Mbale, Uganda: As we approach the second anniversary of the coronation of His Highness Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma, it is my singular duty as the Public Relations Officer and spokesperson of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution to inform our people about the significant milestones achieved by His Highness and his cabinet.
From both long-term and short-term strategic cultural intentions, the Umukuka and his cabinet have made impactful progress since his gazettement by the Government in 2023, in line with Article 246 of the Constitution and the Cultural Leaders Act II, and in accordance with Bamasaaba norms and customs.
Umukuka III began his reign by taking an oath before the Mbale High Court Judge, followed by a coronation ceremony graced by the Vice President of Uganda, representing the President. His cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Dr. Paul Mwambu, includes ministers, envoys, and commissioners, ensuring that every region of Masaabaland—including our brothers in Kenya—is represented. This is the first such inclusive structure in our cultural institution’s history.
Imbalu Ceremony and Community Support
With government support, the Umukuka organized a successful launch of the Imbalu season, attended by kings from across Africa, cultural leaders from Uganda, and thousands of Bamasaaba. His Highness also secured and distributed relief items worth UGX 100 million from the Chinese Industrial Park in Mbale to landslide victims in Bulambuli. These included mattresses, bedding, clothing, mats, and detergents.
Sanitary pads were distributed to mothers and girls through support mobilized by Hon. Michael Materesi, Hon. Priscilla, and Mbale Pond in collaboration with the Wellish Community. The Prime Minister, Dr. Mwambu, also distributed maize seedlings to clan chairpersons for the March planting season.
The Chinese community contributed UGX 20 million for renovations of Inzu Ya Masaaba. The Bukuka has since renovated an annexed building at an estimated cost of UGX 70 million and fenced its offices with wire mesh. Through a petition to Hon. Kahinda Otafiire, the Ministry of Internal Affairs donated four habitation containers (unit ports) valued at UGX 50 million, now accommodating security personnel.
Honoring the Departed and Cultural Icons
Following our petition, the Government granted a state burial to the late Umukuka Emeritus Wilson Wamimbi, valued at UGX 150 million, and represented by Vice President Rt. Maj. Jessica Alupo. President Museveni personally called His Highness to express his condolences.
Umukuka III led a delegation to Bungoma, Kenya, to mourn with Rt. Hon. Moses Wetangula upon the loss of his mother. The caskets of foundational institution leaders, Umukuka Emeritus Wamimbi and Hon. Wekunya Cornelius, lay in state in Maluku, where thousands came to pay their last respects.
We also participated in the send-offs of several clan chairpersons and recognized Mayi Catherine Hanyiga, composer of the Bukuka anthem, with a certificate and UGX 1 million.
Strategic Education and Diaspora Engagement
Bursaries and scholarships have been secured from Ibanda University, the University of Western Cape, and the University of West England. Local schools including Mbale SS, Masaba SS, Bududa SS, and Mbale High School have also offered slots for needy students.
In the diaspora, efforts led by envoys in the USA, UK, and South Africa are ongoing. An education fund is being set up where every Umumasaba in the U.S. will contribute USD 120 annually.
Media, Cultural Center, and Infrastructure
Bukuka leadership is progressing toward establishing a radio and TV station. In the interim, we have free airtime on Signal FM, BCU FM, and IUIU FM. We also receive outstanding coverage from UBC, BABA TV, NTV, NBS, BBS, Daily Monitor, New Vision, and other platforms including The Ankole Times, Daily Express, and Mbale Express.
The Bukuka palace and cultural center are set for construction beginning July 2025 in partnership with Government. The Ministry of Local Government has entrusted Bukuka with management of historically significant buildings previously owned by Mbale District Local Government.
International Recognition and Government Support
Umukuka has traveled internationally to lobby for development, including to the U.S. and South Africa. His advocacy for girl child empowerment was recognized with the honorary title “Sir (Datu)” by We Care for Humanity International.
Government now officially funds Bukuka with an annual grant of UGX 720 million, covering Umukuka’s salary and facilitating cultural development programs. His Highness is also provided with official mobility and security befitting a recognized cultural leader.
Workshops and Government Collaboration
Various ministries have included Bukuka in key workshops. The Ministry of Health trained clan chairpersons on malaria prevention at Wash and Wills Hotel, and supported the rollout of polio vaccination campaigns. We participated in the UNDP tree planting initiative in Bugisu and partnered with the Italian Tree Project and Grow Uganda.
Umukuka personally spearheaded tree planting drives in schools such as Nyondo SS and will expand this program across Masaabaland.
The AIDS Information Centre and AIDS Commission are working with us to train clan leaders on HIV prevention and stigma reduction.
Judicial Partnerships and ADR Promotion
We are honored to have participated in judiciary-led ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) workshops alongside other cultural institutions like Buganda, Bunyoro, Tooro, Acholi, and Kasese. I, Steven Masiga (Spokesperson), Hon. Kutoi (Minister for Culture), and Hon. Irene Manghali (Special Envoy), represented Bukuka.
The Call to Embrace Government Programs
The Umukuka urges all Bamasaaba to fully utilize government initiatives including the Higher Education Financing Board loan scheme, PDM, NAADS, UPE, USE, and public health services. We call upon authorities to investigate any cases of exclusion or obstruction in these programs.
Appeal for Peace in Upcoming Elections
As we head into the general elections, the Umukuka and his cabinet, alongside clan chairpersons, strongly encourage peaceful participation and denounce violence during the electoral period.
Mwanyala lukoosi. Tulinde lukoosi. Special appreciation to everyone who continues to stand with us and support the Bamasaaba community.
The author is the Spokesperson of Bamasaaba Cultural Institution
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