Mbale, Uganda: His Highness the Jude Mike Mudoma, Umukuka of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, has appointed several ministers and envoys from Mbale District to serve in key positions within the cultural cabinet as part of efforts to strengthen governance, heritage preservation and strategic development in Bugisu.
Below is the list of appointees from Mbale District and the reasons behind their selection:
1. Rt. Hon. Dr Paul Mwambu – Prime Minister
Rt. Hon. Dr Paul Mwambu serves as Prime Minister of the Cultural Institution, making him second-in-command and chief advisor to the Umukuka on cabinet and general administration matters.
Dr Mwambu previously worked as NAADS District Coordinator for Mbale before joining international institutions including the UNDP and World Bank. He currently serves as Commissioner in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, overseeing Crop Inspection and Certification.
An accomplished academic, he is a trained entomologist from Makerere University and holds a PhD in Public Administration (Uganda Management Institute), MSc and BSc from Makerere University, Master’s in Public Administration from Islamic University in Uganda and Postgraduate diplomas from Cape University (South Africa) in pesticide management and project planning
He has been recognized by FAO as one of the best-trained experts on invasive insects in Sub-Saharan Africa. With over 20 years in academia and applied research, his appointment reflects his administrative depth, global exposure, and consistent financial and structural support to Bugisu clan systems.
2. Hon. Moses Kutoi – Minister for Culture, Heritage, Arts, Languages & Indigenous Knowledge
Hon. Kutoi holds a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma in Education from Makerere University. He previously served as Mayor of Nabumali Town and lectured in the Department of Languages at Uganda Christian University, Mbale.
His academic grounding in language and culture makes him central to preserving Bugisu identity and indigenous knowledge systems.
3. Hon. Alfred Gerosom Musamali – Minister for Information
Hon. Musamali is completing a Master’s in Management Studies at Uganda Management Institute. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Literature, Linguistics & Languages) – Makerere University and Postgraduate Diplomas in Environmental Journalism, Education, and Public Administration.
He has taught at Bulucheke SSS and Nabumali High School and participated in founding Bududa Senior Secondary School. He also worked with New Vision, World Bank, Government of Zambia, and UBOS in public relations.
His appointment strengthens communication, media engagement and institutional visibility.
4. Hon. Michael Werikhe Kafabusa – Chairman, Fair Cultural Commission
A former Member of Parliament for Bungokho South, Hon. Werikhe previously served as State Minister for Trade & Industry and State Minister for Housing & Lands. He holds: a Master of Arts in Physical Planning, a Diploma in Leadership – Nottingham University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences – Makerere University
The Fair Cultural Commission focuses on equitable and sustainable development within Bugisu. His governance and policy experience position him to address regional imbalances.
5. Hon. Mutenyo Masaba Muhamud – Coordinator, Bugisu Parliamentary Affairs
Currently the elected MP for Bungokho South, Hon. Masaba has over 30 years in politics, rising from LC I Chairman to Mayor of Mbale Industrial Division and NRM Chairman for Mbale District.
He holds an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration and Management and is undertaking training in legislative protocols.
He has historically supported the cultural institution, including land allocation during his tenure as mayor.
I6. Hon. Annet Masinde – Deputy Minister for Education
Hon. Masinde brings extensive experience in education administration. Her last posting was District Inspector of Schools for Manafwa District Local Government, making her instrumental in shaping educational initiatives within the cultural framework.
Hon. Sakwa Samuel Napokoli – Minister for Local Governments & Clan Affairs
An alumnus of Makerere University with a degree in Political Science, Hon. Sakwa spent over 25 years abroad in Kenya and South Africa due to political circumstances in 1985.
While in Lesotho, he rose to Chief Examiner of English and pursued postgraduate diplomas in Education and Peace Studies. Since returning to Uganda in 2010, he has been involved in philanthropic activities in Busiu.
His international exposure and community leadership underpin his appointment to oversee clan affairs and local government coordination.
8. Hon. Hillary Busiku – Envoy for Economic Diversification & Development
Hon. Busiku holds a degree in Computer Science and is actively involved in private enterprise, including Mbale City Opticians and serving as CEO of Malaika Bridals in Kampala.
His business background aligns with the institution’s goal of economic diversification within Bugisu.
9. Hon. John Wambi – Envoy for Innovation & Industrialisation
Hon. Wambi is a graduate and innovation expert appointed to spearhead industrial and innovation-driven transformation within the cultural institution.
Strategic Outlook
The appointments signal a deliberate effort by the Umukuka to integrate experienced public servants, academics, former legislators and entrepreneurs into the cultural governance structure.
With Uganda’s cultural institutions increasingly aligning themselves with socio-economic development goals, the Mbale-based ministers are expected to support the institution’s strategic objectives from 2026 onwards.
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