Mbale, (UG):- The Umukuka of the Bamasaba His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma III yesterday, Tuesday, 8th October held the National Pre-Independence Day celebrations urging the government of Uganda to recognize the role played by Bugisu Coffee in Uganda’s independence.
The Pre-Independence Day, which is celebrated on the eve of Independence Day, is observed every 8th of October as an unofficial day in the Bugisu Cultural institution.
The spokesperson for the Bamasaba Cultural Institution, Mr Steven Masiga, said the theme of Pre-Independence Day, which is celebrated too by Uganda’s kingdoms; Buganda, Bunyoro, and Bugisu, is meant to remind these cultural leaders of their contributions to the independence of their country.
Masiga said the Bamasaba rejected the proposal to have their coffee processed in other parts of Uganda. demanding the government to recognize their contributions to Uganda’s independence.
The spokesperson further highlighted the crucial role played by the Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU), whose financial stability was a key factor in the granting of Uganda’s independence.
“After it was established that the Bamasaba had the financial base to manage themselves, the colonialists had no option but to grant independence,” said Masiga, adding that, at the time, some tribes in Uganda were indifferent to the issue of independence, but the Bamasaba were not.
“We shall ensure that nobody manipulates the BCU for any reason. It belongs to all our people, and we are going to liberate the union. There is a strategy in place,” he emphasized.
Themed on “Celebrating Our Freedom, Embracing Our Heritage,” the day signifies that the Bamasaba are independent and should celebrate their culture. The event was sponsored by National Culture Day, the Go Foundation (a local NGO), and DFCU Bank.
The function was presided over by the Umukuka III, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuka of the Bamasaba people with several other speakers in attendance as the leaders prayed for unity in Masabaland.
Among those present at the function were the Prime Minister of Inzu Yamasaba, Rt. Hon. Charles Walimbwa Peke, Deputy Ministers Patrick Meru and Domiano Wamimbi, as well as other Inzu Yamasaba ministers and clan chairmen.
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