reach, Mutebile asked Atingi-Ego: “Have you heard?’ I said yes Governor, I have heard, are you going to do it?”
And the conversation would soon come to an end, thus:
Atingi-Ego: Yes governor, I am going to do it.
Mutebile: Are you sure?
Atingi-Ego: Yes, governor I am going to do it.
Mutebile: Don’t forget.
It was the emphasis and seriousness with which Mutebile had put on the need for his message to deliver his message to staff that kept Atingi-Ego wondering.
And it became the last message from the country’s longest serving BoU Governor to hsi staff.
