EXCLUSIVE: Government Releases Burial Arrangements For His Royal Highness, Umukhuka II

By Judith Nasenya

 

MBALE

 

The government of Uganda through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social development has released a detailed program for the burial of His Royal Highness, Umukhuka II, S.K Bob Mushikori.

 

In the statement government indicates that arrangements officially kick off on 28^th January, 2021 with the arrival of the Mushikori family from Canada and proceeds to Mbale.

 

While confirming that the Inzu Ya Masaaba Cultural leader’s burial will be on 30^th January, 2021, the government regretted his passing on.

 

“The government of Uganda and Inzu Ya Masaaba regret to announce the passing on of His Royal Highness Umukhuka II, S.K Bob Mushikori which occurred on Monday January 24^th January 2021 at his palace in Mbale City.” The press release seen by this reporter read.

 

Government that had earlier promised to foot all the burial costs also revealed that the Umkhuka II will be accorded an official funeral to be held Shisabasi village, Bududa Sub County, Bududa district, Mushikori’s ancestral home.

HRH Mushikori was enthroned in 2015 as the Bamasaaba Cultural leader and by the time of his passing, he was due to handover to a successor. He has been credited with being a uniting factor of Bamasaaba in Uganda, at the regional level and diaspora.

 

He was the founder and president of the North American Masaaba Cultural Association. He also served in different civil capacities in Uganda and abroad and got acknowledged for his exceptional service.

The other events shall flow as follows;

 

On 29th January 2021, there will be a Memorial Service at St. Andrews Church in Mbale City at 10:00AM. Thereafter, the InzuYa Masaaba will convene a General Council assembly at Malukhu to eulogize the deceased leader at 12:00PM.

 

At 2:00 PM the same day, there will be an Ecumenical gathering at Mutoto Cultural Site. From Mutoto Cultural Site, the entourage will proceed to Shisabasi village in Bududa district for an overnight vigil.

 

The following day, 30th January 2021, interment will start with a church service at 9:00AM at Shisabasi.

Because of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, government has decreed that attendance of all events is by invite only in accordance with the MOH SOPs.

Meanwhile, Uganda, Kenya, Masaba cultural institution flags are flying at half-mast for 7 days.