By Aggrey Baba
[What goes up must come down], and for Mwesigwa Rukutana, 65, his political journey has reached its end.
A man who served as Deputy Attorney General, Minister of State for Finance, and represented Rushenyi County in Parliament for over 30 years, Rukutana is now looking forward to life beyond politics.
He recently reflected on a life dedicated to public service, and shared insights into his transition from politics to law, his thoughts on his political legacy, and what life after Parliament looks like for him.
He revealed to journalists, Umaru Kashaka and Edward Anyoli, that stepping out of Parliament was not a shock, but a well-anticipated part of his journey.
“I never considered myself a career politician,” he shared with a sense of contentment. “I’m a lawyer by profession, and I enjoy my work.” His path into politics was not one he sought, but rather one he was called to by the people of Rushenyi, who urged him to join the process of promoting Uganda’s Constitution.
Although his original plan was to return to his legal practice after that, fate had other plans, and he found himself serving in Parliament for over three decades.
“From the moment I entered politics, I knew there would come a time to leave,” he explained. “It’s always been in the back of my mind, and when the time came, I was ready.”
Born in the 1950s in the western Ugandan district of Ntungamo, Rukutana grew up in a modest household. Raised in a grass-thatched house, he faced the hardships that came with a poor background, but the values instilled in him by his family would shape his future. “My father always told me to make friends wherever I went, and they would help me along the way. But above all, honesty is key. You must be truthful and dedicated to your work,” he recalled.
Rukutana’s academic journey began in local schools, where his passion for learning became evident. He later attended Mbarara High School, where he excelled, before proceeding to Makerere University, Uganda’s top academic institution.
It was at Makerere that he pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree, overcoming financial hardships along the way. “I was poor, but I always knew that hard work would pay off in the end.”
After completing his law degree, Rukutana entered the legal profession, where his expertise would eventually propel him into the political arena.
His transition from law to politics came in the early 1990s, following Uganda’s transition under President Yoweri Museveni’s government. His involvement in the drafting of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution was the catalyst that led him to serve in Parliament as a representative for Rushenyi County.
Despite initial plans to return to his legal practice, Rukutana’s path took a different turn, and he remained in politics for over 30 years.
Rukutana served in various high-ranking government positions, including as Deputy Attorney General and Minister of State for Finance. He earned a reputation as a strong and diligent worker, consistently arriving at the office early and putting in long hours. “I always made sure to set a good example,” he said, acknowledging the effort that went into balancing his roles.
His tenure in Parliament was marked by a focus on the legal and constitutional development of Uganda, as well as contributing to the country’s financial policies. “The methods and means of doing things may differ from what we used to do, but every new generation has its own way of approaching things,” Rukutana reflected.
Despite his success, Rukutana always knew that public office was not permanent. “I never considered myself a career politician,” he said, emphasizing his identity as a lawyer. “It was time for me to focus on my law practice, invest in my businesses, and spend time with my family.”
Now retired from active politics, Rukutana looks forward to a silent life, focused on his law practice and personal ventures. “I feel free. I’m back to practicing law, and I can work independently. I’ve prayed for a large family, and I’m grateful to God for blessing me with one. Now, I’m focused on providing for them and building a legacy.”
Rukutana’s personal life, particularly his multiple marriages, has sometimes drawn public scrutiny. However, he is unbothered with his convictions. “I’ve lived my life the way I choose. I married them, I look after them, and we are happy. God will never condemn me for that.”
Raised in a humble home, Rukutana acknowledges the struggles of his early years but remains proud of how far he has come. “I grew up in a grass-thatched house. My family was poor, but we worked hard,” he recalls. His journey from a modest background to a successful legal and political career serves as a testament to his perseverance and dedication.
As Rukutana reflects on his political career, his advice to young politicians is that “Public office is not permanent. You need to plan for your future, because one day, you will leave that office and return to being an ordinary person.”
Rukutana’s life and career have been marked by a commitment to honesty, integrity, and hard work. “I’ve lived a life true to who I am, and that’s the legacy I want to leave behind.” As he looks back on his career, he can be proud of his contributions to Uganda’s legal and political landscape.
As the sun sets on his political career, Mwesigwa Rukutana moves forward, content in the knowledge that his life’s work has been meaningful and that his journey is far from over. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
