Kiddu Makubuya: The last of Uganda’s honorable resignees?
Makubuya, who passed away at the age of 75, was one of the few high-ranking officials in Uganda's recent history to resign from his position, following allegations of misappropriation of government funds.
In a political landscape where public officials often cling to power amid scandals, the death of Kiddu Makubuya, Uganda’s former Attorney General, marks the end of an era where accountability and honor still had a place in the corridors of power.
Makubuya, who passed away at the age of 75, was one of the few high-ranking officials in Uganda’s recent history to resign from his position, following allegations of misappropriation of government funds.
His decision to step down in 2012 amid accusations linked to the controversial compensation of UGX 142 billion to businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba, stands in stark contrast to the prevailing political culture in Uganda today.
While many current officials dismiss allegations of corruption or misconduct with impunity, Makubuya’s resignation was a rare act of taking responsibility—something now almost forgotten in Ugandan politics.
Makubuya’s resignation was seen by many as a demonstration of personal integrity, a commitment to protecting the public trust, even as he denied the allegations.
His departure was not just a nod to the rule of law but also a message that holding public office was a privilege, not a right.
In today’s Uganda, however, the political scene is awash with leaders who, when faced with similar scandals, choose to stay put, often with backing from the powerful forces within the government.
The reluctance to resign has turned the once noble act of stepping down into an almost alien concept in modern Ugandan governance.
Makubuya’s decision to leave office amidst the scandal could be seen as a throwback to a time when public service was tied to a sense of duty and moral obligation.
His death thus raises a poignant question: Is the era of honorable resignation in Uganda officially over?
In remembering Kiddu Makubuya, Uganda is not just mourning a former Attorney General, but also the loss of a tradition that many feel is essential for the integrity of public office.
His legacy, tarnished as it may have been by controversy, still shines brighter in comparison to the murky waters of Uganda’s current political climate, where stepping down over allegations is viewed as a sign of weakness rather than strength.
As the country bids farewell to one of its former top legal minds, it also reflects on what has been lost in terms of political ethics and accountability.
In the end, Makubuya’s legacy might just be a reminder of what Uganda once had—a semblance of accountability in leadership that now seems to have faded away.
