Mbale, Uganda – The Bamasaaba Cultural Institution has strongly refuted allegations circulating in the media that members of the Bagisu (Bamasaaba) community residing in Kenya were involved in acts of cannibalism.
A video widely shared on various media platforms, including NTV Kenya, claims that several Bamasaaba individuals were arrested by Kenyan authorities on suspicion of consuming human flesh, including infants and schoolchildren. The institution has described these allegations as deeply disturbing, unfounded, and culturally offensive.
“There is no historical or cultural record of cannibalism among the Bamasaaba people,” stated the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution in a press release. “We urge the Kenyan authorities to uphold the rule of law and adhere to the principles of due process as outlined in both Kenyan and Ugandan constitutions.”
Presumption of Innocence Must Be Respected
The institution emphasized the legal principle of the presumption of innocence. Article 28(3)(a) of the Ugandan Constitution and Article 50(2)(a) of the Kenyan Constitution both affirm that every person accused of a crime must be considered innocent until proven guilty.
“The tone used by a police officer in the video is of particular concern,” the statement noted. “There is no mention that the individuals arrested are suspects, nor is there acknowledgment that they may be falsely accused.”
The institution also questioned the credibility of the evidence, raising concerns about the integrity of the investigation.
“No one keeps clothes or exhibits for ten years after committing such a crime. The presence of a decomposing body near the house raises more questions than answers. If our people were allegedly eating humans, why was the body not found in a saucepan or with signs of cooking?”
The preliminary investigation reportedly found no saucepans with traces of human flesh and no human bones at the scene—casting doubt on the cannibalism claims.
Call for Calm and Legal Redress
The cultural leadership is urging Bamasaaba communities both in Uganda and Kenya to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions.
“His Highness the Umukuka has dispatched our Deputy Prime Minister Wakhoooli Bifoli and our Minister of Culture Hon. Moses Kutoi to investigate these claims on the ground,” Masiga stated. “We have also instructed our legal team to request access to the suspects and explore all available legal channels.”
The institution emphasized that if these individuals have committed any crimes, due process must be followed—but equally, if they are innocent, justice must prevail.
“If any cultural behavior was adopted by the accused, it must be traced to the communities they have lived in—not Bamasaaba heritage,” said the statement. “We completely reject and condemn any link between our people and cannibalistic practices.”
The institution also expressed interest in the possibility of seeking the extradition of the suspects to Uganda should it be deemed necessary and lawful.
In conclusion, Masiga added:
“As a cultural institution, we cannot sit idly while our people are defamed with baseless and harmful cultural stereotypes. The truth must be uncovered through lawful means, not mob justice or sensational claims.”
