The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, has told this publication that the strong working relationship between the cultural institution and government agencies in the region, such as the Electoral Commission (EC) and security organs, led to peaceful elections in the Elgon region.
Masiga said that as a cultural institution, they would like to salute the efforts of various stakeholders involved in the elections.
He specifically cited the Regional Returning Officer for Elgon, Ms. Sarah Mukwaya Bukirwa, who consistently guided returning officers to ensure that the cultural institution was fully involved in Electoral Commission programs aimed at preaching peace.
“We worked very closely with the Electoral Commission, and I must salute these officials, including Sarah Bukirwa, the REO Elgon; the City Returning Officer, Michael Arinaitwe; and others,” Masiga said.
He added that the security leadership continuously involved the cultural institution as a key stakeholder. “On behalf of the Office of the Spokesperson, I salute Mbale City RCC George Wopuwa, Regional Police Commander Elgon SSP Samuel Asimwe, Regional Security Officer Elgon Major Emmanuel, SSP Monday Agaba, and Mbale DPC Kenneth, among others. They ensured that the cultural institution was fully involved in preaching peace to its people during the elections,” Masiga said.
Masiga noted that those who heeded the cultural institution’s message of peaceful elections did not engage in politically related violence. He added that anyone who caused disturbances during the elections perhaps believed they were bigger than the cultural institution.
He also commended the efforts of other actors who promoted peaceful elections, including the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), for organizing a peaceful caravan that traversed major districts and cities across Uganda.
Masiga further stated that as the region prepares for another layer of elections scheduled for Thursday, 22 January 2026, the cultural institution’s message is for everyone to remain peaceful and refrain from carrying any form of offensive objects.
He encouraged the Bamasaaba to go to polling stations unarmed and urged politicians to refrain from forming or funding gangs.
