Professor Timothy Wangusa says the principal focus of the Inzu ya Masaba cultural anthem is to identify the Bamasaba people, enhancing their unity, and above all, focusing on God, the mountains, and the Umukuka as the cultural leader.
Professor Wangusa says the Inzu ya Masaba anthem was composed by him, Madam Catherine Hanyiga, and Mr. Wakiro, who is now about 96 years of age. Both Mr. Wakiro and Professor Wangusa were members of the Lumasaba Academy established way back in 1992.
In an interview with the Ankole Times to yesterday in Mbale City Senior Quarters, Professor Wangusa lamented the poor reading culture among the Bamasaba, stating that many Bamasaba can’t even read or recite the Lumasaba anthem (Shishiwooya) with absolute precision. The literature professor says he composed the Lumasaba anthem with others, and on his part, it is an honor to serve his society and expects no monetary returns.
Prof. Wangusa was born in Mbale and is a literacy writer. Some of his key books include “Upon This Mountain,” and the one that caused raffles between him and President Museveni was titled “African New Breeds Now Turned to Broods,” referring to African leaders who were cherished in the heyday of their rule but have now veered off and were on frolics of their own.
He served Makerere University as a lecturer, head of department, including serving President Museveni as a senior presidential advisor on literacy affairs for 17 years. He hails from Butiru, Manafwa, and is a resident of both Mukono and Bugisu.
Mr. Masiga said, “Our role as a cultural institution is to achieve maximum unity, encourage our people to focus on development, and participate in all Government programs.” He reminded Bamasaba about the upcoming Imbalu program slated for August 2024. The 2024 Imbalu will be presided over by Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma.
In the picture is the Inzu ya Masaba spokesperson, Steven Masiga, at the latter’s home in Senior Quarters, Mbale.
