Adjumani, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has sanctioned the long-awaited gazettement of the Ma’di Cultural Institution (MCI), following a formal submission by the institution’s Prime Minister, Mr Amacha Goli, during a meeting held on November 16, 2025, at the Mayuge State Lodge.
The Lopirigo of Ma’di, His Highness Suru Simon Baru XI, and Chief Chandiga Ben of Alli Chiefdom, the Principal Adviser to the Lopirigo, were part of the high-profile delegation that presented the request to the President.
Mr Goli reminded the President of his earlier engagements with West Nile leaders, especially the November 2021 meeting on the Apaa land conflict, where the gazettement of the Ma’di Cultural Institution was prominently raised. He also recalled Museveni’s commitment in November 2024 to expedite the process once all documentation was completed.
He informed the President that all necessary documents had since been submitted to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and appealed for the formal gazettement of the Institution and the recognition of the Lopirigo of Ma’di, His Highness Suru Simon Baru XI.
In response, President Museveni directed his Principal Private Secretary, Gloria Omaswa, to immediately notify the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development to proceed with the gazettement process without further delay.
The renewed push for gazettement follows consistent appeals from NRM district chairpersons in Moyo, Adjumani and Obongi, who included the demand in their memorandums during Museveni’s recent political rallies in the Madi Sub-region.
The leaders argued that a fully gazetted cultural institution would strengthen unity, promote peace and enhance the implementation of government programmes at the grassroots.
His Highness Suru Simon Baru XI was elected Lopirigo on August 23, 2024, in a historic and uncontested election held at Moyo People’s Hall by a council of chiefs.
Once gazetted, the Ma’di will be able to hold the first-ever coronation of the Lopirigo in Uganda’s history, a landmark event expected to rejuvenate and fully restore the cultural heritage of the Ma’di people.
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