Through several radio programs I have participated in, including online petitions, it has emerged that over 90% of the Bamasaaba want the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, 2011 translated into the Lumasaba language for ease of understanding among the Bamasaaba community and clan chairpersons.
It is undisputed that the Uganda Law Reform Commission has executed its mandate well— notably in reforming laws and undertaking other statutory tasks such as translating the Constitution of Uganda into several local languages. Other statutes that have been translated into local languages include the Local Governments Act, Cap 243 for selected districts and the Local Council Courts Act, 2006.
The Cultural Leaders Act—or more broadly, the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act—is one of the more recent statutes, now 14 years in existence. The Act serves as a regulatory legal framework for cultural institutions across Uganda. Unfortunately, it remains inadequately publicized. Because of its limited circulation and use, many communities have gone ahead to enact their own local laws to regulate cultural affairs. Among these is the controversial and confusing Inzu Ya Masaba Constitution, which has become a source of division and misunderstanding among the Bamasaaba.
Translating the Cultural Leaders Act, 2011 into Lumasaba would greatly enhance public understanding of this important piece of legislation—particularly regarding how cultural institutions elect or identify their leaders and the various roles such leaders can perform in accordance with their customs.
The Cultural Leaders Act in its entirety provides a legal framework under which cultural leaders are identified and their powers defined. However, the majority of clan chairpersons—who are technically covered under this law—are unaware of its existence.
The Uganda Law Reform Commission could organize sensitization workshops across traditional and cultural institutions in Uganda to ensure that knowledge of this important community law, which governs the customs and norms of Ugandans, reaches even the ordinary clan chairperson in areas such as Busiu, Bulucheke, Bududa, Busoba, Mufumbo, Bubwaya, Tandiga, Muyobo, Wagogo, Mubutu, Mushika, Kigai, Wanale, and Halasi, among others.
Continuous sensitization of citizens about their laws helps to deepen civic understanding and promote respect for legal and cultural frameworks.
The writer is a lawyer and spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution.
Tel: 0782 231577
