Dr. Atingi-Ego, a native of Ocokican in Soroti district, was appointed on Monday, bringing an end to nearly three years of speculation over the leadership of the Central Bank following the passing of Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile in 2022.
Residents of Soroti have welcomed the appointment of Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego as the Governor of the Bank of Uganda with a call for hard work, honesty, and diligence in his new role. Dr. Atingi-Ego, a native of Ocokican in Soroti district, was appointed on Monday, bringing an end to nearly three years of speculation over the leadership of the Central Bank following the passing of Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile in 2022.
Mutebile had served as Governor of the Bank of Uganda for 11 years before his demise. Dr. Michael Atingi- Ego who deputized Mutebile was
appointed in 2020. When the news of Dr. Atingi-Ego’s appointment as the Governor
Bank of Uganda came, many people from Teso took to social media to thank God
for another opportunity that the son of the soil had been elevated.
Rt. Rev. Michael Okwii Esakhan, the Bishop of the Kumi Anglican Diocese thanked the appointing authority for appointing both the
governor and his deputy. “They both deserve the appointments and thank the
appointing authority, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, The President of the Republic
of Uganda for the appointments,” Bishop Okwii said.
Others listed down the high profile appointments in the
land, starting with the Vice President, Jessica Alupo Epel, and ministers, while
calling for unity to development. “We thank God for the Grace. I wish these high-profile offices in the land would translate into a united force against poverty. How I wish
that the Iteso start speaking a language of peace and unity for development. Dear
God, Thank you,” said a listener who called one of the FM radio stations in
Soroti.
But to Benson Ekuwe-Ocen, history has been repeated. He recalled
Robert Elangot, another economist from the land who was appointed the Deputy
Governor in 1981 until 1989 when he retired. “It’s our pride as the people of Teso.” Ekuwe said before
asking the new governor to measure up to the tasks ahead. He added that Atingi-Ego is trusted and competent for the
job. “I’m hopeful that he will lead the central bank to greater heights,” he
noted.
Ekuwe, the Executive Director of Public Affairs Centre-
Uganda urged the new governor to improve on the economic competitiveness and
productivity.
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David Asubu, a governance activist in Teso, says the
appointment of Dr. Atingi-Ego can only make a meaningful contribution if the government
system provides space for professionalism.
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Pascal Amuriat, a political analyst in Soroti says the
appointment should help Ugandans from the high interest rates charged by the
commercial banks and stabilize the economy.
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Dr. Atingi- Ego appeared together with the Deputy Governor,
Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba for vetting at parliament on Tuesday morning.
