Museveni’s Closest Friend Ernest Kakwano Dies!! See How He Sneaked Museveni’s Children And Wife Janet Out Of Uganda , Saved Muhoozi From Dying

On February 3, 1981, Yoweri Museveni orchestrated a covert operation, dispatching his children to safety in Kenya just days before launching a war against the government. Entrusted with this pivotal mission were Ernest Kakwano and Alice Kakwano.

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Ernest Kakwano’s life journey met its denouement on Easter Sunday, marking the passage of a man who navigated Uganda’s tumultuous history with an almost ethereal grace. Through the epochs of Idi Amin and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Kakwano’s presence loomed large, cloaked in privilege and discretion.While Kakwano’s influence was palpable, he operated largely unseen, akin to a scent lingering in the air.

His pivotal role in ferrying Muhoozi Kainerugaba and his siblings to safety in Kenya ahead of the impending conflict underscored his commitment to the cause. Tasked with securing Museveni’s family, Kakwano’s significance in the lead-up to the insurgency cannot be overstated.

An esteemed businessman and confidante of President Museveni, Ernest Kakwano’s passing reverberated through the echelons of power. His tenure as an automobile magnate during Amin’s regime laid the foundation for his enduring rapport with Museveni.

From his tenure at DT Dobie Uganda Mercedes Agency to Uganda Motors Ltd, Kakwano’s acumen and discretion were unparalleled.Kakwano had lived through the entire Amin regime with all its notoriety like he was either a member of the untouchable high-table or an invisible force.But it was the latter. He was like a scent – you felt his strong presence but did not see him.

Sneaking Muhoozi Kainerugaba and his siblings out of the country through the Busia-Malaba border into Kenya turned out to be piecemeal for Ernest Kakwano. Their mother Janet Kataha would leave by air via Entebbe airport. Kakwano, a man for all seasons who excelled as an accountant, financial manager, marketer and journalist, would join the NRA external wing in Nairobi that was led by Yusuf Lule.

The main pillars were Joseph Katende, Amama Mbabazi, Ruhakana Rugunda and Matthew Rukikaire. Shem Bageine, a historical and an active rebel member, was the treasurer.Amidst the shifting tides of political upheaval, Kakwano’s allegiance to Museveni remained unwavering. A pivotal moment arose when Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi sought Kakwano’s assistance in facilitating communication with Museveni. This clandestine exchange would later prove instrumental in bolstering the NRA’s quest for power.

The day after Tito Okello toppled Milton Obote’s second regime, Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi, previously lukewarm towards Museveni’s NRA rebels, took decisive action.

“Upon confirming Obote’s permanent exit, a former respected African statesman, Moi promptly reached out to one of Museveni’s key operatives in Nairobi,” reported Mulengera News.

At that time, Ernest Kakwano was at the helm of Japanese autos, making significant strides in the automotive industry. Moi recognized him as the linchpin of communication. According to Mulengera News’ March 20, 2022, expose, titled “History: Inside the Moi-NRA Nakuru farm meeting which changed story forever,” Museveni had entrusted Kakwano with his children, even providing him with a written will.

“This is President Moi. I need your assistance in reaching Museveni. Your family’s knowledge of his whereabouts is invaluable,” Moi reportedly implored Kakwano.

After a moment’s hesitation, Ernest Kakwano contacted Janet, confirming Museveni’s presence with him. The subsequent rapport between Museveni and Moi proved instrumental in propelling the NRA guerillas towards their eventual triumph in 1986.

Man Of All Seasons

A versatile figure, Kakwano’s retirement in 2021 did not signal an end to his engagement with impactful endeavors. Embraced by the World Food Bank as their chairman, he continued to wield influence from his abode in Entebbe, exuding a quiet yet potent demeanor amidst the elite.

Citing his unwavering belief in the primacy of innovation, the World Food Bank hailed Kakwano as a visionary who championed the swift implementation of novel ideas for both profit and humanitarian ends.

“New products, systems, and scientific knowledge are emerging at an unprecedented pace, necessitating robust connectivity for businesses to remain relevant and prosperous,” he asserted.

From humble origins, Kakwano’s trajectory was marked by an early immersion in finance, honing his skills at Kilembe Copper Mines before assuming the role of finance officer. Transitioning to Kampala as the general manager of DT Dobie Uganda Mercedes Agency, he navigated the tumultuous era of Amin’s regime with finesse, establishing himself as a stalwart manager amidst chaos.

