Clan chairmen across Masaabaland have praised the Bugisu Cultural Institution’s Finance Minister, Hon. Andrew Masaba, for consistently meeting their transport needs on time whenever they are invited for cultural meetings by His Highness, the Umukuka of the Bamasaaba people.
Hon. Andrew Masaba was appointed Finance Minister in 2023 by the Umukuka and is one of the youngest ministers in the institution, representing the youthful population.
“He is a down-to-earth person despite his high-ranking position as a Commissioner in the Ministry of Lands,” observed the Prime Minister, Rt. Dr. Paul Mwambu, who is his immediate supervisor—a sentiment echoed by several ministers and clan chairmen across Masaabaland.
Commenting on the recent fulfillment of a presidential pledge to the Umukuka, Hon. Masaba acknowledged that the provision of an official vehicle by the government was timely. “It allows us to redirect our internal funds, initially allocated for the Umukuka’s mobility, to other strategic priorities as outlined in our cultural institution’s strategic plan,” he said.
He further assured the Bukuka Cabinet and clan chairmen that the Government has now fulfilled all its obligations to the cultural institution, including providing military guards, allowances to the Umukuka, and official transport for His Highness.
“As a cultural institution, we are currently receiving UGX 60 million monthly from the Government of Uganda under the leadership of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The President expects the Umukuka, his Cabinet, and the clan chairmen to mobilize the Bamasaaba in various ways,” Hon. Masaba stated. “Our people must be engaged in development efforts, including the consumption of and participation in government programs. They need a cultural voice.”
Hon. Andrew Masaba, who also serves as a substantive Assistant Commissioner in the Ministry of Water and Environment, applauded his ministry for the improved water coverage in Masaabaland. He noted that during recent visits to various communities, residents expressed satisfaction with the availability of clean water in several town councils and sub-counties.
He revealed that he will soon release the cultural institution’s budget strategic plan to Cabinet ministers and clan chairmen, outlining how he intends to raise and allocate the institution’s budget.
His performance as Finance Minister has impressed both His Highness the Umukuka and Prime Minister Dr. Paul Mwambu, who are his direct supervisors.
Steven Masiga, the institution’s spokesperson, stated that “everyone is very impressed with his work ethic and methods.”
Hon. Masaba has also organized several financial literacy workshops aimed at empowering cultural ministers and clan chairmen with essential skills for financial management and sustainability.
