By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE
The Inzu Ya Bamasaba cultural institution is embroiled in yet another leadership crisis with three claimants to the Umukuka position.
The three are; Mike Mudoma, the gazetted Umukuka; Amuram Wagabyalire, who was elected before Mudoma’s gazettement; and a new claimant elected from the Wanale clan.
The situation is complex, with each faction having its own narrative.
Mike Mudoma’s term is expected to expire in 2028 according to his spokesperson, Stephen Masiga who accuses the opposing factions of trying to divide the Bamasaba people.
Wagabyalire faction claims to have been elected as the third Umukuka to succeed the late Bob Mushikori. Wagabyalire had sued Mudoma for allegedly occupying the office of Inzu Ya Bamasaba without authority.
Wagabyalire accuses Mudoma for illegally occupying the office of Inzu yamasaba located at Malukhu at Industrial city division in Mbale city yet he is a cultural leader of Bugisu not Bamasaba.
Meanwhile, Goodwin Mubuya, former ally of Mudoma who was sacked with others like Ahamed Washakie, Charles Walimbwa Peke, Nelson Wedayila among others have confirmed the election of another Umukuka from Wanale clan who will be unveiled on Thursday, 25th September, 2025 at Mutoto cultural center.
The same faction last month told the media that they had appointed a search committee to go and look for the new Umukuka from the Wanale clan because Mudoma’s term of office is expiring this year, 2025.
The dispute centers on the legitimacy of each claimant’s election or gazettement. Mudoma’s faction argues that he was properly gazetted, while Wagabyalire’s faction claims that Mudoma’s occupation of the office is illegal.
The new claimant’s election has added fuel to the crisis, with some arguing that it’s contempt of court since matters are still pending in court.
Allan Muduku from the faction of Wagabyalire adds that on 19th September, 2025, Prossy Katushabe, Mbale high court Registrar ruled by writing to the Minister of Justice, Nobert Mao asking him to facilitate mediation between Mudoma and Wagabyalire.
Muduku says there is no way another Umukuka can be elected yet matters are still at court although they agree with them on the matter of expiry of Mudoma’s term.
However, Stephen Masiga, the spokesperson of Inzu yamasaba when contacted on phone, described the two factions as confused and bent on trying to divide Bamasaba.
He says Mudoma’s term of office is expected to expire in 2028 and only then can search committee be sanctioned to elect a new Mukuka.
