Tributes paid to self-made man Dr James Garuga

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Tributes have been paid to property tycoon and former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) chief financier, Dr James Musinguzi Garuga, who has died aged 71.

Garuga, who was FDC’s main financier during its formative stages, died on Wednesday (August 6) at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala from an undisclosed illness.

At the time of his death, he was the proprietor of Kigezi Highland Tea Ltd in Kabale district and chancellor of Valley University of Science and Technology. He was also a key funder of Church of Uganda projects in the Diocese of Kinkiizi and across the Province.

After he “voluntarily” quit FDC in 2006 to focus on his business, the former economist-cum-lawyer remained among the party’s 10 eminent persons.

Described by many as a self-made man who once roasted meat by the roadside and drove an old Combi taxi to earn a living, Garuga was already a successful businessman by the time he joined politics in 1979.

Although an astute businessman, he was reportedly not as successful in politics, having made several futile attempts to wrest the Kinkizi West parliamentary seat from the then super minister, Amama Mbabazi.

“Our hero, our mentor, our financier, our founder, our eminent person, Dr James Musinguzi Garuga has gone to be with the Lord,” Ingrid Turinawe, the former FDC secretary for mobilisation, said on X, formerly Twitter.

The former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Winnie Kiiza, said Garuga lived his entire life promoting democracy, believing in its principles and funding it.

“Although no words can really help to ease the pain of this loss, his family should know that they are very close in our thoughts and prayers. May his soul rest in peace,” she said.

FDC secretary general Nandala Mafabi also took to X and said he was heartbroken to hear about the passing of Garuga, whom he described as a brother and friend.

“We fought side by side for a better Uganda when it wasn’t easy or popular. He gave everything to the cause,” Mafabi, who is now vying for Uganda’s presidency, said.

FDC said in a statement that the country has lost a man of rare courage, wisdom and generosity.

It said Garuga was not only a distinguished entrepreneur and community leader, but also a committed political actor whose contribution to Uganda’s democratic struggle was especially significant during the formative years of the Reform Agenda and the founding of the FDC on December 16, 2004.

“As secretary for economic affairs in the Reform Agenda, Garuga played a vital role in shaping the foundation of what would later become the FDC, offering both moral and financial support when few dared to do so,” the party said.

The former chairman of the board of directors at Uganda Investment Authority, Morrison Rwakakamba, said one way to think about Garuga is to think of a “Dangote of Uganda”.

He noted that the deceased was a very authentic business leader of his generation.