Mbale City, Uganda: The Bamasaaba Cultural Institution has announced plans to host a major educational conference in September 2025, targeting primary and secondary school learners across Masaabaland.
Addressing over 5,000 students at Mbale Senior Secondary School, the institution’s spokesperson Mr. Steven Masiga revealed that Umukuka III, the cultural head of the Bamasaaba people, is leading efforts to mobilize scholarships for students, including support from Bamasaaba in the diaspora.
“We are engaging our people abroad, and many have committed to contribute at least USD 120 annually per person to support learners back home,” Masiga stated, adding that the initiative will complement Uganda government’s Higher Education Loan Scheme, especially for science and tourism degree programs.
Masiga used the platform to remind learners of the cultural calendar, particularly the Imbalu circumcision season which occurs in December of every even-numbered year. “This calendar is deliberate, giving students enough time to focus on academics,” he said.
During his address, Masiga decried rising cases of moral decay and drug abuse among learners in Masaabaland. He cited disturbing statistics from his engagement with staff at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital’s psychiatric unit, noting a surge in student admissions linked to narcotics abuse.
“I personally saw schoolchildren in uniform admitted at the mental unit. One student reportedly attempted to rape his own mother while under the influence,” Masiga said. He explained that drug abuse leads to aggressive behavior, criminal tendencies, mental breakdowns, liver damage, and, in some cases, death.
He warned learners that Uganda’s laws are unforgiving on such offences. “Defilement, drug use, rape and theft are serious crimes. Students are not exempt from the law,” he cautioned.
Masiga further criticized the growing trend of indiscipline among children from both wealthy and low-income backgrounds, who are now heavily involved in drugs, alcohol, and shisha. “We are losing an entire generation,” he said.
In support of the cultural initiative, the Headmaster of Mbale SSS, Mr. Moses Buyera, lauded the institution for promoting morality in schools. “Mbale SSS was the first to introduce Lumasaba language in its curriculum. Today we boast of graduates fluent in Lumasaba,” he told DailyExpress.
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