His entrepreneurial spirit thrived, culminating in the management of Uganda’s entire motor trade under Amin’s administration. Departing for Kenya in 1980, Kakwano’s automotive prowess flourished, laying the groundwork for his eventual return to Uganda in 1986.

Honored as a war hero alongside his wife Alice, Kakwano’s expertise was sought by the NRA government to aid in economic revitalization efforts. Tasked with overseeing the Uganda Coffee and Marketing Board, he played a pivotal role in propelling the nation’s main export earner to new heights.Venturing into commodities export with his son Edgar in 1990, Kakwano identified a niche in the East African food export industry.

His collaboration with the World Food Bank stemmed from a burgeoning friendship with Richard Lackey, the organization’s chief executive, cementing his legacy as a visionary leader attuned to the pressing needs of his time.Amidst Uganda’s burgeoning population growth, Kakwano underscored the imperative of rapidly enhancing food productivity and adopting modern farming methods.

His tenure as the founding Managing Director of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority exemplified his commitment to principled governance, earning him widespread recognition for his unwavering integrity.As Uganda charts its course towards a future marked by exponential growth, Kakwano’s indelible imprint on the nation’s economic landscape endures.

His steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication to progress serve as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come, underscoring his status as a true “man for all seasons.”

Silent Influence

The first was when Museveni wanted a relative of the First Family to be appointed Marketing Manager at the Coffee Marketing Board. The position was advertised and  was the one that brought in the most foreign currency in the country.Museveni called Kakwano  and mentioned that he would send a young man to work. He did not specify what job it was.

Kakwano and his CMB  management met, reviewed the young man’s documents and found him a position that matched his qualifications and experience.But the new recruit didn’t take the job. Museveni moved on.

“I heard you are interested in another job,” Museveni said.

“I think you even announced it in the newspapers.”

Kakwano told the president: “This job is for people who are much more qualified and experienced than this young man.What experience are you talking about?”

Museveni intervened: “The people you are talking about with experience are the ones who have brought problems to this country.”

As things progressed, a minister, government spokesman Ofwono, took action Opondo called him a “high flyer” in 2023.The minister wanted his garrison to be given a high position in the WBC.Kakwano refused. This led to a bitter fight between the two and the  next time the minister asked Kakwano for thousands of dollars to facilitate his trip abroad.Again he refused.

The minister ordered his dismissal for insubordination. It was then that the “high flyer” understood how one could really feel the scent of Kakwano.The President intervened when the UCDA board disagreed with Kakwano’s dismissal and asked the minister to go to Parliament and apologize for his arbitrary actions. He said no.

“Museveni then ordered the then Deputy Prime Minister Eriya Kategaya to inform Parliament, in the  presence of the Minister and probably in humiliation, that [the Minister] had no authority to fire a CEO of a public body,” Opondo wrote in his letter October 14th report 2023 column in The New Vision.

Veteran journalist Michael Wakabi says Kakwano once pointed out to him that the minister went to Museveni and asked him to spare him the humiliation.The minister promised to hand over the UPC in Ankole to NRM and the ensuing deal  saw the economic guru quit the UCDA.But not long after, the minister defended himself against allegations that he had asked for and received a bribe of $10,000.

Ernest Kakwano probably received the news of the minister’s ouster from the Kampala Club where he was president from 1988 to 1993 when he handed over the reins to Henry Lubega.While the exclusive Kampala Club was supposed to be the place for Kakwano to relax and reflect on his life,  it also became the site of one of his worst experiences and pain, the details of which are not included on this website.

Kakwano founded a printing press and newspaper, The Market Place,  in one of his houses in Entebbe, just behind Stanbic Bank.”He had a licence to any government printing business and did print exams and the like for schools,” Wakabi recalls.”He could also just pick any advert he saw in the New Vision, plant it his Marketplace, invoice, and he would be paid.”

As Ernest Kakwano bids farewell to the mortal realm, Ugandans will persist in commemorating the NRA luminaries and paramount contributors to Museveni’s revolutionary triumph. Yet, amid the litany of celebrated figures, Ernest Kakwano’s name may not feature prominently.However, in the corridors of power, particularly within the confines of the State House, Kakwano’s influence reverberates silently but significantly.

For four decades, his quiet yet impactful presence has left an indelible mark on the political landscape.As he embarks on his journey to the tranquil realms beyond, Kakwano’s legacy of influence will likely endure, casting a gentle but enduring shadow over the domains he once traversed.