Mbale, Uganda: The Bamasaba cultural institution has issued a stern ultimatum to the Masaka City Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Mr. Washaki Ahamada, demanding a public apology within two hours over alleged derogatory remarks directed at their cultural leader, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuka of the Bamasaba.
In a press statement released Monday, April 14, 2025, the institution’s spokesperson, Mr. Steven Masiga, condemned Washaki for what he described as “uncultured behavior and an affront to constitutional order.”
The remarks in question were reportedly made by RCC Washaki during a public function in Busano Sub County on Saturday, April 12, during the first anniversary of the late Wamimbi.
According to Mr Masiga, Mr. Washaki is heard in an audio recording making extremely negative and disrespectful remarks about the Bugisu cultural leader. “As the Bamasaba people, we demand that he withdraws his statements and publicly apologizes within two hours, or we shall escalate the matter to higher authorities,” he ordered.
Masiga explained that the animosity between Washaki and the Umukuka stems from a decision taken in December 2024, when the cultural cabinet relieved Washaki of a cultural advisory role over alleged underperformance and breach of protocol.
Such deployments, he stressed, are discretionary and guided by the cultural constitution of the Bamasaba.
“The Umukuka and his cabinet are constitutionally mandated to mobilize the Bamasaba people to embrace government programs. Anyone attempting to sabotage these efforts will not be tolerated,” Masiga warned. “Why should a presidential appointee like an RCC be the one spreading division and hate against a legitimate cultural leader?”
The Inzu Ya Masaba Spokesperson went on to emphasize the role of RDCs and RCCs in defending the constitution and fostering community harmony, not sowing discord. “Under Article 3 of the Constitution, and Article 246 regarding cultural institutions, all leaders — especially government officials — are expected to uphold unity, respect for culture, and lawful conduct,” he said.
Masiga also took issue with Washaki’s reported comments on matters of cultural jurisdiction, especially concerning the mandate of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. “Why would an RCC try to undermine the minister’s role in correcting jurisdictional issues relating to cultural leadership across Uganda?”
Masiga, therefore, noted that Washaki’s statements, if left unchecked, set a dangerous precedent for attacks on cultural institutions across the country.
“We call upon those responsible for supervising RCC Washaki to urgently restrain him. We shall not hesitate to seek guidance from the Ministry of the Presidency if this conduct persists. As elders, RCCs should lead by example, not behave like juveniles.”
At the time of filing this report, Mr. Washaki had not responded to the demands or issued a public statement regarding the incident.
Send us your story or opinion on: [email protected]. You can also follow Daily Express on WhatsApp for all the latest news and updates.
