Nakaloke SSS petitions Bamasaaba Cultural Institution for ‘Shisakati’ mentorship program
"Such a mentorship platform would instill cultural pride, discipline, and direction among the youth in Masaabaland," Masiga noted.
Mbale: The Headmistress and students of Nakaloke Secondary School have formally recommended the creation of Shisakati, a cultural mentorship program tailored for the Bamasaaba community, inspired by the Baganda’s well-known Ekisakati initiative.
This proposal was made during a cultural engagement at the school, which was graced by Mr. Steven Masiga, the spokesperson of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution. The students and their headmistress, Ms. Masitula Nankya, petitioned the institution’s leadership Umukuka III His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma to establish Shisakati as a structured mentorship program focusing on Bamasaaba cultural values, etiquette, and identity.
Addressing learners, Mr. Masiga cautioned against rising moral decay among youth in Masaabaland, warning that such behavior contradicts Bamasaaba norms. He condemned vices such as: alcoholism, use of narcotics, indecent dressing, gang involvement in schools and communities and all forms of criminality.
He shared troubling statistics on drug abuse and its effects on the health and academic performance of students across the region.
Masiga encouraged learners to take full advantage of the state-sponsored education, emphasizing that while cultural rites like Imbalu are important, education must remain a top priority. He reminded the students that the Imbalu circumcision calendar is fixed for the end of every even-numbered year, such as December 2026, giving students enough time to fulfill cultural obligations without interrupting their studies.
“Even after undergoing cultural initiation, a student remains a learner until they complete their education from primary through university,” Masiga emphasized.
Masiga also highlighted existing and upcoming educational support structures, including: the Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB) where a government loan scheme for students pursuing science and tourism-related courses and a special Bamasaaba educational fund being mobilized by Umukuka III through the diaspora communities in the USA, UK, and other countries.
During the event, students showcased practical innovations, including a demonstration on creating light using obsolete batteries, reflecting the school’s growing emphasis on applied sciences and creativity.
Mr. Masiga commended the learners for their initiative and promised to present the Shisakati proposal to Umukuka III and his cabinet for consideration.
“Such a mentorship platform would instill cultural pride, discipline, and direction among the youth in Masaabaland,” Masiga noted.
The engagement marked a significant step in promoting the integration of cultural heritage and formal education in the region.
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