Umukuuka of Bugisu Extends School Outreach Programme to Kenya to Promote Culture and Morality
The Umukuuka of Bugisu, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, has extended his cultural outreach programme to schools in Kenya as part of efforts to promote Bamasaba culture, morality, and social values among communities living across the Uganda-Kenya border.
By Our Reporter in Bungoma, Kenya
The Umukuuka of Bugisu, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, has extended his cultural outreach programme to schools in Kenya as part of efforts to promote Bamasaba culture, morality, and social values among communities living across the Uganda-Kenya border.
The development was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, who said the school tours he has been conducting on behalf of the Umukuuka and the cultural institution will now be expanded to educational institutions in Kenya.
According to Masiga, the cultural institution is operating within an established legal framework that allows the Umukuuka and his officials to engage with Bamasaba communities residing in Kenya, particularly in the counties of Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, and Kakamega.
He explained that the movement of cultural leaders across the border is facilitated by regional integration agreements under the East African Community (EAC), which promote the free movement of people and the preservation of shared cultural heritage among member states.
"There is a reasonable and permissive legal framework that enables His Highness the Umukuuka and his officials to cross into Kenya and mobilize his subjects in communities under his cultural jurisdiction. Our movement is enabled by culture, the East African Community Treaty and related protocols, particularly provisions that encourage cultural cooperation and interaction across borders," Masiga said.
He noted that Kenya remains unique within the East African Community because the Bamasaba community exists on both sides of the Uganda-Kenya border, maintaining a common language, culture, and traditions despite national boundaries.
Masiga revealed that the school tours will focus on promoting positive social values among learners and addressing challenges that undermine education and community development.
"We shall take the same message to Kenyan schools that we have been delivering in Uganda. We shall preach against factors that militate against learning, speak out against female genital mutilation, encourage learners to uphold our culture, and inspire them to become responsible citizens," he said.
The cultural institution also intends to educate learners about the Imbalu circumcision calendar established by the Umukuuka, which serves Bamasaba communities in both Uganda and Kenya. In addition, delegates will deliver greetings and messages of goodwill from the Umukuuka to Bamasaba families living across River Lwakhakha.
Masiga emphasized that the Bugisu Cultural Institution remains non-partisan and will avoid engaging in political matters during the school engagements.
"As a cultural institution, we do not engage in politics or guide learners on whom to vote. Our focus will remain on culture, morality, education, and social transformation," he stated.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the official launch of the 2026 Imbalu season, one of the most significant cultural events among the Bamasaba people. Masiga disclosed that the Umukuuka has extended invitations to several prominent Kenyan leaders to attend the Imbalu launch scheduled for August 1.
Among those invited are Kenyan President William Ruto, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, and the Speaker of Kenya's National Assembly, Moses Wetang'ula. The spokesperson said the upcoming school tours will also be used to sensitize communities about the forthcoming Imbalu launch and encourage participation from Bamasaba communities on both sides of the border.
The initiative highlights the Bugisu Cultural Institution's commitment to strengthening cultural identity, promoting moral values among young people, and fostering unity among the Bamasaba people irrespective of national boundaries.
Observers say the cross-border cultural outreach reflects the growing importance of regional integration in preserving shared cultural heritage while addressing contemporary social challenges affecting communities in East Africa.
