Keith Muhakanizi, a former Budget Director at the Ministry of Finance, has been eulogized as a great icon behind Uganda’s economic transformation.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Keith Muhakanizi, a key figure in Uganda’s economic development, passed away at the age of 64 after a long battle with cancer. Many have praised him as a great icon whose contributions to the country’s growth and prosperity will be deeply missed.
As the former Budget Director at the Ministry of Finance, Muhakanizi worked tirelessly with the late Chris Kassami and late Bank of Uganda Governor Tumusiime Mutebile to implement reforms that transformed Uganda’s economy from a highly indebted poor country to a growing and thriving nation.
Reforms Under President Museveni
Mwesigwa Rukutana, former Minister of State for Labour, worked with Muhakanizi during this period and noted that “These three departed comrades, under the supervision of President Museveni, worked very hard on the reforms that have shaped and transformed this economy.”
He added that they spent countless hours in meetings, both in Uganda and abroad, to defend the country’s actions and convince donors to continue providing aid.
Praise from African Development Bank Group President
Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, described Muhakanizi as an astute public administrator and friend. He acknowledged Muhakanizi’s contributions to Uganda’s development for decades and called his passing a huge loss.
I am very saddened by the passing of Keith Muhakanizi, Permanent Secretary of Treasury of Uganda. An incredibly astute public administrator and friend. He was a major force in Uganda’s development for decades. A huge loss. May God comfort your family and Uganda. Rest in Peace.
I am very saddened by the passing of Keith Muhakanizi, Permanent Secretary of Treasury of Uganda. An incredibly astute public administrator and friend. He was a major force in Uganda’s development for decades. A huge loss. May God comfort your family and Uganda. Rest in Peace.💕 pic.twitter.com/4cnrX2lDdx
— Akinwumi A. Adesina (@akin_adesina) April 13, 2023
Diligent Public Servant
Alice Kaboyo, Minister for Luwero-Rwenzori triangle, spoke highly of Muhakanizi’s technical leadership, wealth of wisdom, and diligence as a public servant. She added that his contributions to the Office of the Prime Minister would be sorely missed.
Mr. Muhakanizi Keith was a diligent Public Servant who served the nation in different capacities. At the Office of the Prime Minister, we shall miss his wealth of wisdom, guidance and technical leadership.May his Soul Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/1UgAwwfuAh
— Alice Kaboyo (@KaboyoAlice) April 13, 2023
Discipline and Results-Oriented Leadership
Julius Mucunguzi, a former staff member at the Office of the Prime Minister, praised Muhakanizi’s leadership style, noting that he instilled discipline and pushed for results among staff members.
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When Keith Muhakanizi arrived @OPMUganda he called a general meeting of all technical staff, from the lowest cadre to the commissioners and Undersecretaries& pledged the following: to restore confidence of staff, promote adherence to the law, ensure discipline& push for results pic.twitter.com/wqZpxKsiwE
— Julius Mucunguzi (@j_mucunguzi) April 13, 2023
Contributions to Uganda’s Economic Development
Born in Uganda, Muhakanizi went on to earn a PhD in economics from the University of Manchester in the UK.
Muhakanizi’s expertise in macroeconomics and public sector management played a vital role in the formulation of various laws that supported Uganda’s economic transformation, including National Development Plans, the Public Finance and Management Act, and The Bank of Uganda Act.
In conclusion, Muhakanizi’s contributions to Uganda’s economic development and his impact on the nation will not be forgotten. His passing is a great loss, and his legacy will continue to inspire those working towards building a better future for Uganda.
Rest in Peace, Keith Muhakanizi.
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