Kenyan Bamasaaba Reassure Umukuuka wa Bugisu Mike Mudoma of their Allegiance

Mbale, Uganda – The bonds of unity between the Bamasaaba across the Uganda–Kenya border were reaffirmed this week when a six-member delegation of the Kenyan Bamasaaba, also known as Babukusu, paid a courtesy visit to the Malukhu offices in Mbale City. The delegation reassured Umukuuka wa Bugisu, His Royal Highness (HRH) Sir Jude Mike Mudoma, of their unwavering allegiance to his cultural leadership.

According to Alfred Geresom Musamali, the Information, Media and Communications Minister of Umukuuka wa Bugisu, the visit underscored the shared heritage of the Bagisu and the Babukusu because they are all Bamasaaba. Musamali explained that the Umukuuka wa Bugisu has oversight in preserving and promoting cultural identity, particularly the Lumasaaba language and traditional rites of passage, including the famous unaesthetised, public circumcision ritual for adolescent boys.

Historical and Legal Context

The Bamasaaba in Uganda are officially referred to as Bagisu, since their ancestral lands are located in Bugisu, one of Uganda’s traditional administrative units established at independence in 1962. Their kin, the Babukusu, are predominantly found in Bungoma and Kitale counties in Kenya.

Recently, Uganda’s Gender, Labour and Social Development Minister, Hon. Betty Amongi Ongom, restructured cultural institutions under the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders (ITCL) Act, 2011. Through General Notice No. 966 of 2025 (Corrigendum), gazetted on April 8, she clarified that the legitimate cultural leadership of the Bamasaaba is formally designated as the Umukuuka wa Bugisu, replacing the previously contested name Inzu ya Masaaba (IYM).

This clarification effectively excludes the Kenyan Babukusu from Uganda’s ITCL legal framework. Nonetheless, Musamali suggested that the East African Community (EAC) could bridge the gap by adopting a protocol for cross-border cultural cooperation to ensure recognition of shared traditions and institutions.

Controversies and Internal Disputes

The cultural institution has recently been marred by disputes led by John Amlan Wagabyalire, a rival claimant to the Umukuuka title. Wagabyalire and his allies, collectively nicknamed the “5Ws,” have openly challenged Mudoma’s legitimacy, even going so far as to question whether he himself underwent traditional circumcision. This was despite Mudoma publishing details of his circumcision in August 2024 in Buwalasi subcounty.

The 5Ws argue that Mudoma’s five-year mandate, which began in 2020, is due to expire in October 2025. However, Musamali clarified that Mudoma only formally assumed office in August 2023 following a two-year deadlock caused by Wagabyalire’s disputes, effectively resetting his leadership term.

Despite the dissent, Musamali emphasized that relations with the Babukusu of Kenya remain strong and constructive.

Kenyan Delegation’s Commitments

The Kenyan delegation was led by Dr. Wakooli Bifwoli, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Kenya affairs for the Umukuuka wa Bugisu, and included Hon. Metrine Nanjila, a legislator from Bungoma County. The Ugandan side was represented by officials including Sam Sakwa Napokoli.

Dr. Wakooli conveyed greetings from Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka and Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who extended an invitation to Umukuuka Mudoma to visit Bungoma on October 19, 2025. The invitation, which Mudoma graciously accepted, will also see Sakwa Napokoli accompany him to meet leaders from the 187 Babukusu clans across the border.

Unlike the Kenyan Babukusu, who recognize 187 clans, the Bagisu in Uganda are clustered into only 26, a situation that has stirred debates on clan representation during leadership elections. Attorney General Richard Masereje has accused the Wagabyalire faction of exploiting the clan clustering to marginalize smaller groups.

During the Mbale meeting, Sakwa Napokoli outlined four key resolutions reached:

Reaffirmation of allegiance to HRH Jude Mike Mudoma’s leadership.

Commitment to human capital development through scholarships and collaborative initiatives.

Strengthening human resource development across both communities.

Establishing effective communication channels between Kenyan and Ugandan chapters of the institution.

“This landmark meeting marked a significant milestone in strengthening the bonds of brotherhood, cooperation, and mutual understanding between our peoples,” Napokoli said.

Broader Cultural Challenges

While unity has been strengthened, the Bamasaaba still face cultural dilemmas in the modern age. Musamali highlighted the ongoing policy debates in Uganda over language use in Early Childhood Development (ECD). While many prefer global or national languages such as English, Kiswahili, and Luganda due to available resources, cultural leaders continue to advocate for Lumasaaba instruction. However, disagreements over dialectal orthography complicate efforts to standardize learning materials.

Equally divisive is the future of the traditional circumcision ritual, which, though historically a powerful uniting factor, is increasingly being questioned. Musamali observed that while elites praise the ritual in public, many privately opt for Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) at health facilities and mosques, raising concerns about whether the practice can remain relevant in its traditional form.

The reaffirmation of allegiance by the Kenyan Babukusu comes at a crucial time for the institution of Umukuuka wa Bugisu, which has been navigating internal disputes and shifting state regulations. The upcoming October visit to Bungoma is expected to further cement cross-border ties and create opportunities for cultural and developmental cooperation.

For now, the message from both sides of Mt. Elgon is clear: despite the challenges of modernity, contested leadership, and divergent legal frameworks, the Bamasaaba and Babukusu remain committed to preserving their shared heritage and advancing unity under the leadership of HRH Jude Mike Mudoma.