Umukuuka Mudoma Petitions Prime Minister Nabbanja Over Bugisu’s Pressing Concerns
Meeting the Right Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at her office in Kampala today, Umukuuka Mudoma emphasized the vital role cultural institutions play in complementing government structures by mobilizing communities, preserving traditions, and promoting unity for development.
The cultural leader of the Bamasaaba, Umukuuka Sir Jude Mike Mudoma, has appealed to government to urgently address a series of pressing challenges affecting the Bugisu sub-region.
Meeting the Rt Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at her office in Kampala today, Umukuuka Mudoma emphasized the vital role cultural institutions play in complementing government structures by mobilizing communities, preserving traditions, and promoting unity for development. He noted that cultural authorities in Bugisu provide a bridge between indigenous knowledge and modern governance, supporting environmental conservation, conflict resolution, and social cohesion.
Sir Mudoma, accompanied by his delegation comprising Investment Minister Emmanuel Denis Mutanje, Attorney General Richard Masereje, and Information Minister Alfred Geresom Musamali, presented a memorandum highlighting key priorities requiring government action.
Pressing Issues Raised
Bubulo–Bududa Circular Road:
He decried the poor state of the road, saying repeated government pledges to tarmac it remain unfulfilled. The road’s dilapidated condition has caused widespread frustration in the region, undermining access and economic activities.
Creation of Budadiri District:
Citing the high population density and hard-to-reach terrain in the Sironko highlands, Mudoma reiterated calls for a separate Budadiri district. He reminded government that a request for this administrative unit has been pending for over a decade.
Mbale Public University:
He pressed for the establishment of a public university in Mbale, arguing it would expand educational opportunities and spur economic growth. Although the proposal has long been on government’s agenda, no decision has been made.
Bulambuli Resettlement Program:
Referring to the 2018 landslides that displaced thousands, Mudoma thanked government for its initial relocation efforts but warned that recent rains are again threatening lives. He called for the urgent resettlement of families in high-risk areas.
Return of Cultural Assets (Ebyaffe):
He urged government to expedite the return of Bugisu’s historical and cultural assets. While the Ministry of Local Government has shown willingness, Mudoma appealed for the Prime Minister’s direct intervention to hasten the process.
Bugisu First-Ever Symposium:
The Umukuuka revealed plans for a three-day symposium to unite the Bamasaaba community in promoting development and cultural preservation. He requested government support, noting the budget for the event stands at UGX 800 million.
Prime Minister’s Response
In her remarks, Rt. Hon. Nabbanja acknowledged the urgency of the issues raised, particularly the plight of communities vulnerable to landslides and floods. However, she explained that delays in the Bulambuli Resettlement Program stem from challenges in verifying the exact number of affected households. According to her, in some cases, technical officers had presented inflated figures, complicating government planning and resource allocation.
She assured the delegation of government’s commitment to working with cultural leaders to find sustainable solutions, while urging continued collaboration to strengthen community mobilization and development.
The meeting underscored the growing partnership between cultural institutions and government in addressing socio-economic challenges. Umukuuka Mudoma’s petition reflects both the urgency of Bugisu’s pressing needs and the expectation that cultural voices be recognized in shaping national priorities.
