By Ben Musanje
What was meant to be a standard inaugural professorial lecture at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI) turned into a night of revelations, laughter, and political fireworks as former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Dr. Rugunda took the stage to recount the extraordinary influence of Prof. Gerald K. Karyeija.
The lecture, themed Attuning Autonomy and Accountability in Homegrown Administrative Reforms, quickly became a showcase of Karyeija’s hidden power in Uganda’s public life.
Dr. Rugunda recounted a dramatic episode from 1996 in the Kabale Municipality, describing how Karyeija had led a team of Makerere University students to mobilize an entire busload of voters during their exams.
The last-minute effort, Rugunda suggested, played a decisive role in swinging the election—a feat that left the audience in stunned applause.
The former Premier also revealed his personal connection to Karyeija’s family. He credited Karyeija’s father, Prof. Ezerah Kagambwire, for shaping his early education as a geography teacher whose guidance had been crucial for academic progress.
He also praised Karyeija’s mother, fondly known as Aunt Norah, for her legendary work in early childhood education, describing her as the go-to person for even the most challenging children in the district.
Dr. Rugunda argued that the mentorship and values instilled by both parents produced individuals who went on to serve society with impact.
Rugunda spoke at length about Karyeija’s unique ability to combine intellectual rigor with practical insight. He described seeking Karyeija’s advice on complex national matters, always receiving honest, thoughtful, and candid perspectives.
Rugunda highlighted that Karyeija had been invited as a resource person during Cabinet retreats, demonstrating the country’s reliance on his expertise at the highest levels of governance.
He further praised Karyeija’s media presence, saying that whenever he appears on television or radio, he draws attention and delivers commentary that is both engaging and substantive, regardless of political leanings.
Parliament’s Director of Communication, Chris Obore, reinforced Rugunda’s assessment, noting that Karyeija’s journey through journalism and social security had prepared him to be compassionate, well-rounded, and exceptionally informed—qualities that translated seamlessly into his role as professor.
The lecture drew a diverse and high-profile audience, including alumni from Makerere University, former East African Parliament leaders, senior civil servants, and young professionals.
Rugunda humorously recalled a moment when a headmaster corrected a mistaken assumption about whom he represented, emphasizing the personal connection many had to Karyeija through mentorship and community impact.
As the evening concluded, Rugunda lauded Prof. Karyeija for delivering an outstanding inaugural lecture and for exemplifying the calibre of scholarship and public service Uganda needs.
