Mbale City, Uganda – In Teso, the question of who should be crowned Mama Teso remains unresolved, as supporters of both Rt. Hon. Anita Among, the current Ugandan Parliamentary Speaker, and the Vice President’s supporters, claim that each of them is the most deserving to take the title of Mama Teso. In Busoga, however, it is a well-established fact that Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga has been the reigning Mama Busoga for the past twenty years.
The title of Mama Bugisu is typically bestowed upon a powerful female politician, academic scholar, or philanthropist who has made a significant political contribution to her community, extending beyond her district of origin. Bugisu, for example, comprises seven districts: Bududa, Mbale Rural, Mbale City, Manafwa, Namisindwa, Sironko, and Bulambuli. Many of the current crop of female politicians struggle to influence politics or service delivery beyond their own districts or constituencies, and as such, they may find it challenging to take up the Mama Bugisu title.
Possible Qualities of Mama Bugisu
To qualify as Mama Bugisu, similar to the case with Busoga where Rt. Hon. Kadaga has enjoyed prominence for the past twenty years, one must be prepared to protect the entire Bugisu in various dimensions. Her political, social, economic, and academic influence should be felt across Bugisu. To achieve this, one might need to control some budget at the national level, as titles and influence often come to those with significant financial resources. A person holding such a title must be a prominent figure in politics, academia, or global circles for as long as it takes.
Such a label, once bestowed upon a person, comes with heavy responsibilities and may not be given to individuals who are not committed. Among the Bamasaaba, several names have emerged as potential candidates for Mama Bugisu. Notable among them are:
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Hon. Beatrice Wabudeya – She once served as Minister for the Presidency and was responsible for deploying many Bamasaaba into positions of Resident District Commissioners.
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Prof. Florence Wakoko – An academic from Columbus State University in the USA, Prof. Wakoko has made significant contributions to the development of Masaabaland. She recently hosted the Umukuka (King) in the United States. Distance does not matter; she remains deeply connected to the Bamasaaba.
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Ambassador Angelina Wapakhabulo – Married into Masaabaland, Ambassador Wapakhabulo’s name has gained prominence due to her contributions to the Cure Hospital and her philanthropic work helping needy students without expecting political dividends, as some politicians do.
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Hon. Irene Manghali – A former RDC for Manafwa and one of the founding members of the Yellow Girls movement, her name also features prominently. She currently serves as a mobilizer in Inzu Ya Masaaba. She is flexible and capable of responding to emergencies beyond her home district of Namisindwa. Irene Manghali maintains close ties with President Museveni, President Ruto, Kenyan Speaker Moses Wetangula, and Ugandan PM Robinah Nabbanja. She also has strong relations with the Kenyan Babukusu community.
Other possible choices include:
- Hon. Lydia Wanyoto, a Presidential Advisor and CEC Member.
- Gorret Kitutu, WMP for Manafwa.
- Her Lordship Catherine Bamugemereire, Justice of the Supreme Court.
- Sr. Mary Wasagali, who works with the Equal Opportunities Commission, a government body aimed at eliminating disparities in public service.
- Hon. Justine Khainza, former WMP for Bududa District.
- Hon. Florence Nambozo, State Minister for Karamoja Affairs.
The title of Mama Bugisu can go to anyone who has served Masaabaland distinctively—not necessarily politicians. Individuals with potential influence should not be overlooked. Many of the individuals mentioned above have influence that is largely confined to their home districts, but anyone crowned as Mama Bugisu must ensure that her impact extends beyond one district. She should embrace all of Masaabaland.
Many of the current flock of politicians in Masaabaland are entrenched in their respective districts, where their influence is limited. To attain the crown, as Rt. Hon. Kadaga did for Busoga, one must be more than a narrow-minded politician. Those who assume this title must be willing to support various groups and individuals. Once you take on the title, there are immense benefits, including national respect, both within and outside government.
Mama Bugisu should be a motherly figure who strides across Bugisu, helping those in need and defending vulnerable groups.
The writer is a researcher from Mbale.
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