MBALE, Uganda — The Umukuka of the Bamasaba, Jude Mike Mudoma, is this week expected to lead a high-profile cultural delegation from the Bugisu Cultural Institution on an official working tour of the United States of America following an invitation from the North America and Canada Masaba Cultural Association (NAMCA).
According to the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Steven Masiga, the delegation will engage with members of the Bamasaba diaspora in a visit aimed at strengthening cultural unity, promoting heritage preservation, and enhancing cooperation between the cultural institution and Bamasaba communities living abroad.
Masiga revealed that the delegation will be hosted at the DoubleTree Hotel in Washington, D.C., where several cultural engagements and meetings are expected to take place.
The Umukuka will travel as the chief guest alongside several senior officials from the Bugisu Cultural Institution, including the Prime Minister, Dr. Paul Mwambu; Her Royal Highness Annet Namugobe, the spouse of the Umukuka; Deputy Prime Ministers Dr. Clet Wandui, Dr. Wakhooli Bifoli, and Dr. Kosea Wambaka; as well as ministers and senior cultural officials from various departments.
Other notable members of the delegation include Hon. Emmanuel Mutanje, Minister for Investments; Hon. Samuel Kuloba, Minister for Education and Skilling; Hon. Agnes Wache, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Hon. Richard Maserejje, the Attorney General; and Hon. Sakwa Napokoli, Minister for Local Governments.
Also joining the delegation are Hon. Robert Kimanai, Envoy for Global and Strategic Partnerships; Nyongesa Mureka, Minister for Governance; Hon. Sarah Manana, Deputy Minister for Health; Dr. Sakwa Khanakwa, Envoy in the Bukuka Cultural Institution; and Hon. Michael Werikhe, Head of the Cultural Commission.
The delegation further includes youth coordinator Agnes Mutonyi, business representative Wakuma James, Lillian Nabasa Gimugunyi, Joel Khusayawele Nambeshe, and Ronald Mayeku, the special assistant to the Umukuka.
Masiga also confirmed that veteran politician Nathan Nandala Mafabi will accompany the delegation to the United States.
“As far as we are concerned, Hon. Nandala is Umumaasaba and a subject of the Umukuka. He was cleared by the embassy to accompany His Highness during the visit,” Masiga said.
The tour is expected to provide a historic opportunity for Bamasaba living in the diaspora to reconnect with their cultural roots and discuss development initiatives aimed at benefiting the Bugisu sub-region.
