The Local Council I & II Chairpersons, meeting at Nyondo SSS yesterday, pledged their loyalty to Umukuka III and his team. Speaking on behalf of the LCs in Bugisu, the LCIII Chairman for Nyondo Subcounty stated they are ready to support Inzu Ya Masaba leadership and requested the Bamasaaba to support Umukuka III and his team as well.
The headmasters also present pledged loyalty to Inzu Ya Masaba. Mr. Wandulu Dismus, the headteacher of Nyondo SSS, emphasized the importance of associating with their culture at all times, a view that was validated by Mr. Samanya, the headteacher of Mulatsi SSS. The meeting was attended by representatives of Inzu Ya Masaba and the Mbale LC V Chairman, who was represented by Councilor of Busiu Town Council.
Local governments are responsible, by law, for validating the existence of cultural institutions. An area that intends to have a cultural leader must demonstrate that it has secured the backing of the local governments. Many claimants to cultural leadership that attempted to circumvent the local government system are still facing challenges.
Inzu Ya Masaba values immensely the relevance of local governments, and we shall continue consulting each other on matters of culture. Recently, Local Council V chairmen, under their umbrella association in Bugisu, pledged continuous assistance to the cultural leadership.
The writer is a researcher and spokesperson for Inzu Ya Masaba
