Bamasaaba leaders request government for official burial of cultural anthem author, Catherine Hanyiga
Her legacy lives on through the anthem she composed, with lyrics that echo her hopes for the Bamasaba people, including the famous refrain.
Mbale: The spokesperson for the Inzuyamasaba, Mr. Steven Masiga, has announced that the Bamasaba people are calling on the Ugandan government to grant the author of their cultural anthem, Mrs. Catherine Hanyiga, an official state burial.
Mrs. Hanyiga, who passed away yesterday evening at the age of 74, is remembered for composing the anthem that holds deep cultural significance for the Bamasaba community.
As of now, burial arrangements for Mrs. Hanyiga have not been finalized, as the Inzuyamasaba leaders await confirmation from the government regarding the possibility of an official burial.
In the meantime, cultural leaders, including Mr. Masiga, are in communication with the government to ensure that the late author receives the recognition she deserves.
During a recent visit to the Industrial Park in Mbale, President Yoweri Museveni expressed admiration for the Bamasaba cultural anthem and promised that if East African countries were to federate, he would consider the anthem for the regional federation’s official anthem. The Bamasaba community, therefore, holds the anthem—and its author—dear to their cultural identity.
The death of Mrs. Hanyiga has sparked widespread calls for a state funeral. Various leaders, including the former District Woman Member of Parliament for Bududa, Hon. Justine Khainza, and Hon. Sarah Netalisire, the female Member of Parliament for Namisindwa District, have publicly expressed their support for an official state burial for the late cultural icon.
They, alongside numerous callers into local radio stations such as OPG, Signal FM, Step, Time FM, and BCU FM, have emphasized the importance of honoring Mrs. Hanyiga’s contributions to the cultural heritage of the Bamasaba people.
Mrs. Catherine Hanyiga, a music and literature teacher, was also a respected member of various organizations. Though she hailed from Sironko, she spent much of her life in Mbale and was married in Butaleja, where she will be laid to rest.
Her legacy lives on through the anthem she composed, with lyrics that echo her hopes for the Bamasaba people, including the famous refrain: “Khusima wele Lweshishalo Masaba, shilimo bibindu biyangisa Babandu, shilimo lukingi Masaba.” These words, as Mr. Masiga poignantly stated, will forever resonate within the Bamasaba community.
Earlier this year, Mrs. Hanyiga’s contributions were officially recognized by the cultural institution. The Bamasaba monarch, Umukuka III His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, honored her with a certificate of appreciation and a monetary award of one million shillings for her dedication to preserving and promoting Bamasaba culture. This recognition, however, came after years of relative obscurity for her work, dating back to 2010.
Special appreciation was extended to the leaders and institutions that supported the recognition, including Mt. Elgon Hospital, Dr. Rubanza, Hon. Sarah Netalisire, Hon. Emmanuel Mutanje, Ambassador Angelina Wapakhabulo, Prof. Florence Wakoko, and the Daily Monitor, which played a role in highlighting her achievements.
As the Bamasaba community mourns the loss of a beloved figure, the call for an official burial remains central. Mr. Masiga, reflecting on Mrs. Hanyiga’s dedication to the well-being and longevity of the Bamasaba people, expressed a sense of deep loss. He noted that the words of the anthem, penned by Mrs. Hanyiga, would live on in the hearts of the Bamasaba for generations to come.
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