Minister Clarifies: Umukuuka Mudoma Remains the Recognized Cultural Leader of Bugisu

Mbale, Uganda | September 26, 2025 — His Royal Highness (HRH) the Umukuuka of Bugisu, Sir Jude Mike Mudoma, has moved to reassure the people of Bugisu that he remains the legitimate cultural leader despite reports of a purported election by some members of Inzu ya Masaaba (IYM) to install another leader.

In a press release issued today by his Minister of Information, Media, and Communications, Alfred Geresom Musamali, HRH Mudoma described the claims of his replacement as unfounded and contrary to the legal framework governing cultural institutions in Uganda.

According to the statement, while IYM, whose legal status is that of an association, is free to elect leaders to manage its affairs, it has no authority to install or claim the position of Umukuuka of Bugisu. The press release emphasized that the Institution of the Traditional or Cultural Leader in Bugisu is a “Corporation Sole” created under the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders (ITCL) Act, Cap 242, and cannot be undermined by activities of a private association.

“The Umukuuka of Bugisu is not affected by the purported activities of IYM, whether incorporated or unincorporated. IYM should not hold itself out as an institution of the traditional or cultural leader in Bugisu,” the statement clarified.

The Umukuuka’s position has been further strengthened by a High Court interim order issued in Mbale, halting all activities by IYM that seek to undermine his leadership. In addition, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, through Minister Hon. Betty Amongi Ongom, published a corrigendum in the Uganda Gazette (Vol CXVIII No. 29 of April 8, 2025). The corrigendum corrected earlier errors and reaffirmed that the Umukuuka of Bugisu is duly recognized as an institution under the ITCL Act.

“The correction is not merely a change of name as alleged by some people but a clarification that the Umukuuka of Bugisu is an institution of the traditional or cultural leader in the Bugisu region,” the release highlighted.

HRH Mudoma has, therefore, urged the people of Bugisu to remain calm and ignore attempts to sow confusion, reiterating that his office is firmly in control of the situation. He further encouraged his subjects to focus their energies on economically productive activities that uplift households and the wider community.

“The Umukuuka of Bugisu assures the people that he remains their cultural leader and calls upon them to continue with their daily lives in peace and unity,” the statement concluded.

This latest clarification comes at a time when cultural institutions across Uganda have occasionally faced internal disputes over succession and legitimacy, underscoring the delicate balance between cultural traditions, legal recognition, and political dynamics.