Bugisu NRM Leaders Recommend Sr. Mary Wasagali for Uganda’s Ambassadorial Post in Kenya

MBALE/SIRONKO — A section of National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders from the Bugisu sub-region has recommended Hon. Sr. Mary Wasagali for appointment as Uganda’s Ambassador to Kenya, citing her political mobilisation experience, professional background, longstanding links with Kenya and service to both government and the Catholic Church.

The recommendation, according to NRM leaders from the region, was made in a letter addressed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, asking him to consider Wasagali for deployment to the diplomatic mission in Nairobi.

The proposal brings together NRM district chairpersons from across Bugisu, who argue that Wasagali possesses a combination of political, professional, cultural and cross-border networks that would make her suitable for diplomatic service in Kenya.

The recommendation was reportedly signed by NRM leaders including Bududa District NRM Chairperson Hon. Stephen Wachaya, Sironko District NRM Chairperson Hon. Hajji Suleiman Lumolo, Bulambuli District NRM Chairperson Hon. Paul Michael Kimatiti and Mbale District NRM Chairperson Hon. Hajji Muhamood Masaba.

The leaders say they first advanced Wasagali's name for the ambassadorial position about two years ago, following the death of Ambassador Hassan Galiwango, who also hailed from Bugisu.

According to the leaders, their argument was that the region should continue to have representation in Uganda's diplomatic service while benefiting from an individual with a strong understanding of Kenya.

Political mobilisation record

A major part of the case being advanced for Wasagali is her political mobilisation record in Sironko and the wider Bugisu sub-region.

NRM leaders credit her with helping strengthen the ruling party's structures in an area where the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) had previously enjoyed considerable political influence.

They argue that before Wasagali became actively involved in NRM mobilisation in Sironko, FDC had significant representation among Members of Parliament and local government councillors.

The leaders say her mobilisation efforts subsequently contributed to a stronger NRM presence in the district, including representation in Parliament and local government structures.

Her supporters describe the political mobilisation as one of the reasons she gained recognition within the NRM and was later entrusted with responsibilities extending beyond the district.

They point to her appointment during the recently concluded presidential elections as a presidential flag-bearer elections supervisor, a role that placed her within the wider national election mobilisation and coordination structure of the ruling party.

Namyalo backs continued public service

National Resistance Movement Coordinator Hajjat Hadijja Namyalo has also reportedly supported Wasagali's continued deployment in public service.

In her recommendation, Namyalo is said to have recognised Wasagali's contribution to NRM mobilisation in Sironko and the wider Elgon sub-region.

According to the recommendation, Wasagali's work in strengthening NRM structures and engaging communities demonstrated political commitment, discipline and an ability to work with ordinary citizens.

Namyalo also reportedly praised Wasagali's performance as a presidential flag-bearer elections supervisor, describing her work as characterised by integrity, professionalism and a strong understanding of her responsibilities.

Wasagali's supporters further point to her service as a Commissioner at the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), arguing that the experience has exposed her to issues of equality, inclusion, public administration and community engagement.

Cultural institution backs Wasagali

The recommendation has also attracted support from sections of the Bamasaba cultural leadership.

Hon. Steven Masiga, spokesperson for the Bamasaba cultural institution, says the cultural institution has worked with Wasagali in mobilising clan structures in Bugisu to embrace government programmes. Masiga argues that her links with the Bamasaba community could be an important asset if she is deployed to Kenya. 

"She has the full backing of the clans and the entire Bamasaba community," Masiga says.

He says Wasagali's potential diplomatic role would benefit from the longstanding cultural and family connections between the Bamasaba of Uganda and communities of Bamasaba origin in western Kenya.

Kenya connection gives her an advantage

One of the strongest arguments advanced by her supporters is Wasagali's personal and professional connection with Kenya.

Wasagali reportedly undertook part of her professional training in Kenya and worked there before returning to Uganda.

She trained in nursing at St. Elizabeth Hospital Mukumu in Kakamega and later worked at Kenyatta National Hospital, where she reportedly served in the surgical ward.

Her supporters say her experience of living, studying and working in Kenya gives her an understanding of the country's society, institutions and professional environment that could be valuable in diplomatic service.

The Kenya connection is further strengthened by her links with Bamasaba communities in western Kenya, particularly in counties such as Bungoma, Trans Nzoia and Kakamega, as well as Webuye and surrounding areas.

