President Museveni Meets Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma, Approves Key Development Proposals for Bugisu Region

Mbale, Uganda — A significant milestone for the Bugisu sub-region unfolded on Sunday when His Highness Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma, the cultural leader of the Bamasaaba, led a high-powered delegation to meet President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the State Lodge in Mbale.

The Umukuka, accompanied by his spouse, the Prime Minister of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Rt. Hon. Dr. Paul Mwambu, and the institution’s spokesperson, Hon. Steven Masiga, presented a detailed memorandum highlighting the pressing needs and aspirations of the Bamasaaba people.

Key Proposals Presented to the President

In his submission, Umukuka Mudoma emphasized the need for the government to strengthen its partnership with the Bugisu Cultural Institution to promote inclusive development. The memorandum outlined several key proposals, including:

Upgrading of Mbale University’s status to enhance higher education access and research capacity.

Increased employment opportunities for Bamasaaba professionals in key government institutions such as commissions, boards, cultural attaché offices, and cultural liaison departments at State House.

Support for the construction of Umukuka III Hospital on Bumageni Army Land to improve access to quality healthcare in the region.

Establishment of a regional sports stadium in Bugisu capable of hosting national and international tournaments.

Upgrading of several Health Centre IVs—Busiu, Bugobero, Muyembe, Magale, and Budadiri—to full district hospital status.

President Museveni’s Full Approval 

According to Hon. Steven Masiga, President Museveni “okayed 100% of the proposals” presented by His Highness the Umukuka III. Masiga added that the Head of State also pledged to address emerging security concerns from neighboring districts, assuring the Bamasaaba that peace and stability remain top priorities for his government.

The President also approved the creation of a Cultural Liaison Officer position and a Presidential Advisor on Bugisu Affairs, to ensure effective communication and coordination between State House and the Bugisu Cultural Institution.

Praise for Ongoing Development Projects 

The Umukuka took the opportunity to thank the President for the government’s continued investment in the Bugisu region. He particularly highlighted the progress on major infrastructure projects such as:

The Mbale–Lwakhakha Road,

The Mbale–Kapchorwa–Suam Road, and

The Nalugugu–Mutufu Road, which is currently under construction.

In response, President Museveni confirmed that the Bubulo–Bududa Road works are already underway following the release of funds. The President and the delegation also discussed the Magale–Kufu–Bukhaweka road connection project, which is expected to further boost intra-regional connectivity and trade.

Preserving Heritage and Cultural Identity

In a symbolic gesture, Umukuka Mudoma proposed the renaming of a historic trail where a young Museveni—then aged 29—narrowly survived an attack during the liberation struggle 52 years ago. The President welcomed the idea and directed the Bugisu Cultural Institution to work closely with the Ministry of State for Luwero Triangle to implement the heritage project.

Commendations and Closing Remarks

During the meeting, each member of the delegation introduced themselves to the President, who commended the Bugisu Cultural Institution for its unity, discipline, and mobilization efforts in encouraging the Bamasaaba to actively participate in government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.

President Museveni expressed gratitude to the Umukuka and his team for their well-prepared proposals, describing them as “patriotic and development-oriented.”

Religious and political leaders who attended the meeting—including the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Shaban Mubajje, Hon. Nabulo (NRM flag bearer for Sironko), and the Assistant Mufti for Eastern Uganda—praised the President for his responsiveness and for strengthening collaboration with the Bugisu Cultural Institution.

A New Dawn for Bugisu

The engagement between President Museveni and Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma marks a renewed chapter in the partnership between the government and the Bamasaaba cultural leadership. With the President’s full endorsement of the proposed projects, Bugisu now looks forward to accelerated infrastructure development, enhanced health services, cultural preservation, and greater representation in national decision-making.

As the Umukuka’s delegation departed the State Lodge, optimism filled the air—symbolizing unity of purpose between the traditional leadership and the state, and reaffirming the shared commitment to transforming Bugisu into a vibrant hub of growth and opportunity.