Prof. Chigunta’s death: It is a hard blow to take – Dr Mutesa

Dr Mutesa

Prof Francis Chigunta

The passing on of Professor Francis Chigunta marks a sad day for Zambia in general and the Development Studies family in particular.

He came from one of the finest classes that I was privileged to teach during my time at UNZA. The 1994 class comprising great minds, the likes of Lee Habasonda, Mike Zulu, Vesper Chisumpa, Henry Machina, Womba Kamuhuza, Mundia Kunyanda, Maambo Mumbuluma and Kennedy Mumbi, to mention only a few, was a hotbed of intellectual debates.

The competition was intense, and it was a healthy one. It was quite clear even at that time that Francis was destined for great things. It therefore did not come as a surprise to me that the protégé surpassed the mentor!

I was privileged to be there at momentous times in Francis’s life. I was H.O.D when Francis graduated and I convinced him to join the department as SDF. I was later to serve as one of his referees for both his time at Cambridge and Oxford, respectively.

Later on, when State House came calling, during the presidency of His Excellency, Mr. Rupiah Bwezani Banda, I was one of the people he consulted and I encouraged him to take up the assignment in national interest and furtherance of his professional career.

Francis was hard working and pleasant to work with. He was helpful to colleagues and earned the respect and admiration of both his students and fellow colleagues.

Francis burst on national stage with such intellectual vigour that he rightly gained recognition as a leading development policy analyst. He quickly became part of a prolific international network of development experts, which included links with NEPAD and the AU.

He sat on the APRM board that conducted reviews in several countries in the region. After losing another brilliant mind in Dr. Bruce Lubinda Imboela years ago, Francis’ departure is for me personally a hard blow to take. The Development Studies family mourns. Go well Francis! MYSRIEP.