Mbale City, Uganda: The new cabinet of the Bugisu Cultural Institution under His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuka of the Bamasaaba, has begun taking shape with district-by-district appointments. Today, DailyExpress brings you the first segment focusing on Bududa District.
The Bugisu region comprises Bududa, Mbale City, Mbale District, Namisindwa, Manafwa, Bulambuli and the Bamasaaba communities in Kenya’s Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia counties.
Steven Masiga – Spokesperson & Chairman, Awards Committee
Steven Masiga has been retained as spokesperson of the Cultural Institution and Chairman of the Awards Committee, responsible for recommending individuals for certificates of recognition and cultural honours.
Masiga is a long-serving academic at Makerere University’s Department of Community Education, where he has served for over 20 years. He has been involved in research under the Ministry of Water and Environment’s REDD+ project and has taught across university centres in Mbarara, Kamuli, Iganga, Busia, Moroto and Lira.
He previously played a key role in building statutory capacity for local governments between 2010 and 2020 and has served on multiple school boards and School Management Committees.
Academically, Masiga holds a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma in Education (Makerere University), Bachelor of Laws (Islamic University in Uganda), Master of Laws, Master of Public Administration and Management, Multiple postgraduate certificates in law and public administration and is currently pursuing a PhD.
Masiga is accredited by the High Court as a mediator in cultural and land disputes and has addressed judicial conferences, including sessions in Munyonyo, advocating mediation in resolving cultural conflicts.
The Bamasaaba spokesperson was instrumental in public advocacy for the gazettement of the current Cultural Leader in August 2023 and has represented the institution in media engagements locally and internationally.
Hon. Emmanuel Mutanje – Minister for Investments & Entrepreneurship
Hon. Emmanuel Mutanje, appointed Minister for Investments and Entrepreneurship Development, hails from Bududa.
In the early 2000s, he served as political assistant to the late Speaker of Parliament James Wapakhabulo. He later transitioned into private business, establishing enterprises both within and outside Uganda.
Mutanje holds a degree in Public Administration and Management and is nearing completion of a law degree. He has supported several cultural institution initiatives, including contributions toward the establishment of an upcoming radio station.
Hon. Samuel Kuloba – Minister for Education, Literacy & Skills Development
A seasoned educationist, Kuloba previously served as teacher, deputy headteacher, headteacher and Commissioner for Secondary Education in the Ministry of Education and Sports.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma in Education (Makerere University) and Master’s degree in Education Management (Islamic University in Uganda). He also serves on several university councils, including Busitema University.
Hon. Simon Wamoto Nabende:- Nabende has served government as Resident District Commissioner and brings experience in the hospitality sector with advanced training in the hotel industry.
Hon. Nelson Mukuwa – Minister for Youth, Sports & Recreation:- Mukuwa holds a degree in Social Work and Social Administration from Islamic University in Uganda and is tasked with mobilising youth engagement within the cultural framework.
Hon. Dr. Robinah Namome:- Dr. Namome holds a degree in Medicine and works with the Bank of Uganda Medical Department, bringing healthcare expertise into the cabinet.
Hon. Michael Materesi – Ambassador for European Diaspora Partnerships:- Materesi has been appointed Ambassador for Europe in charge of diaspora partnerships.
He holds a MSc in Accounting and Finance, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (Donetsk State University).
He previously served for 12 years as Senior Strategic Procurement Officer for the City of London and sits on several European boards.
All the above appointees are designated under Bududa District within the cultural cabinet structure, irrespective of their current residence.
The appointees expressed appreciation to the Umukuka for entrusting them with leadership roles aimed at strengthening cultural governance and community development.
DailyExpress will next serialize the appointments from Mbale District and Mbale City.
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