Footprints Podcast | Season 1 | Episode 13 |The Unwritten Rulebook of Dr. James Tumusiime
We bring you an episode of the Footprints Podcast featuring the legendary Dr. James Rwehabura Tumusiime. The scientist-turned-cartoonist-turned-editor-turned-media revolutionary narrates his journey as a leader, a journey rooted in culture, perseverance, and innovation that has left an indelible mark on Uganda's mass communication sector.
Dr. James narrates his time as a high school student at Mbarara High School and King’s College Budo, where he excelled at science and, as such, pursued a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Economics at Makerere University. He worked as a planning officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries for five years until the coup when Milton Obote was ousted by Idi Amin Dada for the presidency.
Fleeing to Nairobi due to witch-hunting in Uganda, he picked up several skills and qualifications along the way that proved fundamental in his journey. He studied for his master’s degree; however, he still did not acquire a job related to agriculture in Kenya. He bravely ventured into the art sector and started drawing cartoons as well as comic strips, which he took to mainstream media like newspapers. He pioneered this nouveau prospect in the East African setting with characters and stories that were relatable to the social and cultural context of East Africa. He became popular under his pseudonyms, ‘Ekanya’ and ‘Bogi Benda.’
In 1986, Dr. James returned to Uganda, which was under the regime of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), led by President Museveni. He contributed to the founding of The New Vision Newspaper and served as Editor-in-Chief for eleven years before he retired. It is impressive how he went on to start Fountain Publishers in 1988, to promote literacy through both school-based and conventional books, becoming the first local publishinghouse in Uganda. Dr. James' vision to preserve the long-standing history and tradition of his country through books has played a pivotal role in the expansion of Uganda's media sector, with a predilection to cater to the human condition.
Notably, he also started the National Book Trust of Uganda (NABOTU) in 1997, the first local language-based radio station, 100.2 FM Radio West, in 1998, and founded the Igongo Cultural Centre in 2008, becoming a ‘job powerhouse’ for editors, artists, and musicians. His achievements demystified the precept that expansive establishments like his own can only be set up by foreigners or the government, inspiring young entrepreneurs in Uganda.
Dr. James states that his journey has been arduous at times; from political persecution to financial challenges at the time when the government withdrew funding, he had to be persistent as an individual, as well as a leader to his team. He shares lessons from his leadership, such as the significance of finding clarity and purpose. He utilizes ‘The 7 M’s’ to elaborate on the level of planning and foresightedness every leader must adopt to survive hardships and succeed, which includes money to finance a given cause, methods of execution, and clarity of purpose in every mission, among others. He emphasizes that leaders must be expectant of change and willing to adapt to it.
With a passion for his country and culture, Dr. James continues his work to liberate and inform people through literacy at Fountain Publishers today. His purposefulness and ability to try new things and bounce back amidst transition are critical.
©Blurb written by Divine Karungi
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