Trans Nzoia , Kenya – The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Steven Masiga, has confirmed that His Highness the Umukuka is currently in Kenya on a cultural engagement tour accompanied by his ministers.
Speaking by telephone from Trans Nzoia County, Masiga said the delegation includes the Minister for Culture, Hon. Moses Kutoi, Hon. Irene Khainza Manghali, Hon. Robinah Namome, among others.
He said the visit is purely cultural and aims at strengthening unity, cultural exchange, and shared heritage among communities living around the Mount Elgon region.
“This tour is meant to promote unity and togetherness among our people who collectively share Mt Elgon,” Masiga said.
During the visit, the delegation is engaging communities in various parts of western Kenya, including Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, and Webuye. The focus, according to Masiga, is on cultural exchange activities such as language preservation, traditional dances including imbalu, dress code, and shared agricultural practices.
He noted that both Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties are largely inhabited by the Babukusu community, who he described as a cluster closely related to the Bamasaba people on the Ugandan side of Mount Elgon.
Masiga further highlighted that several prominent leaders in Kenya trace cultural and historical links with the broader Mount Elgon communities, citing figures in governance and public leadership across the region.
He added that the East African Community framework, particularly provisions under Articles 117 and 118, encourages cross-border cultural cooperation among related communities to promote integration and heritage preservation.
Masiga said detailed outcomes of the cultural engagements will be communicated upon the delegation’s return to Uganda.
