The Bugisu Cultural Institution was restored by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni after it was abolished in 1967 by former President Milton Obote.
In that year, President Obote abolished all traditional and cultural institutions in Uganda, including the Bugisu Cultural Institution, which was then headed by Umuyinga (Umukuka) Boniface Mungoma.
Had Umukuka Mungoma been in good health at the time of the restoration, he could have reclaimed leadership of the institution—just as His Highness Stephen Owori did in Tororo, where he resumed leadership of the Badama cultural group. Unfortunately, Umukuka Mungoma passed away around 22 years ago due to ill health.
I have seen a group of elders frequently appearing in forums claiming they “brought back Bukuka” (the Bugisu kingship). This is both misleading and unacceptable. The restoration of cultural institutions in Uganda was a national policy by the NRM Government under the leadership of President Museveni. It began with Buganda, Bunyoro, Tooro, and others, and was later extended to cultural institutions such as Acholi, Bugisu, and the Badama of Tororo. These were all institutions that had existed before being abolished in the 1960s.
His Highness Stephen Owori, who led the Badama in the 1960s, resumed leadership following the official restoration of their institution.
The Constitution of Uganda and the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, among other legal instruments, stipulate that those institutions that existed before abolition should retain their original names and structures.
When Umukuka Boniface Mungoma was the titular head of Bugisu, no one questioned the use of the word Bugisu. It is troubling that, following the formal gazettement of His Highness Umukuka III, Jude Mike Mudoma, many individuals, including former ministers from previous cultural administrations, are creating tension and pressuring the Umukuka III to appoint them to leadership positions.
Let me be clear to all Bamasaaba: His Highness the Umukuka III will not appoint a prime minister or ministers under threats or coercion. Leadership is not determined at gunpoint.
It is important to note that 95% of those currently opposing the legitimate cultural leadership are supporters of Mushikori and Wamimbi. They must give His Highness the peace and space to lead his people.
As a community, we will soon petition the NRM Government to restore properties and cultural assets that belonged to the Bugisu institution in the 1960s—just as the Baganda were compensated. In my view, this should be our next task now that the gazettement process has been completed.
Written by Steven Masiga, Spokesperson, Bugisu Cultural Institution
Tel: 0782 231577
