Mbale, Uganda: The leadership of the Bamasaaba cultural institution has dismissed as misleading and politically motivated claims by Manjiya County MP, Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe, that the Ministry of Tourism gave money to the cultural institution during the 2024 Imbalu festivities.
Hon. Nambeshe, in a recent parliamentary session, alleged that funds from the Ministry of Tourism were extended to the Bamasaaba cultural leadership but not properly accounted for. The remarks have since sparked backlash from cultural leaders in Bugisu, who insist no such funding was received.
Speaking to DailyExpress on Friday, Bamasaaba Cultural Institution spokesperson, Mr. Steven Masiga, denied the institution receiving any such funding as claimed by Nambeshe saying the intentions by the Bugisu cu
“As spokesperson of the cultural institution, I have done sufficient consultations with our Imbalu teams, and they have dismissed Nambeshe’s claims as ill-willed and malicious,” Masiga told DailyExpress. He further challenged the MP, saying, “I don’t know when Nambeshe began working for the Ministry of Tourism to be more knowledgeable than its top technocrats. Even the ministry itself is surprised by his statement.”
Hon. Wilson Watila, who chaired the 2024 Imbalu organising committee, said the ministry only offered technical guidance and provided a few T-shirts, but no financial support. The institution’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Andrew Masaba, also denied receiving any funds, while Mr. S.M. Wambuya, another organiser, revealed that the ministry only pledged to support Imbalu activities in 2026.
Masiga accused Hon. Nambeshe of dragging the cultural institution into partisan politics, warning that he risks being unwelcome at the Umukuka’s palace if he continues. “We don’t do politics as a cultural institution. That’s why we received the NUP Principal in good faith. But if Nambeshe wants to play politics with us, then he is unwelcome to Bukuka,” Masiga stated.
He further alleged that intelligence within the cultural institution shows Nambeshe siding with cliques opposed to the current leadership, while undermining the authority of the Umukuka. “Some MPs from Bugisu want to put themselves above Bukuka and Umukuka, but they will not succeed,” he added.
Masiga cited the Cultural Leaders Act and Article 10(a) of Uganda’s Constitution, saying the Bagisu’s tribal status is well recognised under the Third Schedule, and accused Nambeshe of failing to use the proper cultural caucus channels in Parliament.
He also credited President Yoweri Museveni for stepping in during the Imbalu festivities to cover what could have been a serious financial shortfall. “Nambeshe should stop his Bududa politics and learn to verify information before making reckless claims in Parliament,” Masiga stressed.
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