Masiga says these connections could help her establish relationships with communities and institutions in Kenya if appointed.

He also points to her reported connections within Kenya's health sector and among Bamasaba communities as potential advantages in strengthening people-to-people relations between Uganda and Kenya.

Links with Kenyan leaders and Bamasaaba community

Wasagali is also described by her supporters as having longstanding relationships with the Kenyan Bamasaba fraternity and influential personalities in western Kenya.

Among the relationships cited is her connection with the family of Kenya's National Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang'ula.

Her supporters argue that such relationships, combined with her professional and cultural background, could provide a foundation for effective community diplomacy.

Kenya is particularly significant for Uganda because of the depth of economic, political, cultural and social ties between the two countries.

The two countries share extensive trade links, cross-border communities and common interests within the East African Community.

Supporters of Wasagali therefore believe that an ambassador with firsthand knowledge of Kenyan society could contribute to strengthening these existing relationships.

Academic and professional credentials

Beyond politics and cultural networks, Wasagali's supporters point to her academic and professional qualifications.

She has qualifications in nursing and holds a master's degree in Community Psychology and Counselling.

She has also served as a lecturer at Bugema University and Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi.

Her public service experience includes serving as a member of the District Service Commission in Sironko and as Vice Chairperson of the NRM in Sironko District.

Her supporters say the combination of professional training, teaching experience, political mobilisation and public service has equipped her with skills in leadership, administration, communication and community engagement.

Wasagali is 62 years old and was born in the greater Mbale area, now part of Sironko District. She is also said to be proficient in English, Kiswahili, Spanish and Latin.

Catholic Church support

Wasagali's supporters have also highlighted her relationship with the Catholic Church.

The Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Obbo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tororo, is said to have written a recommendation to President Museveni supporting her continued deployment in public service.

According to the account provided by her supporters, Archbishop Obbo described Wasagali as an inspiration within the Catholic faith in Uganda and recognised her contribution to Catholic projects and support for vulnerable children.

The Archbishop's recommendation reportedly cited her commitment to service and described her work as benefiting from the support of the Church and her faith.

If appointed, her supporters argue, Wasagali would become the first female Catholic ambassador from Bugisu to represent Uganda in such a diplomatic capacity.

Former ambassador Wapakhabulo welcomes recommendation

Former Ugandan Ambassador to Kenya, Ambassador Emeritus Angelina Wapakhabulo, has also reportedly welcomed the recommendation.

Wapakhabulo is said to have worked with Wasagali during political mobilisation and believes her experience in Kenya would give her an advantage if she is selected for diplomatic service.

According to Wapakhabulo, Wasagali's previous studies and employment in Kenya would make it easier for her to understand the environment in which a Ugandan ambassador operates.

She is also reported to have associated herself with recommendations made by the Archbishop of Tororo and Bamasaba clan leaders in support of Wasagali.

The Bamasaaba factor

The proposed appointment also comes against the backdrop of strong cultural and historical links between Uganda's Bamasaba and Bamasaba communities in Kenya.

Large communities with Bamasaba heritage live in western Kenya, particularly around Bungoma, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia and neighbouring areas.

Wasagali's supporters believe these links could become an important component of public diplomacy, particularly in strengthening cultural exchanges and people-to-people relations between Uganda and Kenya.

For Masiga, her familiarity with Bamasaba cultural structures on both sides of the border could give her an additional advantage.

He argues that diplomacy is not limited to government-to-government relations but also involves communities, culture, business, education, religion and professional networks.

A potential diplomatic transition

Wasagali's proposed transition from political and public service responsibilities into diplomacy would represent a new chapter in a career that has combined nursing, academia, politics, community mobilisation and public service.

Her supporters say her experience has exposed her to different sections of society, from healthcare and education to politics, cultural institutions and religious organisations.

The recommendation to President Museveni therefore rests on what her backers describe as a combination of political loyalty, professional competence, public service experience and established Kenyan connections.

The final decision, however, rests with the appointing authority.

For the Bugisu NRM leadership, the recommendation is also about regional representation and continuity following the passing of Ambassador Hassan Galiwango.

For Wasagali's supporters, it is an opportunity to deploy an experienced woman whose career has crossed professional, political, cultural and religious boundaries.

As Uganda continues to deepen its political and economic engagement with Kenya within the East African region, the Bugisu leaders believe Wasagali's familiarity with Kenya, coupled with her experience in Uganda, makes her a candidate worthy of consideration for diplomatic service.