Mbale, Uganda: The Bugisu Cultural Institution has formally rejected an offer by Ssabaruli to mediate in its ongoing leadership dispute, insisting that the matter is already before court and cannot be diverted to informal mediation.
Speaking to DailyExpress by telephone, Bugisu Cultural Institution spokesperson Steven Masiga said while the Ssabaruli’s gesture was noted, it was procedurally flawed and legally untenable.
“Those running to His Highness the Ssabaruli have several court petitions against the current cultural leadership, which they have failed to defend. Once a matter is before the court, you cannot abandon it midway and begin roaming the country looking for mediators,” Masiga said.
His remarks follow reports published in New Vision on Monday, February 9, indicating that the Ssabaruli, the cultural leader of Buruli, had offered to mediate in the Bugisu leadership wrangles.
Masiga recalled that in 2023, government formally gazetted Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma as the legitimate Umukuka following High Court guidance and resolutions by Bugisu clan elders. He said several individuals dissatisfied with the process opted to challenge the decision in court but have since shifted tactics.
“If they were bona fide petitioners, why abandon the court process and rush to the King of Buruli? Bugisu has its own king, and we shall not allow any trespass into our cultural affairs by anybody, regardless of stature,” Masiga said.
He named some of the original court petitioners as Mzee Wagabyalire and Mzee Sakwa, accusing those now seeking mediation outside court of undermining the justice system. “This conduct amounts to clear disrespect of court and almost borders on contempt of court,” Masiga said.
He further explained that Uganda’s mediation regulations do not allow litigants to unilaterally choose mediators for matters already before court.
“Court is not arm-twisted. It is the court, on its own volition, that decides who can mediate any case before it. No mediator can impose himself on a matter that is already under judicial consideration,” he said, adding that the institution does not want the Ssabaruli to be misled.
Masiga appealed to the Ssabaruli to respect court processes, noting that if court formally appoints him as a mediator, Bugisu would have no objection.
“As cultural institutions, it would be better practice for their Highnesses to engage directly with one another rather than rushing to the media,” he said.
He also raised concern over what he described as a growing pattern of individuals opposed to the current Bugisu leadership seeking external cultural platforms.
“We are concerned that anyone who disagrees with the present leadership of Bugisu rushes to Buruli. Why is Buruli being used as a launch pad against Bugisu?” Masiga asked, adding that the institution would investigate the matter further.
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