Bamasaaba Applauded for Choosing Peace, Rallying Behind Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma

The long-running dispute surrounding the leadership of the Bamasaba cultural institution has been resolved through a consent judgment reached before a High Court mediation panel, with the disputing parties agreeing to a number of measures aimed at restoring unity and stability within the institution.

According to a press statement issued by Hon. Steven Masiga, Spokesperson of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, the agreement was reached on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, when the parties appeared before the High Court panel of mediators at 8:00 a.m.

The mediation process was led by former Chief Justice Anthony Butera, Professor Khaukha, Solicitor General Emeritus Francis Atwooki and Francis Gamara.

The consent judgment, according to the statement, provides for significant changes in the recognition and governance of the Bamasaba cultural institution, while also seeking to bring an end to legal disputes that have surrounded its leadership.

One of the key resolutions is that the cultural leader will henceforth be officially referred to as the Umukuuka of the Bamasaba people, rather than the Umukuuka of Bugisu cultural institution.

The agreement further recognises His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma as the reigning Umukuuka, with his tenure running from August 2023 until 2028.

The settlement also provides for the restoration of rotational leadership within the Bamasaba cultural institution. Under the arrangement, the Wanale lineage is expected to take up the leadership of the institution after the end of the reign of His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma.

The parties also agreed to bring an end to the various legal disputes relating to the cultural institution and its leadership. According to the statement, all cases connected to the institution and concerning its leadership are to be withdrawn and technically extinguished in accordance with the terms agreed upon during the mediation process. 

Another significant aspect of the settlement is the restoration of the Inzu Ya Masaba Constitution.

However, the restored constitution will not immediately be implemented in its existing form. The agreement provides that it will first undergo extensive consultations with stakeholders before amendments are made to ensure that it is aligned with the Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.

The process is expected to provide an opportunity for stakeholders within the Bamasaba community to participate in discussions on the future governance and administration of the cultural institution.

The settlement marks a significant development in efforts to resolve divisions that have characterised the leadership of the Bamasaba cultural institution and resulted in legal proceedings involving various parties.

In the statement, the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution welcomed the outcome of the mediation process and commended members of the community for choosing peace and accepting to rally behind the leadership of His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma.

“On behalf of the Umukuuka and the cultural institution and the entire judiciary and Bamasaba community, we appreciate our people for choosing peace and accepting to rally behind the leadership of His Highness the Umukuuka of Bamasaba, Jude Mike Mudoma,” the statement said.

The institution described the agreement as an important step towards reconciliation and restoring unity among the Bamasaba people, following the resolution of the leadership dispute through mediation rather than continued litigation.

The institution also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of the Bamasaba people, particularly their land and cultural heritage.

The statement concluded with the message: “In defense of our land and Bukuka.”

The press release was signed by Steven Masiga, Spokesperson of the Bamasaba Cultural Institution, on behalf of His Highness the Umukuuka of the Bamasaba people, Jude Mike Mudoma, the Cabinet and the entire Bamasaba cultural institution.