Mbale, Uganda: The Bamasaaba cultural institution has directed that all cabinet ministers and envoys appointed by the Umukuka III will henceforth conduct official meetings and engagements in the Lumasaba language.
Steven Masiga, the official spokesperson of the institution, told DailyExpress that the move is aimed at promoting the indigenous language and restoring its dignity as a symbol of identity and pride for the Bamasaaba people.
“It will become cultural policy that wherever we go, even when addressing the President or fellow cultural leaders, Lumasaba will be our language of communication,” he stated.
Where necessary, Mr Masiga says assigned teams will handle translations. “We must stop using foreign languages when speaking to our own people.”
He further emphasized that cultural institutions are custodians of heritage, language, and customs, and must use every public platform to promote and preserve them.
The Bamasaaba are primarily found in the Mount Elgon region, encompassing the clans of Mubuya: Bududa, Namisindwa, and Manafwa Districts, extending into Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties in Kenya; Mwambu: Sironko and parts of Bulambuli; and Wanale: Mbale District and Mbale City.
The directive, according to Mr Masiga, is expected to be implemented across all levels of the institution’s structure, including the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Paul Mwambu, his deputies Hon. Davis Mwenyi, Hon. Clet Wandui, Hon. Wakooli Bifwooli, and Hon. Kosea Wambaka, as well as all ministers and global envoys.
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