Attorney General Clarifies Legal Status of Inzu Ya Masaba
“This means that not every Umumasaba or Mugisu is automatically bound by the institution’s corporate structure,” the letter stated.
Mbale: The Attorney General of Uganda, through the Office of the Solicitor General, has provided a legal opinion clarifying the status of Inzu Ya Masaba, following a petition from an aggrieved individual questioning whether the institution is a cultural entity or a company engaged in business.
The clarification comes in response to a letter from one Komoli, who sought to establish the legal standing of Inzu Ya Masaba after the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development issued a corrigendum in April 2025, officially changing the name Inzu Ya Masaba to Bugisu Cultural Institution.
In a letter dated August 19, 2025, the Solicitor General, on behalf of Attorney General Pius Biribonwoha, clarified that Inzu Ya Masaba is a company limited by guarantee, meaning it operates under company law. As such, only shareholders who are signatories to its Memorandum and Articles of Association are legally bound by its provisions.
“This means that not every Umumasaba or Mugisu is automatically bound by the institution’s corporate structure,” the letter stated.
Steven Masiga, spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, welcomed the Attorney General’s guidance, stating that the ruling has brought clarity and calm to the region.
“As the current leadership under Bukuka, we celebrate this ruling from the Attorney General,” Masiga said.
“However, I urge all Bamasaaba to read the law. I’ve seen elders with serious legal gaps—they know culture but not the law. We need both.”
Masiga added that the Attorney General’s opinion has restored tranquility in the Bugisu region and paved the way for renewed focus on farming and supporting cultural development.
“In April, the Ministry of Gender corrected the name from Inzu Ya Masaba to Bugisu Cultural Institution, which caused some friction. I’m happy to note that the AG has now reasonably clarified this matter.”
Masiga also called upon those opposed to the changes to respect the legal guidance, stressing that it is based on existing law and sets a strong precedent.
“Millions of Bamasaaba have welcomed this ruling. We now encourage the aggrieved to respect the Attorney General’s guidance it is anchored in law, and there is no precedent that can override it,” he concluded.
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