Umukuka III pledges to champion Bugisu, Mbale as first-class tourism destination
“If successful, Imbalu would become Uganda’s seventh item on UNESCO’s heritage list, joining the likes of the Kasubi Tombs of the Baganda,” Masiga stated.
Mbale: His Highness Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma, the cultural leader of the Bamasaaba people, has pledged his commitment to transforming Mbale City and the broader Bugisu region into a first-class tourism destination in Uganda.
The remarks were delivered on his behalf by the spokesperson of the Bamasaaba cultural institution, Mr. Steven Masiga, during a courtesy meeting between the institution’s leadership and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). The meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration in boosting cultural tourism in Masaabaland.
Mr. Masiga welcomed the high-level UTB delegation led by Board Chairperson Ms. Pearl Kakooza, and including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Madam Juliana Kaggwa, Mr. Vincent Operemo, Mr. Masaba Sanyi Stephen, the Deputy Director, Ministry of Tourism and UTB board member, Ms. Ida Wadda, Mr. Samora Semakula, Mr. Bradford Ochieng, and Mr. Kiyimba Rashid, among others.
In his address, Masiga offered a brief history of the Bamasaaba cultural institution, highlighting its ongoing efforts to promote tourism and preserve the region’s rich cultural heritage. A key focus is the Imbalu (circumcision) ritual, a deeply rooted tradition among the Bamasaaba, which the institution is seeking to have recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
“If successful, Imbalu would become Uganda’s seventh item on UNESCO’s heritage list, joining the likes of the Kasubi Tombs of the Baganda,” Masiga stated.
He also briefed the delegation on government-led and community-led efforts, including the construction of a cultural centre at Mutoto, the sacred site for Imbalu ceremonies. The cultural institution has embarked on building a perimeter wall around the site, planting bamboo along riverbanks, and conserving endangered animal species in the region.
Masiga concluded by calling on the Uganda Tourism Board to form a strong partnership with the Bamasaaba cultural leadership to unlock the full tourism potential of the region.
In response, Madam Juliana Kaggwa recommended that Malewa (a traditional smoked bamboo shoot delicacy) should also be considered for protection under UNESCO heritage status. She later invited Chairperson Pearl Kakooza to address the gathering.
In her remarks, Ms. Kakooza commended the Bamasaaba cultural institution for its proactive approach to cultural preservation and tourism development, assuring the institution of UTB’s full support and partnership in promoting Bugisu as a tourism hub.
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