Mbale, (UG):- The composer of the Bamasaba Cultural Anthem, Ms Hanyiga Eleanor Catherine has been recognized with a special award from the Inzu Ya Masaba Cultural Institution.
Ms Hanyiga composed the Bamasaaba Anthem about 15 years ago but was yet to be formally recognized for this remarkable Cultural contribution until Saturday, June 8th, 2024 when the Umukuka His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma III handed her the award during a ceremony at Inzu ya Masaba offices in Maluku, Mbale City.
Ms Hanyiga received the Certificate of Recognition and a cash Prize of One Million Shillings in the presence of family and various Cultural dignitaries.
In her remarks, Ms Hanyiga said she was immensely overwhelmed by the gesture of Umukuka, adding; “I am now a very happy woman”.
The Umukuka, among other cultural entitlements, decreed that Ms Hanyiga is exempted from any cultural-related taboos and punishment, meaning she cannot be tried in the cultural courts for any allegations or cultural trespasses.
Umukuka also decreed and ordered the Institution’s Prime Minister, Ambassador Charles Walimbwa Peke, to ensure that whenever there is a cultural related function, Ms. Hanyiga should be accorded special status and a special royal chair allocated to her whenever there is a culturally related public function.
At the same ceremony Umukuka appointed the spokesperson of Inzu ya Masaba, Mr Steven Masiga to head the Cultural Awards Committee where he is expected to scout for Bamasaba who have performed exceptionally well in areas of health, education, business, culture, and music among other areas for recognition.
Speaking to the DailyExpress in an exclusive interview, Mr Masiga confirmed the new additional role, saying, exceptional efforts and talent deserve recognition.
“We shall scan in Masabaland of Uganda and Kenya as well as the diaspora to ensure that such talent and effort is recognized,” he said.
Bamasaaba react
Thousands of Bamasaba said they are impressed by the strides and direction being taken by the current leadership of Inzu ya Masaaba. The Woman MP Namisindwa, Hon Sarah Netalisire, praised the efforts of Inzu ya Masaba a view shared by the Town Clerk Jinja City Kenneth Khatuli.
Dr Elijah of Mt. Elgon Hospital and Sr. Mary Wasagali of the Equal Opportunities Commission each praised the Umukuka for the bold move to recognize talent.
The Headteachers of Mbale SSS, Nyondo SSS, Mulatsi SSS and Mbale School for the Deaf applauded Inzu ya Masaba for the gesture.
Professor. Florence Wakoko, tweeted, from the United States of America (USA), said, “Masaba land was now on the right path. A view shared by Nandelenga Annet of Centenary Bank Mbale”.
On his part, the Senior Presidential Advisor for Bugisu Sub-region, Mr. Bernard Mujjasi said, “Umukuka himself and his cabinet deserve a serious handshake for what they have achieved in just one year’s period since taking over office”.
Notable at the Saturday ceremony was Ms. Angelina Chogo Wapakhabulo (widely known as Mama Angelina), Uganda’s High Commissioner to Kenya.
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