By Hannah Marion Namukasa
Prof. Kiddu Makubuya, Uganda’s esteemed former Attorney General and a prominent figure in the country’s legal and political spheres, has passed away at the age of 75. He breathed his last at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala in the early hours of Monday morning, according to family sources.
Makubuya, who had been battling a prolonged illness, saw his health condition worsen dramatically over the weekend. His death marks the end of a distinguished career marked by significant contributions to Uganda’s legal framework and political landscape.
Born on July 30, 1949, Makubuya was a highly educated individual, holding a First Class Honors Bachelor of Laws degree from Makerere University, which he obtained in 1974. He furthered his studies at Yale Law School, earning a Master of Laws in 1976 and a Doctor of Juridical Science in 1979. After returning to Uganda, he joined the Law Development Center, where he completed his Diploma in Legal Practice between 1981 and 1982 and was admitted as an advocate of the Uganda High Court in 1985.
Makubuya’s academic career was notable, beginning as a special assistant at Makerere University’s faculty of law in 1974. He progressed through the ranks to become a senior lecturer by 1982, an associate professor in 1984, and eventually headed the Department of Law and Jurisprudence. His tenure at Makerere University saw him also serve as the editor-in-chief of the Uganda Law Society Review and the director of the Uganda Human Rights and Peace Center.
In addition to his academic achievements, Makubuya was a key figure in the drafting of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda as a member of the Uganda Constitutional Commission. His involvement in various legal and human rights commissions further highlighted his dedication to justice and legal reform.
Makubuya’s political career began in the late 1980s. Elected as the Member of Parliament for Katikamu South Constituency in 1996, he held several ministerial positions including State Minister for Luweero Triangle, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Education and Sports. He served as Uganda’s Attorney General from January 14, 2005, to May 27, 2011, and was later appointed Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister. His tenure ended in February 2012 when he resigned amid allegations of misappropriation of government funds.
As of now, the family and state have not yet announced the details of the burial arrangements. Prof. Makubuya’s passing is a significant loss to Uganda’s legal and political communities, marking the end of a remarkable era of service and dedication.
