The High Court in Mbale has scheduled January 15 for the commencement of the contempt of court case against Mr. Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukukha III and head of the Inzu Ya Masaba Cultural Institution of Bugisu. Mr. Mudoma, who was installed as Umukukha III on November 21, 2022, is jointly accused with the Attorney General. The case revolves around the alleged violation of a High Court order by the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development in gazetting and installing Mr. Mudoma as Umukukha, which is contested by Mr. John Amram Wagabyalire.
Mr. Wagabyalire claims to have been elected to the position on December 11, 2020, and has filed multiple suits in the same court challenging the legitimacy of Mr. Mudoma’s installation. The legal battle traces back to March 2020 when the election of a new Umukukha was disrupted due to a nationwide lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The subsequent attempts to hold elections led to conflicting claims to the throne, prompting government intervention.
The Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Ms. Betty Amongi, initially expressed non-recognition of either candidate, advising them to seek legal resolution. However, Mr. Mudoma was later gazetted, leading to legal challenges. The upcoming court hearing is expected to reignite tensions and disputes that have persisted in the region, involving rival factions and contested elections.
