Through several radio programs and online petitions I have participated in, it is clear that over 90% of the Bamasaaba want the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, 2011 translated into Lumasaba to make it easier for clan leaders and ordinary people to understand.
It is not in dispute that the Uganda Law Reform Commission (ULRC) has executed its mandate commendably, particularly in reforming laws and translating key statutes. Notable among these are the Constitution of Uganda, the Local Governments Act (Cap 243) for selected districts, and the Local Council Courts Act, 2006, all of which have been translated into local languages.
However, the Cultural Leaders Act, officially known as the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, remains one of the least publicized statutes, despite having been in existence for 14 years. This law provides a regulatory framework for the establishment, recognition, and management of cultural institutions across Uganda.
Unfortunately, due to its limited circulation and lack of translation, many communities have enacted their own internal laws, sometimes contrary to national legislation. This has led to confusion, such as the controversies surrounding the so-called Inzu Ya Masaba Constitution, which has been a source of division among the Bamasaaba.
Translating the Cultural Leaders Act into Lumasaba would greatly enhance community understanding of this crucial legislation. It would help citizens and clan leaders grasp the procedures for identifying or electing cultural leaders and clarify the roles such leaders play in accordance with their customs and traditions.
The Act in its entirety provides a legal framework for identifying and guiding cultural leaders, yet the majority of clan chairpersons, who are directly affected by this law, are unaware of its existence.
The Uganda Law Reform Commission should therefore organize sensitization workshops across Uganda’s traditional and cultural institutions. This would ensure that knowledge of such an important law cascades down to the ordinary clan chairperson—whether in Busiu, Bulucheke, Bududa, Busoba, Mufumbo, Bubwaya, Tandiga, Muyobo, Wagogo, Mubutu, Mushika, Kigai, Wanale, or Halasi, among other places.
Continuous sensitization of citizens about their laws helps to deepen public understanding, strengthen respect for cultural governance, and promote lawful conduct within traditional institutions.
by Steven Masiga
Lawyer and Spokesperson, Bugisu Cultural Institution
Tel: 0782 231 577
