The passing of James Musinguzi Garuga is not just the loss of a man, but the loss of a vision. To me, and to Kabale University, Garuga was not only a philanthropist and businessman; he was an institution builder whose impact will continue to echo through generations.
When people speak of founders of Kabale University, many imagine a list of donors and community mobilizers.
But Garuga was more than that. He was a lifeline at the moment when the university was gasping for survival. Instead of offering land, which could wait, he turned that pledge into cash, Shs 100 million, to keep the doors of this university open.
Without such foresight, perhaps this institution would not be what it is today.
What made Garuga different was not just the money he gave, but the thinking that accompanied it. When he saw that our tourism and hospitality programme was collapsing for lack of equipment, he did not complain, he sponsored students himself.
He believed in giving people both opportunity and encouragement, and he reminded us, by action, that institutions are built one sacrifice at a time.
Garuga’s legacy also lies in his belief in education for women. The Paulo Ngorogoza Scholarship Scheme at Kabale University exists because of his vision. To date, it is transforming the lives of young women who might never have entered university without it.
But Garuga’s philanthropy cannot be separated from his pride in his roots. He was unapologetically Mukiga, and he wanted Kigezi to shine again. He often lamented how our region had lost the educational advantage it once held.
His investments in tea plantations, hotels, a golf course, radio stations, and even an airstrip were not for vanity, they were for rebuilding Kigezi’s economy and spirit.
In a country where wealth is often flaunted for prestige, Garuga reminded us that money must serve people. He gave to schools, to churches, to orphans, and to individuals with ideas.
And he did so with accountability, following up to ensure his support was not wasted.
His philosophy was simple yet profound: “What is the use of having a lot of money when you cannot use it for the betterment of your own society?”
As I reflect on his life, I see a patriot who understood that true leadership is not about titles or positions, but about sacrifice and vision.
We at Kabale University, and indeed Uganda, have lost a pillar. But we have also inherited a challenge: to live by the values Garuga embodied, courage, generosity, accountability, and faith in community.
Rest well, Garuga. You gave more than wealth, you gave us a standard.
The Writer, Professor Joy Constance Kwesiga is the Vice Chancellor of Kabale University.
