Mbale, Uganda: Senior opposition politicians in Bugisu, Hon Nathan Nandala Mafabi and John Baptist Nambeshe, are among the prominent leaders expected to accompany Umukuka, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, on an official cultural working tour of the United States of America.
The trip follows an official invitation extended by the North America and Canada Masaba Cultural Association (NAMCA), according to Bugisu Cultural Institution spokesperson Steven Masiga.
Masiga said the delegation will engage the Bamasaba diaspora community in the United States and strengthen cultural, social and strategic partnerships between the Bugisu Cultural Institution and Bamasaba living abroad.
“The visit will provide a historical opportunity for the Bamasaba in the diaspora to strengthen cultural ties with their cultural institution back home,” Masiga said.
The delegation is expected to be received and hosted by members of the Bamasaba community in America at the DoubleTree Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Key figures on delegation
At the centre of the delegation will be Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma, who will serve as chief guest during the engagements.
Other senior officials expected to travel include:
- Rt. Hon. Dr Paul Mwambu – Prime Minister of the Bugisu Cultural Institution
- Her Royal Highness Annet Namugobe – spouse to the Umukuka
- Dr Clet Wandui – Deputy Prime Minister
- Dr Wakhooli Bifoli – Deputy Prime Minister
- Dr Kosea Wambaka – Deputy Prime Minister
- Hon Steven Masiga – Principal Spokesperson and Chairperson of the Awards Committee
- Hon Emmanuel Mutanje – Minister for Investments
- Hon Samuel Kuloba – Minister for Education and Skilling
- Hon Agnes Wache – Minister for Foreign Affairs
- Hon Richard Maserejje – Attorney General
- Hon Muhamood Masaba – Coordinator of the Bugisu Parliamentary Committee
- Hon Sakwa Napokoli – Minister for Local Government
- Hon Robert Kimanai – Envoy for Global and Strategic Partnerships
- Nyongesa Mureka – Minister for Governance
- Hon Sarah Manana – Deputy Minister for Health
- Dr Sakwa Khanakwa – Envoy in the Bugisu Cultural Institution
- Hon Michael Werikhe – Head of the Culture Commission
- Agnes Mutonyi – Youth Coordinator
- James Wakuma – Business Representative
- Lillian Nabasa Gimugunyi – Member of Delegation
- Hon Nathan Nandala Mafabi – Member of Delegation
- Hon John Baptist Nambeshe – Member of Delegation
- Ronald Mayeku – Special Assistant to the Umukuka
Nandala’s inclusion draws attention
The inclusion of veteran opposition politician and former Budadiri West MP Nathan Nandala Mafabi has already attracted public attention given his strong political profile nationally and within Bugisu.
However, Masiga defended the decision, saying the cultural institution views Nandala first and foremost as a Mumasaba and subject of the Umukuka. “As far as we are concerned, Hon Nandala is Umumasaba and our subject. He was cleared by the embassy to accompany His Highness the Umukuka,” he said.
John Baptist Nambeshe, another opposition figure and current Leader of Opposition-aligned politics in Bugisu, is also expected to join the delegation.
Masiga says the trip will focus on cultural preservation, diaspora mobilization, investment promotion and strengthening identity among Bamasaba communities abroad.
The Bugisu Cultural Institution has increasingly used international engagements and diaspora outreach to reinforce cultural identity and attract development partnerships for the region.
The planned U.S tour now becomes one of the most high-profile international engagements undertaken by the institution in recent years.
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