Umukuuka Empowers Journalists to Document Bamasaba Culture with Tablets
Mbale City, Uganda — The Umukuuka Wa Bugisu, SirJude Mike Mudoma III, has reinforced his institution’s commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Bamasaba people through a significant donation of over 20 tablets worth UGX 60 million to media practitioners across the sub-region.
The initiative, aimed at strengthening cultural documentation and reporting, was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Umukuuka Wa Bugisu, Hon. Steven Masiga. He revealed that the devices were originally provided to the institution by the Government of Uganda through the Uganda Bureau of Statistics.
According to Masiga, the Umukuuka deemed it necessary to extend the support to journalists who have consistently partnered with the cultural institution, particularly in documenting and promoting the rich traditions, values, and identity of the Bamasaaba community.
“This gesture is a token of appreciation to the media for their unwavering support, especially in areas of clan data collection and cultural documentation,” Masiga said. “We believe equipping journalists with the right tools will greatly enhance the quality and accuracy of cultural reporting.”
Beneficiaries Across Media Platforms
The beneficiaries of the tablets represent a cross-section of media houses and independent practitioners who have been actively engaged in cultural reporting. They include journalists from national outlets, regional radio stations, and digital platforms.
Among those who received the devices are Alex Wandeba (Radio Uganda), Paul Watala (New Vision), Mary Kalenda (Cultural Analyst), Isaac Bikanya (Voice One/Big FM), Esther Namutosi (Signal FM), Masalu Sudi (BCU FM), Paul Kapewo (Elgon FM), Joseph Wanzusi (Radio Maria), Ayubu Kirinya (IUIU FM), Musosi Medie (Bugisu Intellectual Forum), Kadidi Abdu (Kadidi Media), Makuka Erias Namanya (The Ankole Times), Yusuf Arafat (Arafat Updates), Matende Yasin aka Senior Yasin(Clocktower Updates), Fred Wambede (Daily Monitor), John Kusolo (Nile Chronicles),
Asiteza Remy (Daily Express), Nasir Ozir (Mbale Express), Gerald Matembe (NBS TV), and Makumbi Emmanuel (Salt TV).
Strengthening Cultural Preservation Efforts
Hon. Masiga emphasized that the tablets are intended strictly for professional use, particularly in assignments related to cultural preservation such as clan documentation, event coverage, and archival work.
He clarified that although the devices are in the custody of the journalists, they remain government property and are not for resale.
“These tablets are a gift from both the Government and the Umukuuka to support your work. They should not be sold but used responsibly to improve cultural reporting,” he stressed.
A Strategic Partnership with the Media
The donation underscores the growing collaboration between cultural institutions and the media in safeguarding indigenous knowledge systems. By leveraging technology, the Umukuuka Wa Bugisu aims to ensure that vital cultural information is accurately recorded, stored, and disseminated for future generations.
Observers note that this move aligns with broader national efforts to digitize data and enhance information management, particularly through institutions like UBOS.
Masiga further hinted that the initiative is only the beginning of more engagements aimed at empowering media practitioners within the region.
“This is just the start of many opportunities to come. We encourage you to serve your community diligently and with respect,” he said.
Preserving Identity Through Innovation
The Umukuuka’s gesture highlights a forward-looking approach to cultural leadership—one that blends tradition with modern tools to ensure sustainability. As media practitioners take on a more central role in documenting heritage, such support is expected to significantly improve the depth, reach, and credibility of cultural narratives emerging from Bugisu.
With technology now in their hands, journalists are better positioned to capture, preserve, and share the evolving story of the Bamasaba people.
