His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma recently led a high-level cultural delegation from the Bugisu Cultural Institution on an official cultural tour to Trans Nzoia County and Bungoma County, areas largely inhabited by communities closely linked to the Bamasaba people of eastern Uganda.
During the visit, the Trans Nzoia County Government honoured the Umukuka with the county emblem, one of the highest recognitions bestowed by the county administration, in appreciation of his exceptional contribution towards cultural promotion, community unity, and strengthening ties between the people of Uganda and Kenya.
The Umukuka and his delegation were officially hosted by the Trans Nzoia County Government and received by Governor George Natembeya together with senior county leaders. The delegation held a series of engagements focusing on cultural preservation, education, community development, and clan structures among the Bamasaba and related communities in the region.
Trans Nzoia County, whose name originates from River Nzoia flowing from the Cherangany Hills in western Kenya, is home to the Babukusu, Luhya, and Sabaot communities, making it one of Kenya’s most diverse and cosmopolitan counties. Kenya currently has 47 counties under its devolved system of governance, with Trans Nzoia and Bungoma ranking among the country’s most populated regions.
Governor George Natembeya, a trained anthropologist with undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications from the University of Nairobi, praised the historical and cultural ties shared by the communities on both sides of the border. Before becoming governor, Natembeya served in several administrative positions within the Kenyan government.
The county emblem presented to the Umukuka features symbols representing unity, protection, hard work, and agriculture, including a brown cogwheel, a protective shield, and green and golden colours symbolising the rich agricultural heritage of the region.
The Umukuka was accompanied by several ministers and cultural leaders from the Bugisu Cultural Institution, including Hon. Moses Kutoi, Minister for Culture; Hon. Irene Manghali, Special Envoy for Public Engagements; Hon. Robinah Namome, Minister for Health; Hon. Sarah Manana, Deputy Minister for Health; Hon. Priscilla Mungoma, in charge of Museums; Hon. Samuel Napokoli, Busiu Clan Chairman; and Hon. Richard Wambede, Minister in charge of Bukuka Affairs.
The cultural institution expressed gratitude to Governor George Natembeya, the county leadership, and public service officials for the warm reception accorded to the delegation throughout their stay in Kenya.
The institution also extended appreciation to leaders under the Kenyan Bamasaba chapter, including Deputy Prime Minister Wakholi Bifoli, Dr. Muleka, Hon. Metrine Nangila, Hon. Agnes Wache, Hon. Phillip Wekesa, Kokonya of the Imbalu Board, and Col. Wanambisi for their support and coordination during the visit.
Special appreciation was also conveyed to Kenneth Lusaka and Timothy Wanyonyi for facilitating accommodation arrangements for the Umukuka and his delegation.
The visit concluded with celebrations and cultural exchanges involving Babukusu clan chairpersons and community leaders, highlighting the strong historical and brotherly ties that continue to unite the Bamasaba people across Uganda and Kenya.
