Our Reporter | Mbale City, Uganda — The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution has issued an eight-hour ultimatum to individuals allegedly masquerading as cultural leaders in the Bugisu sub-region, demanding that they surrender any illegally acquired cultural gowns and artifacts.
Speaking to The Ankole Times, the institution’s spokesperson, Mr. Masiga, said the amnesty earlier granted to the claimants had expired and that their continued actions were unlawful.
Masiga named the individuals as Mr. Masolo Yahaya, who was recently seen in Busoga allegedly pretending to be a cultural leader while addressing members of the Bamasaaba community; Mr. Mayatsa, who he claimed has been presenting himself as a cultural leader in private gatherings; and Mzee Wagabyalire, who was reportedly introduced during a burial ceremony in Busiu as the Umukuka of Inzu Ya Masaaba.
He stressed that the Bugisu region cannot have more than one recognized cultural leader, drawing a comparison with government administration.
“One district cannot have two Resident District Commissioners exercising equal authority. One may serve as an assistant, but not at the same level of power,” Masiga said.
According to the spokesperson, the current Umukuka III was gazetted by the government in 2023 following court guidance. However, he alleged that several individuals have since attempted to assume the title unlawfully.
“It is unfortunate that some individuals have gone as far as commissioning designer robes in different shades to impersonate cultural leaders,” he said, adding that such actions undermine the integrity of the institution.
Masiga also warned that elderly individuals engaging in such impersonation risk embarrassing themselves, recalling a recent incident in Busiu where one claimant was reportedly chased away from a burial ceremony.
In the interest of peace and stability, the institution called upon Mr. Mayatsa, Mr. Masolo, and Mzee Wagabyalire to peacefully surrender all robes and artifacts in their possession and refrain from presenting themselves as cultural leaders.
He further urged the public to remain calm and avoid violence if they encounter the individuals at public functions.
“If you see anyone posturing as a cultural leader or claiming to represent Umukuka III, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, do not take the law into your own hands. Report the matter to the nearest police station or contact the cultural institution so that security agencies can handle it appropriately,” he said.
Masiga emphasized that Ugandan law discourages unauthorized representation and holding media engagements in the name of the Bugisu Cultural Institution.
He also called upon security agencies, especially in rural Bugisu, to remain vigilant and take appropriate action against anyone found impersonating the gazetted Umukuka at public functions.
