Museveni approves Umukuka’s requests for Bugisu
The President directed that the cultural institution work closely with the Ministry of State for Luwero Triangle on this heritage project.
Mbale: His Highness Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma led a high-powered delegation comprising the Umukuka and his spouse, the Prime Minister of the Bugisu Cultural Institution Rt. Hon. Dr. Paul Mwambu, and the institution’s spokesperson Hon. Steven Masiga, to present a memorandum on behalf of the Bugisu Cultural Institution and the Bamasaaba people to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The meeting took place at the State Lodge in Mbale on Sunday, November 10, 2025.
Among the key issues presented by the Umukuka for the President’s attention were the status of Mbale University, employment opportunities for the Bamasaaba in key government positions such as commissions, boards, cultural attachés, and cultural liaison officers at State House, and the consideration of Bamasaaba professionals for appointment as commissioners and permanent secretaries.
His Highness also requested government support for the construction of the Umukuka III Hospital on Bumageni Army Land, and advocated for the establishment of a regional stadium in Bugisu to host national sports events. In addition, he appealed to the President to upgrade Busiu, Bugobero, Muyembe, Magale, and Budadiri Health Centre IVs to district hospital status.
According to Hon. Steven Masiga, the spokesperson for the Bugisu Cultural Institution, President Museveni approved all the proposals presented by His Highness the Umukuka III.
“His Excellency okayed 100% of the requests presented by the Umukuka,” Masiga said, adding that the President also promised to address insecurity concerns from neighboring districts.
The Umukuka thanked the President for the ongoing development projects in the Bugisu region, including the Mbale–Lwakhakha Road, Mbale–Kapchorwa–Suam Road, and the Nalugugu–Mutufu Road, which is already under construction.
In response, President Museveni informed the delegation that the Bubulo–Bududa road works are underway following the release of funds. The Umukuka’s team also discussed the Magale–Kufu–Bukhaweka connection project with the President.
The Head of State further approved the creation of a Cultural Liaison Officer position and the appointment of a Presidential Advisor on Bugisu Affairs.
Each member of the delegation was given an opportunity to introduce themselves, and the President commended them for the cultural institution’s efforts in mobilizing the Bamasaaba to engage in and benefit from government programs.
His Highness also proposed the renaming of a historic trail where a young Museveni, then aged 29, narrowly survived an attack 52 years ago.
The President directed that the cultural institution work closely with the Ministry of State for Luwero Triangle on this heritage project.
In his closing remarks, President Museveni thanked the Umukuka and his team for their courtesy visit and for presenting well-considered proposals aimed at uplifting the Bugisu region.
Religious and political leaders, including the Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Shaban Mubajje, Hon. Nabulo (NRM flag bearer for Sironko), and the Assistant Mufti for Eastern Uganda, praised the President for his positive response to the Umukuka’s requests.
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