His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma became the Umukhukha III of the Bamasaba Cultural Institution, Inzu Ya Masaba, following a three-year leadership crisis within the institution. The installation ceremony took place at Mutoto Cultural Ground in Mbale City on October 14, 2023. This event marked a significant moment for the Bamasaba people, who primarily reside in Bugisu and certain regions of Kenya.
The ceremony was attended by a multitude of people who celebrated with traditional dances, including Kadodi, and the sounds of vuvuzelas. Elderly men and women adorned in traditional attire expressed their joy through ululations, while the youth danced to the beats of Kadodi drums, revitalizing the Bamasaba culture.
Several dignitaries, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, who represented President Museveni, and a delegation from Kenya, witnessed the rituals performed to hand over power to the new Umukhukha. The former cultural leader, Bob Mushikori, had passed away three years prior, leading to the leadership vacuum and subsequent crisis.
During the ceremony, the chairperson of the 26 clans, Mr. Difasi Webuyi, presented the new Umukhukha with symbolic instruments of power, such as a spear and cow horns. These items symbolize the Umukhukha’s duty to protect, guide, and lead the Bamasaba people, ensuring their unity and prosperity.
In his inaugural speech, Mr. Mudoma pledged to promote inclusivity, unity, and economic growth among the Bamasaba people. He expressed his commitment to ensuring peace and unity within the Bamasaba community, transcending boundaries to include their relatives in Kenya.
Mr. Mudoma’s election as the cultural leader was officially confirmed by clan leaders following the direction of Ms. Peace Mutuuzo, the Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs. A meeting was convened by Umukhukha Emeritus Wilson Wamimbi on July 14, with 26 clan leaders resolving the impasse over the rightful cultural leader of the institution. The dispute had involved Mr. Mudoma from the Muyobo Clan and Mr. John Imran Wagabyalire from the Halasi Clan, both from the Mwambu family.
Mr. Mudoma extended an olive branch to his rival, Mr. Wagabyalire, and others during his inaugural address. He also appealed to President Museveni for support in establishing cultural offices, a university, and developing the Mutoto Cultural site, which holds historical significance as the location of the first Mugisu circumcision.
In a speech delivered by Vice President Alupo on behalf of President Museveni, it was emphasized that cultural leaders must preserve customs related to marriage and etiquette. The President also pointed out the importance of discarding regressive practices, such as female genital mutilation (FGM), cattle rustling, and wife inheritance, in the interest of cultural progress and societal well-being.
