Masaka City: As a Private Secretary at State House and Personal Assistant to the Office of Presidential Envoy on Political Affairs, Oscar Mutebi operates close to the centre of Uganda’s national leadership under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
But away from the corridors of power in Kampala, a different picture of the young leader is emerging in rural Masaka — one built around classrooms, young people and community initiatives.
From supporting learners at St. Mugaga Secondary School to championing youth empowerment and grassroots engagement, Mutebi’s growing footprint among communities reflects an attempt to translate national leadership experience into local impact.
For students at St. Mugaga Secondary School, his name is not remembered because of his official position.
It is remembered because a simple intervention changed how they saw the world.
When learners gathered around a huge flat-screen television donated by Mutebi to watch a World Cup match, the school compound transformed into a global village.
When a goal was scored, students jumped from their seats. Some waved Uganda flags, while others shouted the names of their favourite players.
For a moment, the distance between rural Masaka and the world’s biggest football stadiums disappeared.
The screen was not only showing football.
It was opening a window.
A window to global events, current affairs and new possibilities.
As a journalist covering community development, education and leadership across Greater Masaka, I have observed that some of the most important leadership stories are not found only in official statements.
They are found where ordinary people experience change.
At schools.
In communities.
Through conversations with those who benefit from leadership decisions.
Oscar Mutebi’s story is increasingly becoming a conversation about how a young leader, shaped by national exposure and mentorship, is attempting to redefine grassroots service.
Turning Technology Into Exposure
At St. Mugaga Secondary School, the screen donated by Mutebi nd handled to them by Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi emeritus became more than entertainment equipment.
It became a learning resource.
Mutebi encouraged students to use it to follow news, watch current affairs and understand events beyond their immediate environment.
His message to learners was that education should not end with textbooks and examinations.
Young people must understand the world they are preparing to participate in.
Deo Ssembatya, the Head Prefect of St. Mugaga Secondary School, says the experience changed the way students viewed learning.
“I had watched World Cup games on small phones before, but seeing the players on a big screen at school made me feel part of the global tournament,” he says.
He adds:
“Mr. Mutebi taught us that education is not only about books. We must know what is happening in the world.”
After the matches, students celebrated with Ugandan music, including King Saha’s “Ebiseera” and Pallaso’s “Bikyuuka.”
For the learners, the moment became a memory of connection between their school and the wider world.
A Young Leader Carrying a Legacy
Mutebi’s journey is deeply connected to Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, former Vice President of Uganda and Presidential Envoy on Political Affairs.
Growing up in Kyanamukaka Village, associated with the Ssekandi family home, Mutebi was exposed to a leadership environment built around public service.
Ssekandi’s journey — from lawyer and lecturer at Makerere University, to Bukoto Central Member of Parliament, Speaker of Parliament and Vice President — created a legacy associated with institutional development and community service.
Those close to Mutebi’s journey say he has embraced these values while attempting to address challenges affecting a younger generation.
From National Leadership to Grassroots Action
Through his responsibilities, Mutebi has interacted with President Museveni, First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni and other senior government leaders.
Supporters say these experiences have shaped his understanding of national priorities, including youth empowerment, education, wealth creation and community transformation.
His approach, they argue, is built on connecting national conversations with local realities.
At St. Mugaga Secondary School, former Head Teacher Ms. Peace Magoba says Mutebi’s support has encouraged both teachers and students.
She points to his contribution of sports jerseys, office wear for teachers and engagements aimed at motivating learners.
For her, the value goes beyond material support.
It demonstrates that leaders can remember institutions preparing Uganda’s next generation.
The Community Verdict
For Hon. Zaina Nakidde, Mayor of Kyanamukaka Town Council, leadership must focus on empowering people.
“Development begins when leaders identify the needs of their communities and respond. Supporting education and empowering young people is investing in the future,” she says.
Development advocate Mr. Stephen Kawonawo believes Mutebi represents a new generation of leaders who understand grassroots challenges.
“Oscar Mutebi understands that leadership is not only about holding a position. It is about listening to people and creating opportunities,” Kawonawo says.
Beyond the Office
Oscar Mutebi’s story is ultimately about the space between national leadership and community realities.
It is about how a State House official chooses to remain connected to ordinary people.
It is about how a young leader uses technology, education and mentorship to create opportunities.
The true measure of leadership is not only the office one occupies.
It is the impact left behind.
And in rural Masaka, supporters believe Oscar Mutebi is building his own chapter — one where a legacy inherited becomes a service delivered.
