Calls Grow for Action Against Individuals Undermining Mediation Efforts in Bugisu Cultural Leadership Dispute

Mbale, Uganda – The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, has called upon the judiciary to take decisive action against individuals he accuses of undermining ongoing mediation efforts aimed at resolving leadership disputes within the Bugisu Cultural Institution.

In a petition addressed to the Chief Justice, Masiga urged the courts to order the arrest of persons allegedly holding themselves out as cultural leaders and soliciting resources from members of the public despite the government's recent deregistration and degazettement of Inzu Ya Masaba.

Masiga argued that while mediation remains the legally recognized avenue for addressing disputes surrounding the leadership of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, certain individuals continue to disregard the process and create confusion among the Bamasaaba community.

"Whereas I am on record for advocating mediation in the various petitions that were filed against His Royal Majesty the Umukuuka of Bugisu, Jude Mike Mudoma, some of the petitioners have abandoned their court cases and are now actively promoting alternative claimants to cultural leadership," Masiga said.

He specifically cited Engineer Sakwa, whom he accused of simultaneously participating in legal proceedings while fronting individuals as alternative cultural leaders.

"It is not the role of any individual to impose a cultural leader on the Bamasaaba people. Cultural leadership is governed by the laws of Uganda, including the provisions under the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act and other relevant legal frameworks," he stated.

Masiga maintained that the current leadership under Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma derives its legitimacy from legal processes and government recognition. He emphasized that any grievances regarding the institution's leadership should be addressed through the courts and mediation mechanisms already in place.

According to him, allowing individuals outside the mediation framework to continue presenting themselves as cultural leaders risks undermining peace, unity, and stability within the Bugisu community.

He further warned that the ongoing disputes could affect preparations for the 2026 Imbalu circumcision celebrations, one of the most significant cultural events among the Bamasaaba.

"While those holding out may ultimately be wasting their time, their actions are causing unnecessary discomfort and confusion at a time when we are organizing for the 2026 Imbalu ceremonies," Masiga noted.

The spokesperson appealed directly to the Chief Justice and other judicial authorities to intervene and safeguard the integrity of the mediation process.

"We appeal to the Chief Justice and the Principal Judge to rein in cultural renegades and ensure that anyone who is not part of the mediation process does not continue holding themselves out as leaders of the institution," he said.

Masiga questioned what he described as contradictory conduct by some litigants who continue to participate in court proceedings while simultaneously promoting alternative leadership structures.

"If those involved genuinely believe in mediation and cultural peace, then they should respect the court process and mediation timelines that have been established," he added.

The current dispute traces its origins to the gazettement of Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma by the government in 2023. Following the gazettement, several aggrieved parties petitioned the courts challenging aspects of the process. However, mediation was later adopted as a mechanism to seek an amicable resolution to the disagreements. 

Masiga insists that the mediation process remains the most appropriate and lawful avenue for addressing outstanding concerns and urged all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at achieving lasting harmony within the cultural institution.

He concluded by warning that any person found deliberately frustrating mediation efforts should face legal consequences in accordance with the law.

"The future of the Bugisu Cultural Institution depends on unity, respect for the law, and commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes. Anyone undermining these efforts should face the full force of the law," Masiga said.

The judiciary has not yet publicly responded to the petition.

Note: The individuals mentioned have not publicly responded to the accusations at the time of publication.