HRH Constantine Meatyansozi Mwogezi Butamanya Visits Uwelukoosi Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma III, Strengthening Cultural Ties Among Traditional Leaders
Mudoma emphasized the significance of the Traditional and Cultural Leaders Forum of Uganda, asserting that its success was rooted in HRH Mwogeza Butamanya’s visionary leadership. He also appreciated being recognized as the Best Cultural Leader in Uganda during a recent retreat organized by the Forum.
Mbale, Uganda – March 22, 2025
In a historic visit aimed at fostering unity and cultural development, His Royal Highness (HRH) Constantine Meatyansozi Mwogezi Butamanya, the Leader of the Buruuli Cultural Institution and Chairperson of the Traditional and Cultural Leaders Forum of Uganda, visited Uwelukoosi Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma III, the leader of the Institution of the Umukuuka wa Bugisu, at his palace in Malukhu, Mbale District. The visit underscored the importance of cultural preservation, development, and regional cooperation among traditional institutions in Uganda.
In his address, Uwelukoosi Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma III expressed deep gratitude for HRH Mwogezi Butamanya’s decision to make Bugisu his first destination among all cultural institutions in Uganda. He also thanked President Yoweri Museveni for officially recognizing the Buruuli Cultural Institution, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening Uganda’s traditional leadership structures.
Mudoma emphasized the significance of the Traditional and Cultural Leaders Forum of Uganda, asserting that its success was rooted in HRH Mwogezi Butamanya’s visionary leadership. He also appreciated being recognized as the Best Cultural Leader in Uganda during a recent retreat organized by the Forum.
“The role of culture is to safeguard and promote Bugisu as a region and Bamasaaba as a tribe,” Mudoma stated, highlighting that Bamasaaba culture remains strong.
He further revealed that efforts were underway to secure UNESCO certification for the Umukuuka wa Bugisu , as guided by HRH Constantine Meatyansozi Mwogezi Butamanya.
Addressing Climate and Environmental Challenges in Bugisu
While celebrating cultural progress, Uwelukoosi Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma III also voiced concerns about the environmental and disaster-related challenges facing Bugisu. He described the region as a disaster-prone area, particularly during the rainy seasons, attributing this to extensive environmental degradation by the Bamasaaba themselves.
"We are to blame for the destruction of our environment," he admitted, calling on the Ugandan government to take a holistic approach in addressing environmental protection and disaster management.
Strengthening Economic and Social Structures
Mudoma emphasized the importance of economic empowerment for the Bamasaaba people. He appealed to HRH Mwogezi Butamanya, as Chairperson of the Forum, to promote cooperative unions and SACCOs, which he believes are key drivers of economic transformation in the region.
Additionally, he highlighted the strong family values of the Bamasaaba, noting that his cultural institution has structures in place for home affairs, peace, and reconciliation.
"I have a Minister of Home Affairs and an Ambassador of Peace and Reconciliation to strengthen family bonds," he remarked.
Mudoma also revealed that all seven districts in the Elgon region, along with Mbale City, were incorporated into his cultural institution. He called upon district leaders to make annual contributions for the development of the institution, especially in supporting the Imbalu circumcision festival, a crucial cultural event for the Bamasaaba.
Furthermore, Mudoma outlined his vision for expanding the cultural institution by building clan-based structures, citing that the Bamasaaba consist of 3,025 clans, each sending delegates to represent their interests.
He concluded by thanking President Museveni for creating an enabling legal environment for cultural institutions and recognizing the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development for standing in support of traditional leaders.
HRH Constantine Meatyansozi Mwogezi Butamanya’s Call to Action
On his part, HRH Constantine Meatyansozi Mwogezi Butamanya emphasized that he had always supported the Bamasaaba’s journey in establishing a recognized cultural institution. Drawing from his global experience visiting various kingdoms, he expressed his commitment to sharing best practices and ideas through the Traditional and Cultural Leaders Forum of Uganda.
He urged the Bamasaaba to reflect on key areas to ensure sustainable development, outlining the following core principles:
Reconciliation – He called on the Bamasaaba to unite, regardless of political or religious differences, to foster peace and harmony.
Education and Data – He encouraged the community to be academically sound and ensure that data collection is prioritized for better regional planning.
Cultural Strengthening – He emphasized the importance of preserving Bamasaaba traditions and customs.
Spiritual Growth – He cautioned against being deceived by false prophets and urged people to remain spiritually grounded.
Employment and Economic Stability – He advised the Bamasaaba to track employment rates in the region and establish a database to monitor economic participation.
Political Awareness – He encouraged the Bamasaaba to actively engage in governance and accept leadership at all levels.
Economic Empowerment – He called on the Bamasaaba to form a regional SACCO, branding it as a unique financial institution to support economic development.
He concluded by promoting the TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) philosophy, urging the Bamasaaba to embrace unity for greater economic, social, and cultural progress.
A Historic Visit Rooted in Unity and Development
The visit by HRH Constantine Meatyansozi Mwogezi Butamanya to Uwelukoosi Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma III marked a significant milestone in strengthening ties between Uganda’s traditional leaders. It reinforced the importance of cultural preservation, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and leadership stability.
Both leaders emphasized that collaboration among Uganda’s cultural institutions is key to national development. Their discussions set the stage for deeper cooperation in areas such as disaster management, economic growth, and cultural branding, ensuring that traditional institutions continue playing a pivotal role in Uganda’s progress.
The Traditional and Cultural Leaders Forum of Uganda, under the leadership of HRH Constantine Meatyansozi Mwogezi Butamanya, continues to stand as a beacon of unity, fostering dialogue and development across all cultural institutions in the country.
