The Inzu ya Masaba cultural institution has issued a strong warning to two Regional District Commissioners (RDCs), accusing them of impersonating leadership and attempting to destabilize the institution.
The warning comes after a cabinet reshuffle in December 2024 by the Umukuka III of the Bamasaba people.
The Umukuka relieved several officials of their duties, including the Prime Minister, the Minister for Lands, the Minister for Cultural Diversity, the Envoy for Mediation, and the Minister for Youth and Sports, in accordance with the Cultural Leaders Act 2011 (as amended).
Following the reshuffle, these individuals were no longer authorized to represent the Umukuka or make decisions on behalf of the cultural institution.
While most of the dismissed officials have respected the decision, the Inzuyamasaba administration alleges that two RDCs, Mr. Nelson Wedaira and Mr. Ahamada Washaki, have continued to act as if they still hold positions within the cultural institution.
They are accused of communicating directly with the Ministry of Gender and other entities, falsely claiming to represent the Umukuka and even declaring the end of his tenure.
Adding to the accusations, the administration claims that Wedaira and Washaki are hiring youth groups to spread misinformation and malign the Umukuka III and his current cabinet. They are also alleged to be colluding with certain politicians to further destabilize the cultural institution.
In a strongly worded statement, Inzuyamasaba spokesperson Steven Masiga called on the public and media to disregard any communication from Wedaira and Washaki, labeling them as impersonators. He emphasized that they have no authority to speak on behalf of the Umukuka or the Inzuyamasaba cultural institution.
Masiga further pointed out that the ITCLA makes it a criminal offense for anyone not employed by the cultural institution to impersonate its officials. He urged law enforcement agencies in the region to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against those found to be impersonating Inzuyamasaba leadership.
The statement made it clear that any communication from Wedaira and Washaki regarding Inzuyamasaba affairs should be considered null and void. The Inzuyamasaba administration has called for unity and respect for the Umukuka’s authority, urging all Bamasaba people to reject any attempts to sow discord and undermine the cultural institution.
