Mbale City, Uganda – The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution has warned that anyone found impersonating the Umukuka of Bugisu, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, risks spending up to 100 years in prison.
Speaking to The Ankole Times, Mr. Steven Masiga said the Penal Code Act, Cap 128, provides clear punitive measures against individuals who are violating the law by falsely claiming cultural authority in Bugisu.
Masiga explained that the law criminalizes several actions currently being committed by some individuals in the region. He cited impersonation of the Umukuka or falsely claiming the title without being gazetted as an offence punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which covers personation.
“Many of those committing these crimes are elderly men. When you factor in their current ages, a seven-year sentence alone could mean they never leave prison alive,” Masiga said.
He further noted that the administration of unlawful oaths carries a penalty of up to 14 years’ imprisonment if committed concurrently, as stipulated under Sections 42 and 43 of the Penal Code Act. Section 43(a)(iii) specifically states that any person who administers unlawful oaths intended to disturb public peace—together with the beneficiary of such oaths, faces a combined prison sentence of 14 years.
“The cultural institution will not sit back and fold its arms while wrong elements disturb the peace of our community, both of the living and the dead. Even our ancestors deserve peace,” Masiga said in a telephone interview from Mbale.
He added that continued silence by authorities has allowed habitual lawbreakers to masquerade as cultural leaders, creating confusion and a false sense of legitimacy within the community.
Masiga said many Bamasaaba have questioned why the institution has remained quiet while individuals, including Elder Wagabyalire and Mayatsa, allegedly present themselves as cultural leaders of Bugisu.
He further warned that offences such as fraud, punishable by seven years’ imprisonment are being committed through the illegal collection of money in the name of the cultural institution. Incitement to violence, which attracts a sentence of up to three years in prison, was also cited.
“I therefore appeal to these groups to prepare to face the maximum sentences imposed by law for their criminal behaviour in our community,” Masiga said.
He also warned individuals at Mbale University who are allegedly working with the said groups in secrecy, stating that Mbale Public University is a government programme. Masiga dismissed claims of collecting Shs 2 billion for the university as a hoax and demanded that any such money be refunded to its rightful owners.
Meanwhile, the cultural institution has urged the public to report to police anyone found masquerading as the Umukuka, rather than resorting to violence.
“Nobody should take the law into their own hands when we have courts of law,” Masiga emphasized.
