His Highness the Umukuka III, Jude Mike Mudoma, today led a high-powered delegation comprising the Umukuka and his spouse, the Prime Minister of the Bugisu Cultural Institution Rt. Hon. Dr. Paul Mwambu, and the Spokesperson of the institution Hon. Steven Masiga, to present a memorandum on behalf of the Bugisu Cultural Institution and the Bamasaaba people.
Among the key issues that the Umukuka presented to the President for his attention were:
- The status of Mbale University,
- Employment opportunities for the Bamasaaba in key areas such as commissions, boards, and as cultural attachés and liaison officers at State House,
- And consideration for appointments as commissioners and permanent secretaries.
His Highness also raised the matter of the Umukuka III Hospital, which he requested government support to construct, especially on the Bumageni Army Land.
He further pushed for the construction of a regional stadium to host national sports events in Uganda, and requested the President to elevate Busiu, Bugobero, Muyembe, Magale, and Budadiri Health Centre IVs to district hospitals.
According to Hon. Steven Masiga, Spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, His Excellency the President okayed all the proposals presented by His Highness the Umukuka III.
The Umukuka also appreciated His Excellency the President for the construction of several roads in the Bugisu region, including the Mbale–Lwakhakha Road, Mbale–Kapchorwa–Suam Road, and the Nalugugu–Mutufu Road, which has already commenced.
The President informed the Umukuka and his delegation that tracking works on the Bubulo–Bududa Road are underway, since funds are now available. The Umukuka’s team also briefed the President about the Magale–Kufu–Bukhaweka connection.
The President further approved the appointment of a Cultural Liaison Officer and a Presidential Advisor for the Bugisu region.
Each member of the delegation accompanying the Umukuka had ample time to introduce themselves to the President, who appreciated them for the good work the Cultural Institution is doing for the Bamasaaba people, especially in mobilizing citizens to support and benefit from government programs.
Masiga noted that 100% of all the requests were approved by His Excellency the President, including measures to address insecurity in neighboring districts.
The Umukuka also suggested to the President the idea of renaming the historic trail where His Excellency, then a 29-year-old freedom fighter, almost lost his life 52 years ago. The President directed that the Cultural Institution should work closely with the Ministry of State for Luwero Triangle on this historical project.
President Museveni thanked His Highness the Umukuka and his team for paying a courtesy call on him and for presenting their well-considered requests.
Speaking to this publication, several Bamasaaba leaders, including the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Shaban Mubajje, Hon. Nabulo, the NRM flag bearer for Sironko, and the Assistant Mufti for Eastern Uganda, were full of praise for the President for this wonderful gesture.
