Mbale, Uganda: The Headmistress and students of Nakaloke Senior Secondary School in Mbale have petitioned the Bamasaaba cultural institution under Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma to establish Shisakati, a structured mentorship program for Bamasaaba youth modeled after Buganda’s renowned Ekisaakaate program on cultural norms, etiquette, and values.
The school made the request during a cultural engagement last week, where Steven Masiga, spokesperson of the Bamasaaba cultural institution, delivered a lecture on upholding positive values among learners across Masaabaland.
Masiga challenged the learners to prioritize education, noting that government is already heavily investing in their future through initiatives like free secondary education and the Higher Education Loan Scheme targeting science and tourism courses at university.
He used the platform to warn against social vices undermining the youth, including alcoholism, narcotic drug abuse, indecent dressing, and gang involvement both in schools and communities. He cited alarming statistics on drug abuse and its toll on learners’ health within Masaabaland.
Masiga further reminded students about the cultural imbalu calendar fixed for the end of every even year, including the upcoming December 2026 circumcision festivities. He emphasized that cultural initiation should not disrupt education, noting that even after fulfilling such cultural rites, learners remain students until they complete the full academic cycle from primary to university.
He also revealed that Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma is mobilizing support from the Bamasaaba diaspora in the USA, UK, and elsewhere to establish a special education fund for learners in Masaabaland.
The Headmistress, Ms. Masitula Nankya, and her students formally requested the Umukuka’s consideration to introduce Shisakati as a structured mentorship platform to help young Bamasaaba navigate cultural expectations while excelling academically.
Masiga promised to forward the petition to Umukuka III and his cabinet for consideration.
As part of the event activities, learners showcased innovations including generating light using obsolete batteries, reflecting their engagement with practical skills education.
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