MABLE, Uganda — The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Steven Masiga, has said the practice of “pocketing” cultural leaders in Bugisu must stop with immediate effect.
Speaking to The Ankole Times by telephone from Mbale City, Masiga stated that some individuals who receive financial support believe they have the capacity to fight the institution, yet the cultural leadership serves the community and not any individual.
“We serve the community, and we do not want to be tagged to any individual like Hon. Nandala,” Masiga said.
Masiga alleged that Hon. Nandala Mafabihas a history of financially supporting cultural leaders in Bugisu. He claimed that beginning with Umukuka I, who was allegedly put on the payroll of Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU), followed by Umukuka Mushikori, whom he reportedly supported and accommodated. He further alleged that a self-styled Umukuka Wagabyalire was heavily funded, although such support did not legitimize him as Umukuka.
However, when it came to His Highness Umukuka III, Jude Mike Mudoma, Masiga said the alleged financial support did not materialize.
Masiga noted that before being gazetted, Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma was already a man of known means, owning several properties. He added that with the government funding currently extended to the institution, this may have displeased Hon. Nandala.
Masiga further alleged that Hon. Nandala recently paid accommodation for a group opposed to the current leadership and facilitated transport for individuals who delivered petitions to various government offices against the cultural institution’s leadership.
He also claimed that during the burial of the late Titus Nangalama in Bududa, Hon. Nandala publicly pledged support to groups opposed to the institution and promised to provide fuel and other assistance.
“As a cultural institution, we warn Hon. Nandala to keep off issues concerning the Umukuka. We shall not allow him to determine who the Umukuka of Bugisu is,” Masiga said.
He added that the institution openly rejects what he described as “handouts,” stating that government funding allocated to the Bugisu Cultural Institution is sufficient.
