His Highness Umukuka III, the cultural leader of the Bamasaaba people, has assembled a dedicated team to support the development of Masaabaland in line with the constitution of Uganda (Article 246) and the Cultural Leaders Act, Section 16, which allows him to form a team to help serve his community.
The team consists of eminent personalities from various fields, including education, law, health, public administration, agriculture, military, engineering, and disaster management, each of whom will play a crucial role in supporting the Bamasaba people and their cultural institution.
Umukuka III, aged 69, is a scientist by training with degrees in forestry from Makerere University and a Chinese university. He is committed to ensuring the advancement of the Bamasaaba people and promoting the cultural institution.
Key Appointments
Umukuka III appointed Dr. Paul Mwambu as the Prime Minister of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution (Inzuyamasaaba) in December 2024. Dr. Mwambu is tasked with supporting the Umukuka in running the cultural institution and mobilizing all cultural ministers to perform their duties. He also serves as a Commissioner for Crop Husbandry and Crop Certification under the Ministry of Agriculture. Dr. Mwambu holds degrees in zoology from Makerere University, a Master’s in Zoology, a Master’s in Public Administration, and several postgraduate diplomas, including a Ph.D. from the Uganda Management Institute.
To support the cultural institution, the Umukuka also appointed Deputy Prime Ministers, who will work closely under his guidance:
- Hon. Clet Wandui: Holds a Ph.D. in Sciences.
- Hon. Davis Mwenyi: A graduate of Makerere University with qualifications in policy formulation. He is completing his Ph.D. in policy analysis from Makerere University and currently serves as the caretaker Commissioner at State House.
- Hon. Meru: Holds a certificate in accounts and serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of clans.
- Hon. Dr. Wambaka Kosea: Holds several degrees, including Master’s and Ph.Ds., and was recently ranked by Amazon as the most educated Ugandan. He is responsible for planning, human resources, and development affairs.
- Hon. Sylvester Wakhooli: Holds a Doctorate from Kibabi Public University, Kenya, and serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Regional Cooperation.
Spokesperson’s Role
The office of the spokesperson is responsible for updating the Bamasaaba people on the thoughts and plans of the Umukuka and the cultural institution. The spokesperson also acts as a defender of the Bamasaaba people, as any attack on the Umukuka is seen as an attack on the entire community. Recently, when Professor Spire mocked the former Resident of Jinja, the spokesperson intervened, and an apology was issued.
The spokesperson’s role extends to dismantling and neutralizing hateful propaganda against the Bamasaaba people, both in Uganda and abroad, including in Kenya. During a recent trip to Kenya for the burial of the Kenyan Speaker’s mother, the spokesperson assured Rt. Hon. Moses Wetangula that they speak for the Bamasaaba people everywhere, including Kenya, which the Speaker positively acknowledged.
Government Engagement
The cultural institution continues to request the government to deploy more sons and daughters of the Bamasaaba people in key positions. While the institution appreciates those already appointed, it remains hopeful for more appointments in the public sector.
Other Key Appointees
Several other ministers and envoys were appointed by the Umukuka to serve in various portfolios:
- Hon. Emma Mutanje: Minister for Investment and Entrepreneurship Development. He holds a degree and is working on his Master’s degree. Hon. Emma is a respected businessman in Kampala.
- Hon. Masaba Andrew Bob: Minister for Finance and Economic Development. He is also an Assistant Commissioner at the Ministry of Finance and has recently been transferred to the Ministry of Water.
- Hon. Masereje Richard: Attorney General of the Cultural Institution and an enrolled advocate with multiple degrees in various fields.
- Hon. Sam Watulatsu: Minister for Global Affairs, with both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Makerere University. He is nearing completion of his Ph.D.
- Hon. Vincent Waboya: Minister for Disaster Management, holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Makerere University.
- Hon. Irene Manghali: Envoy for Public Engagements with training in public security.
- Hon. Sam Kuloba: Former Commissioner at the Ministry of Education, now appointed to Bukuka.
- Hon. Agnes Wache: Minister for Diaspora Affairs and an engineer by profession.
- Hon. Anthony Wanyoto: Cabinet Secretary, with both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, employed by the government.
- Hon. Wagisha: Minister for Tourism.
- Hon. Wilson Watira: Chairperson of the Imbalu Committee, with training in accounts and a degree in public administration from IUIU.
- Hon. G. Musamali: Minister for Media Communications with both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Hon. Kutoi Moses: Minister for Cultural Affairs, holding a Bachelor’s in Humanities from Makerere University.
- Hon. Metrine Nangila: Minister for Cultural Reform in Inzuyamasaba.
Diaspora Engagement
The cultural institution also includes envoys to represent the Bamasaaba community in the diaspora, particularly in Uganda, Kenya, the UK, and the USA:
- Hon. Michael Materesi: Ambassador in charge of the UK, residing in the United Kingdom with several degrees in various fields.
- Hon. Dr. Florence Wakoko: Ambassador in charge of the USA and Canada, involved in university teaching and administration in Columbus State University, USA.
- Hon. Davis Wamawungo: Envoy.
- Hon. Richard Wawomola: Envoy.
- Hon. Medie Webisa: Envoy.
- Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Lyold: Envoy for the Wales community.
Support for Cultural Development
The Bamasaaba Cultural Institution is progressing in various development projects, including the construction of a museum and a palace in Mutoto, and the renovation of the Umukuka’s office. The total cost for the office renovation has reached approximately 100 million UGX. Contributions have come from several individuals and institutions, including Mbale High School, Nyondo SSS, Mulatsi SSS, and others.
Additionally, several radio stations and online platforms, including UBC Radio, IUIU FM, BCU FM, and others, have supported the institution’s outreach. The institution also receives support from newspapers like Daily Monitor, New Vision, and Red Pepper.
The government of Uganda, including the Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of the Vice President, has shown visibility and support for the Bamasaaba people and the cultural institution.
Future Plans and Gratitude
The Bamasaaba Cultural Institution remains committed to defending and advancing the interests of the Bamasaaba people, both in Uganda and the diaspora. The institution is grateful for the support from various sectors, including international organizations, local governments, and the media.
The writer is the spokesperson for the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution.
