Sironko, Uganda: A new chapter in the empowerment and cultural affirmation of the Bamasaaba daughters was opened on Monday, June 02, with the official launch of the Bahaana Bamasaaba Association at Mafadu, the ancestral home of the late Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. James Wapakhabulo.
The association, which unites Abasaabachana (daughters of Masaabaland), aims to foster unity, cultural pride, and socio-economic empowerment among women of the Bamasaaba community in Uganda and the diaspora.
The launch event also marked the beginning of a leadership transition, as members resolved to elect new office bearers following the passing of foundational chairperson, the late Betty Gabona, and other officials.
Hon. Emmanuel Mutanje, Minister for Investment in the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution and a prominent lawyer-entrepreneur, contributed UGX 1 million to support the event. The funds were handed to Mama Angelina Wapakhabulo, the association’s treasurer, as part of broader mobilization efforts.
Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kosea Wambaka contributed UGX 500,000, while Prof. Florence Wakoko, a founding member and academic based at Columbus State University in the U.S., paid UGX 120,000—well above the required registration fee of UGX 50,000.
Also contributing were: Hon. Oliver Wonekha, Uganda’s Ambassador to China, Hon. Irene Manghali, Minister in the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, Justice of the Supreme Court, Mrs. Mwambu, wife to the Prime Minister of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, and Hon. Goretti Kitutu, former Minister of Karamoja Affairs.
Total contributions from members and dignitaries amounted to UGX 8.8 million, all in line with association guidelines mandating every Umumasaba Umukhana to support the cause.
Hon. Mutanje pledged sustained support to the initiative: “I’m fully available for this noble cause. Our daughters must be empowered socially and economically, and we shall fund their collective voice,” he said.
Mr. Steven Masiga, spokesperson of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, hailed the launch as historic, saying: “The current effort by our sisters is well thought out. Masaabaland will never be the same. This unity gives us the strength to move as a single block.”
He noted that the Umukuka III, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, was satisfied with the association’s formation and pledged the cultural institution’s full support.
Mr Masiga added that the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution will push for gender-inclusive government deployments and encourage Bahaana Bamasaaba to support the Umukuka’s vision. “When you slap our daughters, we shall come for you,” Masiga warned men who mistreat Bamasaaba women, citing Ugandan laws and cultural values on marital dignity.
DailyExpress understands that the Bahaana Bamasaaba Association will operate across Uganda and the diaspora, providing a platform for Bamasaaba women to network, preserve culture, support community development, and amplify their voice in public affairs.
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