Kitale, Kenya: The Umukuka of Bugisu, His Royal Highness, Jude Mike Mudoma III, has been honoured by the Trans-Nzoia County Government in Kenya with the county emblem, one of the highest recognitions bestowed by the county administration.
The honour was presented during the Umukuka’s recent cultural tour of Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia counties, regions that host communities culturally linked to the Bamasaba people of eastern Uganda.
The Umukuka led a delegation of cultural ministers and officials from the Inzu Ya Masaba cultural institution for engagements focused on culture, education and clan structures between communities on both sides of the Uganda-Kenya border.
The delegation was officially hosted by the Trans-Nzoia County Government and received by Governor George Natembeya alongside senior county officials.
During the visit, the cultural institution held a series of meetings with county leaders aimed at strengthening cultural cooperation and preserving historical ties between the Bamasaba and Babukusu communities.
Trans-Nzoia County, whose name originates from River Nzoia flowing from the Cheranganyi Hills in western Kenya, is one of Kenya’s major cosmopolitan counties inhabited by Babukusu, Luhya and Sabaot communities among others.
Governor Natembeya, a trained anthropologist with undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications from the University of Nairobi, reportedly emphasised the historical and anthropological connections shared between the communities.
The county emblem presented to the Umukuka symbolises exceptional cultural and community service as well as continued promotion of cordial relations between communities.
The emblem features elements of the Trans-Nzoia County flag including a brown cogwheel, a shield symbolising defence of the people, a dark vertical strip and green and golden-yellow colours representing the region’s agricultural heritage.
The Umukuka was accompanied by several ministers from the Bugisu cultural institution including Hon. Kutoi Moses, Minister for Culture; Hon. Irene Manghali, Special Envoy for Public Engagements; Hon. Robinah Namome, Minister for Health; Hon. Sarah Manana, Deputy Minister for Health; Hon. Priscilla Mungoma in charge of Museums; Hon. Samuel Napokoli, Busiu Clan Chairman; and Hon. Wambede Richard, Minister in charge of Bukuka Affairs.
The cultural institution also extended appreciation to Governor Natembeya, the Trans-Nzoia County leadership, county commissioners and officials for hosting the delegation.
Special recognition was also extended to Kenneth Lusaka and Timothy Wanyonyi for facilitating accommodation and logistical support for the delegation during the visit.
According to the institution’s spokesperson Steven Masiga, the visit reaffirmed the historical brotherhood and cultural relations shared between the Bamasaba communities in Uganda and their counterparts in Kenya.
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