Mbale, (UG):- The Bamasaba community have taken a significant step towards establishing the Inzu Yamasaba radio station, raising over 50 million shillings in pledges and cash during a fundraising dinner held on December 27, 2024. The event, spearheaded by the Bamasaba diaspora community, was hailed as a milestone for the cultural institution.
Addressing the community, the Umukuka III His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma commended the Bamasaba diaspora, singling out Prof. Florence Wakoko of the United States, Mr. and Mrs. Wakou, Hon. Michael Materesi, and Hon. Prof. Wamuziri for their mobilization efforts.
He also thanked the government for supporting landslide victims in Bulambuli, emphasizing the radio station’s potential to bridge communication gaps.
The spokesperson for the Bamasaba Cultural Institution, Mr. Steven Masiga, detailed the contributions as follows:
- Prof. Florence Wakoko: 4 million shillings (approx. $1,000)
- Hon. Michael Materesi: 2 million shillings
- Bamasaba in Diaspora (represented by Engineer and Mrs. Wakou): $3,000 (over 10 million shillings)
- Hon. Emmanuel Mutanje: 5 million shillings
- Bugisu Parliamentary Caucus: 5 million shillings
- Kenyan Chapter (represented by Engineer Agnes): 700,000 Kenyan shillings
- Her Lordship Justice Catherine Bamugemeirere: 1 million shillings
- Hon. Apollo Masika (MP Namisindwa East): 1 million shillings
- Hon. Bwayo Gabriel: 500,000 shillings
- Hajji Kafoko: 1 million shillings
- Hajji Amir: 200,000 shillings
- Mr. Nangoli (Coffee Dealer): 500,000 shillings
- Dr. Mafumbo (Victoria University): 200,000 shillings
- Hon. Manghali Irene Khainza and Family: 100,000 shillings
- Mr. Makatu Patrick: 1.2 million shillings
- Director Adhesives: 1 million shillings
- Mr. Mafumo: 500,000 shillings
- PWD Bududa Tsesili: 100,000 shillings
- Josephine Kisaka: 500,000 shillings
- Mr. Wopuwa of Butiru: 100,000 shillings
- Rt. Hon. Walimbwa Charles: 200,000 shillings
- Mrs. Charles Walimbwa: 200,000 shillings
- Mrs. Nabende: 100,000 shillings
Pledges from Notable Figures
- Rt. Hon. Moses Wetangula, Speaker of the Kenyan Parliament, pledged a significant contribution.
- Members of Parliament from Bungoma also pledged support.
- Regional Police Commander Bosco Otim and Rukungiri CAO Masokoyi Waswa pledged contributions on behalf of their institutions.
While delivering her remarks via Zoom from the United States, Prof. Florence Wakoko lauded the milestone event, saying, “Today marks a milestone in the history of the cultural institution, a day when we are all gathered to drum support for the establishment of a radio station for Bukuka.” She also unveiled a GoFundMe link to continue soliciting funds for the project.
Her Lordship Justice Bamugemeirere, in her keynote address, emphasized the importance of unity among the Bamasaba people.
The Umukuka III thanked the contributors and highlighted the importance of the radio station in fostering development and communication. He called for unity and progress among his subjects.
The spokesperson, Mr Masiga, praised the diaspora community for their immense support, noting their contributions towards air tickets, which amounted to over 10 million shillings. He particularly recognized Hon. Michael Materesi, Engineer Wakou and his family, Prof. Wakoko, and Prof. Wamuziri for their efforts in making the event a success.
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