His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuka III of the Bamasaaba people, was gazetted and coronated by the Government for a five-year term beginning in 2023 and running through 2028. This tenure aligns with the aspirations of the Bamasaaba people and follows the precedents set by previous cultural leaders, including His Highness Mushikor and His Highness, Umukuka Emeritus Wamimbi.
During the first coronation anniversary, which took place at the Mutoto Cultural Site, His Highness the Umukuka III arrived in a high-roof, German-made Mercedes-Benz, chosen for its visibility. Upon arrival, he was driven directly to a small traditional hut that holds deep cultural significance.
Dignitaries present in the hut included the author of this article, Steven Masiga, who serves as the spokesperson for the Bamasaaba cultural institution. Also present were Hon. Woboya Vincent, Hon. Mansa Kalid (Minister for Security in the cultural institution), Hon. Difasi Wabuyi (clan chairman of the 26 clans), Mzee Wamimbi Domiano, Wilson Watila, and others.
The central figures in this sacred space were His Highness the Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma—on whom the entire ceremony revolved—and Hon. Difasi Wabuyi, the chairman of the 26 clans that make up Bukuka. This was a highly symbolic and spiritual moment, where the actual instruments of power were being handed over by the clan chairman.
Ordinarily, it would have been the outgoing Umukuka II, His Highness Emeritus Mushikor, to perform this handover. However, due to his ill health and eventual passing—having descended to the land of the ancestors—this responsibility was delegated to Hon. Wabuyi, who had the cultural and legal standing (locus standi) to carry out the task on behalf of all 26 clans.
Hon. Difasi Wabuyi uttered a few incantations and, after receiving permission from the oracles, asked for silence in the hut. He then proceeded to guide His Highness the Umukuka to sit on a three-legged stool, one of the instruments of power, and began the ceremonial handover.
Among the notable regalia presented were:
A horn
A tripartite spear
A three-legged stool
These items are rich in symbolism, representing the three main clans of Masaaba: Wanale, Mubuya, and Bubulo.
(Note: For cultural and traditional reasons, I have chosen to omit certain rituals that took place within the hut.)
Hon. Wabuyi advised His Highness the Umukuka to guard these instruments with care. He told him:
“In case you are attacked, blow the horn. Your people will come to your aid and defend you.”
The spear, he added, is an instrument of warfare, used both offensively and defensively in case of any threats, especially from outsiders (bamia or foreigners).
It is customary among the Bamasaaba that every Umumasaba (Masaaba man) keeps at least one spear in his home for protection. Interestingly, our brothers, the Shona people of Zimbabwe, share a similar tradition. I recall an incident where the late Zimbabwean President, when questioned about weapons in his home, responded:
“I have no guns—only a spear.”
As we prepare for the second coronation anniversary, slated for October 2025, The Ankole Times will be serializing episodes related to the ongoing cultural leadership and heritage of the Bamasaaba.
Writer: Steven Masiga
Spokesperson, Bamasaaba Cultural Institution
Tel: 0782 231 577
