Prime
Installed Bamasaba cultural leader calls for unity
Dr Mike Mudoma the new Umukukha of Bamasaba. PHOTO | NMG
The Bamasaba Cultural Institution, Inzu Ya Masaba has finally installed a new cultural leader, Mr Jude Mike Mudoma, after several months of stalemate due to leadership wrangles in the institution.
The installation took place on Saturday at Sports Club in Mbale City, one week after a council of elders cleared Mr Mudoma, 63, as the duly elected Uwelukoosi Umukukha III.
Mr Mudoma, a research scientist, who formerly worked with National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is from Buyobo clan in the family of Mwambu.
The institution conducts rotational leadership among three families of Mwambu, Mubuuya, Wanaale and Babukusu of Kenya (Bamasaba of Kenya).
The descendants of Mwambu live in Sironko and Bulambuli districts, Mubuuya ( Manafwa, Bududa and Namisndwa) and Wanaale in Mbale District.
The first cultural leader, Mr Wilson Wamimbi, who was elected in 2010 was from the Wanaale family while Mr Bob Mushikori, whose term recently expired, is from the family of Mubuuya. Mr Mushikori was elected in 2015.
According to the constitution of Inzu Ya Masaba, Article 8.4, the elected cultural leader is supposed to serve only five years and not be subjected to re-election.
Mr Christopher Bunoti, the chairperson of the culture council, the body mandated with powers to conduct the elections of Umukukha, said the processes were duly followed.
“The committee of the general assembly made consultation with all the Bamasaba clans and a list of individuals with their qualifications was compiled. The list was then presented to the culture council. The candidates were shortlisted and their names submitted to the general assembly for election, where Mr Mudoma emerged winner,” he said during the installation ceremony.
Mr Mudoma said he will work with the government to foster unity and development in the sub-region.
Mr Mudoma was elected at Mutoto Cultural Ground on October 6 during the sitting of the general assembly presided over by Mr Nelson Wadeira, the speaker of the institution.
“I will use this position to bring unity, which will translate into economic development,” he said.
He said his leadership will champion dialogue to end divisions in the institution.
Mrs Annet Mudoma, the queen of Bamasaba, pledged to spearhead initiatives to promote girl-child education and also resurrect cultural norms, which are eroding due to modernity.
Mr Charles Walimbwa Peke, the new prime minister, said they will embark on the construction of museums and other cultural centres to market the sacred practices of the institution.
