Bugishu: In a bold move, the Bamasaba community has united to defend their cultural institution and traditions. Despite being plagued by internal conflicts and power struggles, they are now determined to safeguard their heritage.
At the heart of the issue is the disputed leadership of the Inzu Ya Masaba kingdom, with some recognizing Elder Mike Jude Mudoma as Umukuka III, while others reject his claim, instead recognizing HRH Patrick Yahaya Masolo as the lawful king.
However, the community has now put aside their differences and is working together to create a legitimate administration that will develop and promote their cultural institution.
According to Premier Owek. Andrew Gumali Guwanga, “This is the time for every Mumasaba to take a firm grip and stand strong. We must carve a fresh path for ourselves, especially in light of the dangerous and embarrassing circumcision issue of 2024.”
The Premier is also calling for the judiciary to expedite the ongoing cases in Mbale High Court regarding the Umukuka III issue. The community is growing impatient with the delays and is threatening to take action to defend their rights.
In a statement, Premier Gumali Guwanga said, “We may decide to come out boldly and swallow our shame to defend ourselves. We will not let our cultural heritage be destroyed by greed and selfishness.”
Earlier, in March 2024, Mbale High Court, presided over by Her Worship Nusula Nankya, set a two-month period for mediation between the two controversial parties in the Inzu Ya Bamasaba cultural case, where Gidudu opposes the leadership of Elder Mike Jude Mudoma. However, the court’s space for mediation was undermined, and the struggle continued.
“It has been almost a year, and the court matters have not progressed; whenever we go, we are given extensions,” said Gumali.
Recently, Elder Mike Jude Mudoma purportedly dismissed his 55-member cabinet, replacing Premier Amb. Charles Walimbwa Peke with Paul Mwambu, who had served in the role for 16 months.
The newly appointed Prime Minister, Mwambu, serves as a commissioner in the central government’s agriculture ministry. The ‘alleged legitimate’ Umukuka faction attributes what they term as dubious actions to the failed distribution of the institution’s funds.
Other dismissed cabinet members include the Kumi Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ahamada Washaki, who was in charge of peace and reconciliation; Damiano Wamimbi, one of the institution’s deputy prime ministers and minister in charge of treasury and welfare; and Godwin Mubuya and Allan Makwetta, who served as protocol officer and Youth and Sports minister, respectively.
Established in 2010 to oversee the governance of the Bamasaba people, Inzu Ya Masaba aimed to foster unity and provide a democratic framework for cultural leadership.
However, Mudoma, who began his term in 2023 and was expected to serve until 2027, renamed the institution “Bukuka Bwa Bamasaba,” raising concerns that his actions are part of a broader strategy to consolidate power and sideline the rotational leadership structure previously in place.
Mr. Mudoma announced the dissolution of Inzu Ya Masaba in response to the establishment of a General Assembly, the supreme governing body of the institution.
A news document from Kidudu, dated January 23, 2025, advised, “Unless we agree to strip away every weight that slows us down as Bamasaba, especially the internal intrigue that has sharply divided us, we must unite to remove intruders from our cultural institution and create a legitimate administration that will develop our institution.”
While addressing the media on Thursday in Jinja City, Premier Owek. Andrew Gumali Guwanga appealed to the community to remain committed to this socio-cultural issue, which he described as the lifeblood of the Bamasaba people. Gumali emphasized the promotion of peace and diversity within the institution.
Meanwhile, the Culture Affairs chief in the kingdom, Owek Kahandi Kabibu, stated, “His questionable origins and eventually his ridiculous leadership have caused more harm than good to the Bamasaba community, undermining our cultural norms.”
He further claimed that Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development caused the crisis in the kingdom by declaring Jude Mudoma as the King of Bamasaba. “The ministry promoted an intruder into Bugisu culture,” he said.
The Bamasaba community is determined to protect their cultural institution and traditions, and they are calling on all stakeholders to support them in this endeavor. They are also calling for swift intervention from President Yoweri Museveni to address the security threat surrounding the matter.
