Kampala, (UG):- The Umukuka III, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, leader of the Bamasaba cultural institution, made significant changes on December 28, 2024, removing his Prime Minister Charles Walimbwa Peke and other ministers from the cabinet.
According to the institution’s spokesperson, Mr. Steven Masiga, the changes were necessitated by various factors rooted in legal guidelines, cultural responsibilities, and public demand.
Masiga explained that the dismissals were guided by Article 246 (f) of the Constitution and the Cultural Leaders Act of 2011, which prohibit cultural leaders and their agents from engaging in partisan politics.
He highlighted that many of those relieved of responsibilities were active party members, chairpersons of political parties, or holders of party cards, such as Hon. Allan Makweta, a National Unity Platform (NUP) parliamentary contestant. These political affiliations conflicted with their cultural roles, violating legal provisions that discourage partisan politics within cultural institutions.
Another key reason for the reshuffle was the alleged insubordination and underperformance of certain ministers. For instance, former Kumi Resident District Commissioner, Ahamada Washaki, who held the reconciliation docket, was accused of intrigue and failing to fulfil his responsibilities.
Mr Masiga pointed out that Washaki refused to mediate in a murder dispute between an Umumasaaba and an Acholi in line with Bamasaba cultural protocols and Acholi reconciliation practices. This failure, combined with his reluctance to represent the institution in key cultural meetings or identify himself as an official of Inzu Ya Masaba, demonstrated a disregard for his role and cultural protocols.
Public demand for accountability and adherence to cultural values also played a significant role in the reshuffle.
Masiga emphasized that the Constitution and the Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act empower the Umukuka to appoint and dismiss officials to ensure the effective execution of the institution’s roles. He reaffirmed the Umukuka’s authority to make such changes to uphold the integrity and mission of the cultural institution.
The Cabinet Changes
In the mini cabinet reshuffle, Rt. Hon. Paul Mwambu was appointed as Prime Minister, while Dr. Kosea Wambaka and Mr. Mwenyi Davis, formerly a district planner for Manafwa District and now an Assistant Commissioner in the Office of the President, were named Deputy Prime Ministers. Hon. Emmanuel Mutanje was appointed as Minister for Investments and Entrepreneurship Development, and Hon. Makatu Patrick as Minister for Lands.
The officials relieved of their responsibilities include former Prime Minister Charles Walimbwa Peke, Hon. Wedaira Nelson, Hon. Ahamada Washaki, and Hon. Allan Makweta.
Despite their dismissal, the cultural institution expressed goodwill toward the outgoing officials, noting that they remain Bamasaba and are encouraged to continue supporting the institution outside the cabinet structures.
Masiga assured that the outgoing officials would hand over their offices to the incoming team at an appropriate time.
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