Museveni launches book honoring late Zakaria Mungonya’s Legacy

President Yoweri Museveni on Saturday paid tribute to the late Zakaria Mungonya, a key figure in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, during a commemoration event where he launched a book detailing the late’s life and contributions.

“I joined the family and friends of the late Zakaria Mugonya to remember him and to launch a book in his honour,” Museveni stated in a statement shared on his official X account.

The President highlighted the importance of documenting the achievements of historical figures like Mungonya, urging “historians and academia to continue documenting records and stories of Ugandan historical figures who played a crucial role in the transformation of Uganda.”

Mungonya, the first African minister in the colonial government, was a trailblazer in introducing modern education to the Ankole region, overcoming opposition from those who sought to preserve traditional systems. According to Museveni, “Mungonya, for instance, was a pioneer of the modern education system in Ankole, which had been resisted by those who wished to maintain the traditional system.”

Beyond education, “He was also a leader in the land reform movement, advocating for private land ownership as a better stimulus for socio-economic transformation,” the President noted.

Museveni also commended Mungonya’s entrepreneurial spirit and his deep understanding of Uganda’s social landscape, acknowledging his significant role in shaping the country’s economic development.

The President lauded Mungonya’s family for taking the initiative to document his life and contributions in a book, emphasizing the importance of preserving Uganda’s history through written records.

“I, therefore, salute the family for leading the effort to write the book. It is important for the country to record the contributions of all these outstanding individuals to Uganda’s history at various times,” he said.

The book launch and commemoration served as a reminder of Mungonya’s lasting legacy and his role in shaping Uganda’s educational, economic, and social reforms.