The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution has warned Open Gate (OPG) Radio Station against allegedly broadcasting false information regarding the cultural leadership of the Bugisu region.
Speaking to reporters, Masiga said the institution will not allow any radio station to become a source of discord within the Bamasaaba community.
“Radio stations are meant to inform the public, not mislead the community,” he said.
Masiga revealed that the cultural institution has on several occasions appealed to OPG news anchors to stop airing what he described as misleading information for personal gain, but their pleas have gone unheeded.
According to Uganda’s broadcasting standards, Masiga argued that a radio station such as OPG should not air falsehoods, especially when there is a gazetted cultural leader in place. He compared the situation to “going on air and announcing that Bobi Wine is forming a government when you know he is not legitimate.”
He added that the institution is preparing to work with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to ensure the alleged falsehoods do not continue.
“We shall not sit back and fold our arms while some news anchors mislead our community. Publication or broadcasting of falsehoods attracts serious penalties,” Masiga warned.
The cultural institution also expressed concern over what it described as a few biased presenters whom station management has allegedly failed to discipline.
“We cannot allow anyone to place themselves above Uganda’s broadcasting standards. Many of these presenters seem ignorant of the laws that regulate radio broadcasting,” he said.
Masiga noted that presenters on other radio stations, including Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) Radio, Signal FM, IUIU FM, Faith FM, BCU FM, Radio Maria, Time FM, Salt FM, Simba FM, Capital FM, Radio One, and Big FM, are mindful of government policy regarding the Umukuka leadership and only recognize the gazetted cultural leader.
He further addressed the owners of OPG Radio, citing what he called an “uncomfortable relationship” between some of the station’s presenters and His Highness the Umukuka.
“Whoever wishes to become the Umukuka of Bugisu must follow the law governing the Bukuka and not seek endorsement through a radio station,” he said.
Masiga emphasized that the legal framework governing cultural leadership in Uganda is clearly provided for under the Constitution of Uganda and the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act—not by media personalities.
“Anyone who thinks they will become a cultural leader of Bugisu through a radio station is daydreaming. Those who attempted such methods in the past are at home, while those who followed the law are in office serving the cultural institution,” he stated.
He discouraged individuals from claiming Bukuka leadership and addressing the Bamasaaba community from private homes or informal settings.
“The cultural institution has an official address at Plot 1–3 Maluku Road. That is the official seat of the institution—not private homes or other inappropriate venues. A cultural institution is not private property to be confined to personal residences,” Masiga warned.
He reiterated that Ugandan laws clearly outline how a cultural leader is elected and urged all radio stations to educate the public on these legal processes rather than broadcast what he termed as falsehoods.
“We urge them to use their platforms to promote government programs and Bukuka initiatives—not hatred and misinformation,” Masiga concluded.
