Prof. Kiddu Makubuya, Uganda’s Former Attorney General, has died at the age of 75, family sources confirmed. He passed away on Monday morning after battling a long illness.
Early Life and Academic Achievements
Born on July 30, 1949, Prof. Makubuya was a distinguished academic and legal scholar. He earned a First Class Honors Bachelor of Laws degree from Makerere University in 1974.
He furthered his education at Yale Law School, where he obtained a Master of Laws degree in 1976 and a Doctor of Juridical Science in 1979.
Legal Career and Contributions
Upon returning to Uganda, Prof. Makubuya embarked on a notable legal career.
He completed his Diploma in Legal Practice at the Law Development Center between 1981 and 1982 and enrolled as an advocate of the Uganda High Court in 1985.
His academic journey began at Makerere University, where he served as a special assistant at the Faculty of Law in 1974 and 1975.
In 1979, he was promoted to lecturer, then to senior lecturer in 1982, and to associate professor in 1984. He was also a partner at the private law firm, Kasolo & Khiddu Advocates.
Role in Shaping Uganda’s Legal Landscape
Prof. Makubuya played a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s legal framework.
He was a member of the Uganda Constitutional Commission, contributing to the drafting of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda.
Additionally, he served on the Commission of Inquiry into Violations of Human Rights and was the editor-in-chief of the Uganda Law Society Review between 1984 and 1987.
His leadership extended to academia, where he headed the Department of Law and Jurisprudence at Makerere University until 1995, when he was appointed director of the Uganda Human Rights and Peace Center.
Political Career and Government Service
Prof. Makubuya ventured into politics in the late 1980s, winning the parliamentary seat for Katikamu South Constituency in 1996.
He was appointed State Minister for Luweero Triangle in the Office of the President, and later, his role was transferred to the Office of the Prime Minister in 1998.
He held various ministerial positions, including State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Cooperation) in 1998, Minister of Education and Sports in 1999, and Justice Minister and Attorney General from 2005 to 2011.
His final position was as Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, which he held until his resignation in February 2012 amid allegations of misappropriation of government funds.
Legacy
Prof. Kiddu Makubuya leaves behind a legacy as a prominent legal scholar, dedicated public servant, and influential figure in Uganda’s legal and political spheres.
