Bugisu Region Stands with Umukuuka, Rejects Reincarnation of the 1966 Buganda Crisis

Leaders and stakeholders in the Bugisu cultural institution have strongly rejected what they describe as attempts by a section of Members of Parliament from the region to undermine the authority of the Umukuuka of Bugisu, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma III, ahead of the forthcoming Imbalu circumcision launch scheduled for August. 

Speaking to the media, the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, warned against any actions that could trigger divisions within the institution, likening the current developments to the events that culminated in the 1966 Buganda crisis, during which traditional and cultural institutions in Uganda were abolished.

"We cannot allow a scene reminiscent of the 1966 Kabaka crisis in which cultural and traditional institutions were abolished in Uganda. The people of Bugisu must stand firm and protect their cultural heritage," Masiga said.

He called upon the people of Bugisu to remain vigilant and resist what he termed as "caucusing and clique formations" intended to weaken the institution of the Umukuuka.

"We totally reject any form of caucusing and clique formations meant to undermine cultural institutions, whether in Bugisu or elsewhere in Uganda. Our people must remain on the highest form of cultural alert to avert such schemes," he added.

MPs Accused of Seeking to Strip Umukuuka of Powers

Masiga alleged that some members of the Bugisu Parliamentary Caucus had moved in several offices with the ultimate intention of stripping the Umukuka of his cultural authority, particularly his role in presiding over the Imbalu launch.

According to him, the efforts to sideline the Umukuuka had not gained support among local leaders. 

"I am happy to report that the district chairpersons who had erroneously been drafted into this arrangement have realised the impossibility of such a task. They acknowledge that the Umukuuka is the rightful person to preside over the Imbalu launch and should appoint his own team to superintend the ceremony," Masiga stated.

He further claimed that while the 1966 crisis was driven by government action against traditional leadership, the current situation was allegedly being orchestrated by a section of politicians.

"Whereas in 1966 it was the government that lost appetite in cultural and traditional leadership, this time around a group of selected Members of Parliament from the National Unity Platform and one or two misguided NRM MPs are behind this scheme. However, several well-meaning NRM MPs have distanced themselves from this ill-intentioned plan," he said.

District Leaders Rally Behind Umukuuka

Masiga said several district chairpersons from the Bugisu sub-region had reaffirmed their support for the Umukuuka and commended his leadership of the cultural institution.

He argued that disputes involving cultural institutions should be resolved through lawful and established mechanisms rather than political manoeuvring.

"In any society, whenever there is conflict, the best remedy is always the courts of law. We should be mindful of such mechanisms for conflict resolution instead of allowing a group of parliamentarians to ignore these mediative processes," he noted.

Call for Restraint Ahead of Elections

The spokesperson also urged politicians to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could be interpreted as attacks on the cultural institution, warning that the electorate was closely monitoring their conduct.

"We appeal to some MPs to go slow because the next cycle of elections is about 1,500 days from now, and our people are watching them with suspicion," Masiga said.

Significance of Imbalu

Imbalu, the traditional circumcision ceremony of the Bamasaaba, is one of the most significant cultural events in eastern Uganda and is regarded as a symbol of identity and unity among the people of Bugisu. Traditionally, the Umukuuka plays a central role in overseeing and blessing the launch of the biennial cultural ritual.

The latest developments are expected to reignite debate over the relationship between cultural institutions and political leadership in the region, as stakeholders continue to call for unity and respect for established cultural structures ahead of the much-anticipated Imbalu season.