Nobody should use the Cultural Institution to undermine government projects in Bugisu
“What is Shs 2 billion compared to what is required to establish a public university?” he asked.
Mbale: The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, has warned a section of the Bamasaaba community against using the cultural institution to undermine ongoing government efforts in the Bugisu region.
Masiga said there is a group taking advantage of the delayed establishment of a public university in Bugisu to launch an unauthorized fundraising drive, reportedly soliciting about Shs 2 billion from Bamasaaba under the pretext of kick-starting the university project.
He clarified that the group in question is an illegal outfit opposed to the leadership of Umukuka III, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, adding that the matter has already been reported to the police.
Masiga told this publication that the idea of establishing a Mbale Public University originated from local leaders in Bugisu during a meeting with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Kapchorwa a few years ago, where the President agreed to grant the region its own public university.
He further revealed that in early November, Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma led a delegation to meet the President. The delegation included the Prime Minister of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Rt. Hon. Dr. Paul Mwambu, and Masiga himself as spokesperson.
During the meeting, the Umukuka reminded the President of the earlier pledge, to which the President reportedly reaffirmed that the university would begin operations in due course.
“As a cultural institution, we cannot sit back when we have this information and yet some subversive elements are soliciting money from both local and foreign groups under the guise of supporting a university,” Masiga said.
He added that the fundraising campaign appears to be a cover for destabilizing the institution’s leadership, noting that some individuals aligned to opposition political parties and living abroad particularly in countries such as Canada have publicly pledged support to the questionable drive.
According to guidelines from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), Masiga noted, establishing a public university requires vast land and several billions of shillings, far beyond the proposed Shs 2 billion being solicited.
“What is Shs 2 billion compared to what is required to establish a public university?” he asked.
Masiga urged the public to allow the government to follow due process and budget for the region accordingly, cautioning against accepting funds from dubious sources.
He emphasized that granting a public university is part of national resource allocation, adding that Bugisu should not allow anyone to interfere with what he described as over Shs 100 billion in planned government funding for the university’s establishment.
“No one should seek attention or legitimacy by misusing the name of Bugisu or the cultural institution,” he said, stressing that Bugisu cannot have two cultural leaders.
Masiga also dismissed claims by individuals allegedly masquerading as Umukuka, noting that a legitimate cultural leader operates from officially recognized offices provided by local governments.
He commended local governments in the region for distancing themselves from such claims and reaffirming support for the recognized leadership.
He concluded by calling for calm, unity, and respect for lawful processes, urging all Bamasaaba to prioritize peace and development in the region.
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