The Bamasaaba community, which spans across Uganda and Kenya, is advocating for unrestricted movement within the East African Community (EAC), with the aim of facilitating trade and preserving shared cultural practices.
According to community representatives, the free movement of people is often hindered by artificial colonial-era borders that divide communities which were once unified. A clear example is the Bamasaaba of Uganda and the Babukusu of Kenya—two subgroups that share deep cultural and historical ties.
They observe similar customs, such as the traditional circumcision ceremonies held during leap years, share agricultural practices, use common names, and maintain comparable norms in etiquette and dressing.
With a combined population of over 10 million people, the Bamasaaba in Uganda and Kenya believe they could achieve substantial economic success if border restrictions were legally relaxed.
Historical and cultural evidence across the region supports the idea of East Africa as a united cultural zone. For instance, the Bakiga people in Uganda sing folk songs recounting their migration from Rwanda. Yet, recent history saw the Katuna-Gatuna border between Uganda and Rwanda remain closed for two years—preventing cultural interaction and punishing those who crossed without authorization.
Other examples of cross-border ethnic unity include:
- The Bawogogo in Masaabaland and the Wagogo in Tanzania.
- The Pokot communities in Uganda and Kenya.
- The Kakwa and Lugbara communities in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire).
- The Bafumbira in southwestern Uganda and the people of Rwanda.
- The Sabiny in Uganda and their cross-border kin.
The Bukuka leadership (Bamasaaba cultural institution) believes cultural practices should flow freely across all corners of East Africa. The East African Protocol supports this view, providing a framework that allows people of shared heritage to practice their culture and conduct business beyond current national boundaries.
The East African Treaty also guarantees several key benefits, including visa-free travel for citizens of member states and the promotion of regional integration through cultural and economic exchange.
Recently, His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuka (cultural leader) of the Bamasaaba, invited members of the Kenyan Bamasaaba community to attend the inaugural cabinet meeting in Masaabaland. During the event, he echoed calls for East African governments to allow free trade among culturally linked communities, just as they permit the expression of shared cultural values.
However, the Umukuka also warned against misinformation that could derail regional unity. He addressed rumors that some Bagisu in Kenya were arrested for practicing cannibalism—claims he strongly condemned as unfounded and harmful to the spirit of East African integration.
The writer is the Spokesperson of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution.
