Last week, His Highness the Umukuka of the Bugisu Cultural Institution made new appointments to his cabinet while retaining several existing office bearers.
The Ankole Times is serializing the district-by-district appointments, highlighting those appointed from each part of Bugisu and their respective roles.
The Bugisu region comprises Bududa District, Mbale City, Mbale District, Namisindwa, Manafwa, Bulambuli, and the Bamasaaba communities in Kenya’s counties of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia.
Today, we begin with Bududa District.
Appointees from Bududa District
- Steven Masiga – Spokesperson and Chairperson, Awards Committee
Steven Masiga has been confirmed as the Spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution. He also retains his role as Chairperson of the Awards Committee, responsible for recommending individuals who have made significant contributions to the institution for certificates of recognition and other medals.
Masiga has served for the past 20 years at Makerere University’s Department of Community Education. In addition to his academic work, he has been involved in research under the Ministry of Water and Environment, particularly under the REDD+ project.
He has taught in several university outreach centres, including Mbarara, Kamuli, Iganga, Busia, Moroto, and Lira, among others, and has been instrumental in supporting extramural university programs.
Between 2010 and 2020, he contributed to strengthening the statutory capacity of local governments, working with district councillors and LC V chairpersons. He has also served as board chairperson and chaired several School Management Committees (SMCs).
Masiga is a public intellectual and columnist who has written for the Daily Monitor, New Vision, and several online publications. He is frequently consulted by media platforms, including NTV and others, on public policy and legal issues.
Academically, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma in Education from Makerere University and is registered as a graduate teacher by the Ministry of Education. He also holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), a Master of Laws, and a Master of Public Administration and Management. He is currently pursuing a PhD.
Additionally, Masiga holds several postgraduate certificates in law and public administration from the Law Development Centre and Makerere University.
He is an accredited High Court mediator in cultural and land disputes and has advocated for mediation in resolving cultural conflicts. He has spoken at major judiciary functions, including the Judges’ Conference in Munyonyo and sessions of the Court of Appeal.
Since 2020, Masiga has served as spokesperson of the cultural institution and was instrumental in advocating for the gazettement of the current cultural leader through public lectures, media engagements, and television appearances. The cultural leader was officially gazetted in August 2023.
He has conducted interviews with major media houses including the Associated Press, Nation Television (NTV), Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), Hot TV Zambia, Al Jazeera, UBC Radio, and several national newspapers. He has received commendation from the institution’s leadership for his service.
2. Hon. Emmanuel Mutanje Denis – Minister for Investments and Entrepreneurship Development
Hon. Emmanuel Mutanje Denis, from Bududa, serves as Minister for Investments and Entrepreneurship Development.
In the early 2000s, he worked as a political assistant to the late Hon. James Wapakhabulo, who was Speaker of Parliament at the time. He later ventured into private business and owns several enterprises in Uganda and abroad.
He has made significant contributions toward funding projects of the cultural institution, including support for the upcoming radio station.
He holds a degree in Public Administration and Management and is completing a Bachelor of Laws degree.
3. Hon. Samuel Kuloba – Minister for Education, Literacy and Skills Development
Hon. Samuel Kuloba currently serves as Minister for Education, Literacy and Skills Development.
He previously served in government as a teacher, Deputy Headteacher, Headteacher, and later as Commissioner for Secondary Education in the Ministry of Education and Sports.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma in Education from Makerere University, as well as a Master’s degree in Education Management from the Islamic University in Uganda.
He also serves on several university councils, including Busitema University.
4.Hon. Simon Wamoto Nabende
Hon. Simon Wamoto Nabende previously served as a Resident District Commissioner and holds advanced training in the hospitality industry.
5. Hon. Nelson Mukuwa – Minister for Youth, Sports and Recreation
Hon. Nelson Mukuwa serves as Minister for Youth, Sports and Recreation. He holds a degree in Social Work and Social Administration from the Islamic University in Uganda.
6. Hon. Namome
Hon. Namome holds a degree in Medicine and works in the Medical Department of the Bank of Uganda.
7. Hon. Michael Materesi – Ambassador to Europe
Hon. Michael Materesi serves as the Bugisu Cultural Institution’s Ambassador to Europe, overseeing diaspora partnerships within the European chapter.
He holds a Master of Science in Accounting and Finance, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Donetsk State University. He has served for 12 years as a Senior Strategic Procurement Officer for the City of London and sits on several European boards.
All the above appointees hail from Bududa District, irrespective of their current place of residence. In these cultural appointments, their area code is designated as Bududa District.
The appointees expressed their appreciation to His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuka of Bugisu, for the trust placed in them.
Tomorrow, The Ankole Times will highlight appointments from Mbale District and Mbale City.
