Mbale City, Uganda — His Highness the Umukuka has donated over 20 iPads to media practitioners to support data capture and documentation of cultural information.
The development was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Steven Masiga, who noted that the devices were initially provided to the institution by the Government of Uganda through the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).
Masiga explained that the Umukuka found it appropriate to extend the support to media professionals who have consistently worked with the institution, especially during efforts to promote and preserve the cultural identity of the Bamasaaba people.
He said the donation is a token of appreciation and a gesture aimed at strengthening media work in cultural reporting, particularly in areas of clan data collection and documentation.
Masiga further revealed that the following media practitioners received the iPads to support their work in cultural assignments:
Mr. Alex Wandeba – Radio Uganda
Mr. Paul Watala – New Vision
Madam Mary Kalenda – Cultural Analyst
Mr. Isaac Bikanya – Voice One / Big FM
Madam Esther Namutosi – Manager, Signal FM
Mr. Masalu Sudi – BCU FM
Mr. Paul Kapewo – Elgon FM
Mr. Joseph Wanzusi – Radio Maria
Mr. Ayubu Kirinya – IUIU FM
Mr. Musosi Medie – Bugisu Intellectual Forum
Mr. Kadidi Abdu – Kadidi Media
Mr. Makuka Erias Namanya – The Ankole Times
Mr. Yusuf Arafat – Arafat Updates
Mr. Matembe Yasin – Clocktower Updates
Mr. Fred Wambede – Daily Monitor
Mr. John Kusolo – Nile Chronicles
Mr. Asiteza Remy – Daily Express
Mr. Nasir Ozir – Mbale Express
Mr. Gerald Matembe – NBS TV
Mr. Makumbi Emmanuel – Salt TV
Masiga emphasized that the iPads were strictly allocated to journalists engaged in cultural reporting.
He also clarified that the devices remain government property and are not for sale, urging beneficiaries to use them responsibly as tools to enhance their work.
“These iPads are a gift from both the Government and the Umukuka to support your work. They should not be sold but used to improve cultural reporting,” Masiga said.
He added that the institution remains committed to building the capacity of its partners in the media.
“This is just the beginning of many opportunities to come. Serve your community diligently and with respect,” he concluded.
