Umukuka can’t be removed from office using political processes
A cultural leader is not a political figure and, therefore, cannot be removed using political procedures such as impeachment.
Op-Ed: In today’s edition I will address several key issues that have stirred public interest and debate.
These include; the tenure of His Highness the Umukuka III, whether we are Bamasaaba or Bagisu, and the false assertions that a cultural leader, including His Highness the Umukuka III, can be removed from office through politically prescribed processes such as impeachment.
1. Cultural Leaders Are Not Subject to Political Impeachment
There has been a persistent narrative—largely propagated by culturally subversive individuals on various platforms including mainstream media—that His Highness the Umukuka III can be impeached. This notion is both false and constitutionally baseless.
Let me make this very clear to all Bamasaaba and culturally conscious Ugandans across the country: A cultural leader is not a political figure and, therefore, cannot be removed using political procedures such as impeachment.
Impeachment is a legal and political process reserved for individuals holding political office such as the President, Speakers, Members of Parliament, and Local Government officials whose conduct is governed by rules of procedure in institutions like Parliament (refer to Article 79 of the Constitution and Section 38 of the Local Government Act).
A similar politically motivated attempt was made in the past to remove Umukuka II, His Highness Saul Mushikor, and it failed due to lack of legal and cultural basis.
Those attempting to destabilize our institution some of whom are reportedly receiving funding from questionable sources should know that we are aware of your activities, and you are under close observation.
2. On the Role and Powers of Cultural Leaders
There have also been misguided calls by some elders to convene general assemblies with the intention of making binding laws for the community. Let it be known that cultural leaders do not have the authority to enact laws or ordinances. This power is exclusively vested in Parliament (Article 79(1)(2)) and Local Governments (Local Governments Act, Section 38).
Our mandate as a cultural institution is limited to cultural functions such as drafting Imbalu timetables, mobilizing our people for cultural activities, and preserving heritage. Article 246(2)(d) of the Constitution explicitly prohibits cultural institutions from exercising any administrative, legislative, or executive authority.
3. Clarifying the Tenure of Umukuka III
Some have questioned when the current Umukuka’s official term began. To clarify:
While His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma began his quest to become Umukuka III in 2020 after the conclusion of Umukuka II’s term his official tenure commenced in August 2023, following government gazettement.
This journey, like the liberation struggle led by President Museveni in the 1980s, involved a significant cultural mobilization effort. Our team included notable figures such as Kalid Mansa, Moses Kutoi, Mr. Wambede Richard, Mr. Wedaira, Mr. Kangala, Mr. Peke Walimbwa, Mr. Watira, Mr. Mulekwa Hebert, and myself, among others. It was a determined cultural front that finally reclaimed our institution’s rightful leadership.
We physically took over the current cultural offices only after the gazettement in 2023, and from that point forward, the official tenure of His Highness the Umukuka III began.
4. Are We Bamasaaba or Bagisu?
This debate has persisted over time. Legally, we are referred to as Bagisu, as stated in Section 2 of the 1962 Constitution of Uganda and Article 10(a) and the Third Schedule of the 1995 Constitution.
However, many of our people prefer the term “Bamasaaba,” which is deeply rooted in our cultural identity. These two names are often used interchangeably in informal settings. Any legal change from “Bagisu” to “Bamasaaba” would require a referendum and subsequent constitutional amendment.
While names are important, we urge our people to focus on more pressing matters like development, cultural preservation, and unity. In the spirit of African integration, let us not be derailed by unnecessary semantics. After all, what is there to fear about being called “Bagisu”?
5. Message to Our People
As we receive the blessing of the current rains, we encourage all Bamasaaba to use this opportunity to plant food and improve household food security.
Let us also ignore the distractions created by aging individuals parading themselves on social media platforms like TikTok. Cultural matters cannot be resolved through TikTok interviews or digital gimmicks. These are serious issues that demand wisdom and elder-level reasoning not juvenile excitement.
His Highness the Umukuka III has recently taken bold decisions, including relieving some appointees of their duties after they were found unfit to serve in cultural office. Some of these individuals are currently under investigation, and their cases have been referred to law enforcement agencies for appropriate action.
The Bugisu Cultural Institution remains steadfast in its mission to preserve and promote our cherished cultural values. We shall not be derailed by misguided attempts to politicize the institution or undermine our leadership.
Let us unite behind His Highness the Umukuka III and continue working toward a culturally strong and prosperous community.
The author is Steven Masiga, Spokesperson, Bugisu Cultural Institution
Disclaimer: As UG Reports Media LTD, we welcome any opinion from anyone if it’s constructive for the development of Uganda. All the expressions and opinions in this write-up are not those of UG Reports Media Ltd. but of the author of the article.
Would you like to share your opinion with us? Please send it to this email: theugreports@gmail.com.
