Museveni to meet Bamasaaba cultural leaders at Munyonyo Summit

Kampala, Uganda:– President Yoweri Museveni is set to meet with approximately 300 Bamasaaba leaders at Speke Munyonyo Resort in Kampala on April 15-16, 2025.

The development has been confirmed by the spokesperson of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, Mr. Steven Masiga, who revealed that the gathering will bring together clan heads, ministers of the cultural institution, and other distinguished Bamasaaba personalities.

According to Masiga, the President’s address will focus on key issues affecting the Bamasaaba people, including economic empowerment, patriotism, community harmony, and the role of the family in nation-building.

“The President will guide us on taking government programs seriously to improve livelihoods. As elders and youth, we must embrace his message and work toward the betterment of our cultural institution and community,” Masiga stated.

He adds that before President Museveni delivers his speech, the cultural leader of the Bamasaaba people, Umukuka III, will address his subjects.

The upcoming gathering follows a recent visit by Sebaruli, the outgoing Chairman of the Uganda Kings Association, who was in Masaabaland to bid farewell to the Bamasaaba community ahead of handing over leadership to a new traditional leader who will be elected soon.

His Royal Highness Mwogezi Butamanya, accompanied by Family Peace Uganda’s Executive Director, Mr. Ezra Bakundika, emphasized the importance of unity and family cohesion in cultural governance.

The Bamasaaba Cultural Institution has been in existence for about 15 years, with its leadership lineage tracing back to the late Umukuka Wilson Wamimbi, who reigned from 2010 to 2015. He was succeeded by the late Umukuka Mushikor (2015-2020), and the current leader, Umukuka III, was gazetted in 2023 for a term extending to August 2028.

Efforts to establish cultural leadership for the Bamasaaba people date back to the early 1960s but were disrupted due to political turmoil that led to the abolition of kingdoms. The revival of the institution in the 21st century has since played a crucial role in fostering cultural identity and community development.

At the time of writing, the delegation from Masaabaland to Munyonyo was being coordinated by Hon. Irene Manghali, the Commissioner for Public Engagements in Inzu Ya Masaaba. Attendance will be determined in accordance with the guidelines set by Family Peace Uganda, under the leadership of Mr. Ezra Bakundika, the executive head.

The Munyonyo summit is expected to be a landmark event, providing a platform for dialogue on cultural preservation, governance, and collaboration between the Bamasaaba community and the central government.