The news of her appointment as the Envoy for the Bamasaba Chapter in the USA and Canada by the leadership of the Bamasaba Cultural Institution was relayed some time ago. However, it is worth mentioning again, especially for those who may have missed such important cultural news.
The Bamasaba Ambassador, Hon. Prof. Florence Wakoko, embodies the cultural and developmental aspirations of the Bamasaba people from both Uganda and Kenya. She occupies a central position in the leadership of Bukuka, the governing body of the Bamasaba.
I am well aware that, unlike government-appointed envoys who require accreditation, she is a cultural ambassador who may not necessarily follow the same protocols and formalities. She will not present credentials to any head of state but is fully equipped to handle cultural matters whenever they arise. She can petition UNESCO or the UN on cultural aspects related to Bamasaba culture.
The Bamasaba are a significant tribe in Uganda, closely connected with their cousins, the Bamasaba of Kenya. The only geographical feature separating them is River Lwakaka. However, River Lwakaka should not be seen as a true barrier, as many people pass through it without even noticing. It could rather be viewed as a river with pathogen-free water consumed by two fraternal communities. If the river were ever to become an obstacle to unity, the Bamasaba of both countries could work together to divert it so that their people continue to thrive as one united community.
The Bamasaba of Kenya and Uganda form a single, larger tribe of over 10 million people. Our staple foods and elementary diets are similar, as is the ritual of Imbalu (circumcision), which serves as a central passage to adulthood. We share names and various cultural practices. As a tribe, we are people of medium complexion and stout nature, not fitting easily into Anglo-Saxon or Cushitic features. We are proud Africans, and most importantly, Bamasaba people, where circumcision is a key rite for male children and there are fewer rituals for females, except lessons on etiquette and decorum.
Masabaland is known for its tall hills, and in recent years, it has tragically gained notoriety for human loss due to landslides and mudslides. The region is home to four major rivers: Manafwa River, which has a large catchment area from Mt. Elgon through Bududa under the Mbuya clan and flows up to Lake Kyoga via Mpologoma Swamp; Solokho River, which is in Sironko under Mwambu, connecting to Lake Kyoga; Lwakaka River, which serves as a commercial and domestic water source for the Bamasaba of both Uganda and Kenya; and Wuukha River, found in Bududa (Nametsi), one of the deadliest rivers, more lethal than any Ugandan lake. It has no mercy and has claimed many victims, including a pregnant mother and her entire family. River Wuukha merges with River Manafwa around Bulucheke, and by the time you reach Bubulo, it is fully subsumed into River Manafwa. Many casualties in Bududa are mistakenly attributed to River Manafwa, but the true culprit is River Wuukha.
Many daughters of Masabaland have made significant global contributions in academics and philanthropy. Among them is Prof. Florence Wakoko, an Ohio-trained professor with over four degrees. Prof. Florence, as her students and colleagues refer to her, is a committed Christian who always gives thanks to the Lord before any meal, no matter how precious. She is passionate about welfare, development, academics, and Christianity.
In her brief memoir titled My Early Life in the United States and Where I Am Today, Florence shares her contributions to both American and African communities, ranging from poverty eradication to microfinancing and education, all aimed at uplifting the welfare of mankind and woman-kind.
Florence is a pragmatic utilitarian and universalist, and she shares these beliefs with her husband, Mr Studstil, who is also a committed advocate for universalism and the empowerment of mankind through financial welfare. Their shared commitment to helping others is reflected in the saying, “What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.” Both spouses are deeply involved in initiatives to improve the happiness and well-being of mankind.
Welfare is a state of mind that reflects human happiness, and money is often used as a measure of welfare. Dr. Florence is over 6,000 nautical miles away from her birthplace but remains deeply passionate about African issues, often more so than those she left behind in Africa. Unlike most Africans, who would typically focus on empowering communities within Africa, Florence has expanded her efforts to help communities beyond the continent.
Her memoirs, while not a definitive account of all her experiences, offer a comprehensive look at her American journey. As a younger lecturer and academician, she shares much about life outside of America, including her time at Tororo Girls, Nabinsusa, and Makerere University, where she was a student leader.
General Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State, once expressed reservations about autobiographies, claiming they were self-serving. However, Prof. Florence’s memoir is not just about herself; it offers valuable insights into the challenges and contributions she has made along the way.
Prof. Florence follows in the footsteps of British political and economic thinkers like Jeremy Bentham, who advocated for utilitarian philosophy. She shares their disdain for conditions that cause unhappiness and is determined to eliminate hardships like poverty, inequality, and illiteracy. Some might even say she is more pragmatic than Bentham, as there is no record of him extending a hand to uplift others in the same way Prof. Florence does.
Bentham’s utilitarian philosophy, which began over 300 years ago, focuses on ensuring the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Prof. Florence and her husband have made this philosophy more practical and central to their work, impacting millions of people worldwide.
The Bamasaba Cultural Institution has entrusted Prof. Florence with one of its signature projects: the establishment of a television and radio station for the institution. To make this a reality, funds must be raised, and Prof. Florence is leading this important cultural project on behalf of her community.
She is our ambassador-at-large, cultural envoy, and agent, and will mobilize the Bamasaba people and their friends in the United States, Canada, and beyond to ensure this cultural project takes shape. Florence has also trained American students and maintained strong links with academic networks, political figures, and church communities, all of which will support her efforts on behalf of the Bamasaba.
Florence is a trained sociologist and previously served as an adjunct head of the Department of Criminal Justice at Columbus State University in the United States. She now serves as an associate professor and head of the Department of Sociology and Languages at Ohio State University, where she is concluding the semester this December.
She has earned numerous accolades in sociology and criminology and has made significant global contributions in the fields of agriculture, education, women’s empowerment, and health.
The Tanzanian community has praised her for her contributions, and postgraduate students at Sokoine University cannot complete their theses without referencing her work. Many who studied with her in Tororo Girls and Nabinsusa recall her as a natural leader. She was elected head girl at both schools and later became the chairperson of Africa Hall at Makerere University, defeating many competitors, some of whom are now prominent Ugandan ministers.
Although many expected her to enter mainstream politics, Prof. Florence chose academia, where she rose to the rank of university professor. Her doctoral thesis, The Role of Microfinance in the Empowerment of Women in Uganda, was awarded 21 years ago, marking the beginning of her academic journey.
The television and radio stations to be established by the leadership of Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma will require hundreds of millions of shillings. We urge Bamasaba and their friends in the diaspora to support this project with faith and commitment.
In preparation for this project, Prof. Florence has held meetings to ensure it progresses smoothly. We are grateful to the Bamasaba in the diaspora for their unwavering support, and we rely on them for the realization of this cultural initiative.
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