By Steven Masiga
One of the historical theories states that the Bakiga are Bamasaba people who fled Bugisu due to a fear of circumcision. This is validated by common names they share, like Bushika, Bukigai, Kigezi, Namarogo, and Nyamarogo, all found in Kigezi and Bugisu. He also encouraged them to practice circumcision for cultural and health reasons.
The Umukuka III of the Bamasaba people, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, has wound up his official tour of the Kigezi region. The Umukuka was in the highlands of Kigezi upon the invitation of the Mutebile family members and the clergy of Kabale Catholic Church. The entourage of the cultural leader to the Kabale region included his ministers and envoys, some of whom included the Inzu Yamasaba finance minister, Hon. Andrew Masaba; Hon. Vincent Woboya, the minister for disaster and emergencies in the cultural institution; Hon. Wadada, a special envoy of the Umukuka; and the Inzu Yamasaba Attorney General, Mr. Masereje Richard.
While in Kigezi, His Royal Highness, the Umukuka of the Bamasaba people, participated in a fundraising drive where over 20 million shillings was raised towards the completion of Rushoroza Catholic Church, a project commenced by the late Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Professor Emmanuel Mutebile. His Royal Highness, the Umukuka of the Bamasaba, also highlighted the close cultural ties between the Bakiga and the Bamasaba people, who share strikingly many things in common, including place names like Bushika and Bukigai in Bududa District, which have a lot of affinity to many places in Kabale.
Commissioner of Police Dr. Rubanza, who hails from Kabale and has stayed there for about 30 years, says the Bakiga and Bamasaba people have many things in common, especially their language, common items like matooke, routes, and behaviors, which are very similar to the Bakiga, a view shared by the Regional Police Commander, Elgon Region, Mr. Otim Bosco, who has matrimonial ties in the Kigezi region.
The Umukuka was welcomed in the Kabale region by the Mutebile family and the church. The spokesperson of Inzu Yamasaba, Mr. Steven Masiga, said, “It is always good to visit Kabale; we have a lot in common with the Bakiga compared to other tribes like the Banyankole and Baganda. It seems imbalu is what caused these people to abandon the hills of Masabaland.”
The Umukuka and his entourage were treated to a sumptuous party at Lake Bunyonyi Beach, among other key activities that surrounded his visit. In his speech to the Banyakigezi people, the Umukuka urged cultural institutions across Uganda to work closely with the government if they are to realize any developmental objectives. He also reminded the Banyakigezi to visit Masabaland and marry in order to further deepen the cultural ties. “We are so close with our people in Kabale,” the Umukuka stressed.
The Umukuka officially extended an invitation to the Banyakigezi people, whether in government or not, to always visit Masabaland.
The writer is the spokesperson of the Inzu Yamasaba cultural institution.
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