MBALE, UGANDA – The Bamasaaba community has formally requested their cultural institution, the Obukukulu, to play a more prominent and central role in the upcoming General Elections, which are approximately 180 days away.
This appeal was made during a dissemination workshop organized by the Bugisu NGO Forum. The workshop focused on releasing findings from a survey conducted in the Bugisu region concerning governance issues, particularly voter literacy.
Participants, numbering in the hundreds, collectively petitioned the Umukuka through the Obukukulu spokesperson, Steven Masiga, to ensure the cultural institution takes a leading role in electoral matters.
Steven Masiga, representing the cultural institution and serving as a lead respondent, pledged to bring the survey’s findings to the Umukuka and the Obukukulu cabinet for action.
The survey, among other concerns, established that voter education in Masaabaland was at its lowest. Consequently, attendees resolved to task the cultural institution with educating the Bamasaaba on voter literacy.
Mr. Masiga further stated that as a cultural institution, they are required to remain neutral and non-partisan. He emphasized that this neutrality positions the cultural institution as the ideal entity to spearhead civic and voter education, as they serve all Bamasaaba, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Masiga cited an example from Latin American countries where voters can be penalized for not voting, where individuals pay a fee to stay home on election day if they choose not to participate. He noted, “I have seen times unused voter materials going to waste.”
Mr. Moses Egunyu, Chairman of the Bugisu NGO Forum, and Program Officer Mafabi, stated that these engagements are an ongoing exercise planned to continue for about five years.
