His Highness the Umukuka III of the Bamasaaba people has appealed to learners in the Musese community to uphold high moral standards if they are to excel in life.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Umukuka, Steven Masiga, spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, visited both Musese Primary School and Musese Senior Secondary School to sensitize learners on matters of culture and education.
Masiga emphasized several key points during his address:
He urged learners to stay focused on education and aim to complete the full education cycle up to university.
He advised parents in the Musese community not to marry off their children before they complete their education, noting that early marriage disrupts both educational goals and cultural expectations.
“The principal role of the cultural leadership is to mobilize communities to embrace education and development initiatives,” Masiga stated. “His Highness the Umukuka III, Jude Mike Mudoma, has instructed me to visit schools across Masaabaland and encourage learners to take education seriously.”
Masiga also strongly warned against criminal behavior in schools, including the use of narcotics, alcohol, and involvement in petty crimes.
“The law does not discriminate—whether you’re a student or an adult, consequences are the same,” he warned.
He criticized individuals involved in drug abuse, stating that research shows a link between drug use and poor decision-making.
“Drug consumption suffocates one’s reasoning capacity. No learner in Masaabaland should engage in such destructive behavior,” he added.
Masiga reaffirmed Bukuka’s commitment to promoting education and values across Bugisu and urged school leadership to collaborate with the cultural institution on issues of morality and tradition.
“Whenever there’s a moral breakdown in society, fingers will be pointed at us, not the lawbreakers,” Masiga cautioned. “So we must show up—whether we crawl or walk, we shall come to support and mentor our people.”
The Headmistress of Musese SSS, Ms. Jackline Lamunu, welcomed the cultural engagement and thanked Umukuka III for supporting the school with scholastic materials and bursaries.
Musese Senior Secondary School, located in Busiu Sub-county off Tororo Road, has approximately 700 learners and is situated about 15 kilometers from Mbale City.
