By Ronnie Wabomba
MBALE
A section of Bamasaba youth leaders under the umbrella body, Bamasaba Concerned Youth, has called for a neutral organizing committee to oversee the 2026 Imbalu opening ceremony scheduled for 1st August, amid a leadership dispute between two parallel cultural institutions, Bukuka Bwa Bugisu led by Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma and Inzu Ya Masaba led by Joram Khambson Mayatsa
In a statement dated July 8, 2026, Eng. Ivan Masawi, former President of Bamasaaba National Students Association (BANSA) and former Youth MP Aspirant, said the cultural institution is facing a failed leadership handover and a crisis before courts and the Attorney General, creating uncertainty over the official organizers of the event.
Masawi urged the Bugisu Parliamentary Caucus and LCV chairpersons’ caucus to mobilize clan leaders and other stakeholders to establish an interim neutral committee to organize the ceremony as legal processes continue.
Bunoti Yusuf Wokwara said the biggest challenge behind the power struggle in the cultural institution is the financial benefits attached to government support. He urged LCV chairpersons and MPs to take center stage in organizing the Imbalu launch and later focus on resolving the Umukuka leadership question.
Wasunguyi Emmanuel said Imbalu launches existed even before the formation of Bukuka, arguing that a neutral body should oversee this year’s ceremony to ensure it is held peacefully.
The youth leaders said the temporary arrangement would allow courts and the Judge Andrew Khauka committee to complete consultations and provide guidance while protecting the continuity of the revered Bamasaba cultural tradition.
LCV chairpersons from the 6 districts and Mbale City have held meetings with security over the matter.While appearing on Itolondo Political Radio Show, Bududa LCV Chairman Geoffrey revealed that LCV chairpersons will meet both factions and ask both of them not to be involved in the Imbalu so that the event goes successful.
The Bugisu Parliamentary Caucus yesterday met with the Attorney General to seek clarification on the ongoing leadership concerns affecting Inzu Ya Masaba. The caucus chairperson, Hon. Wakooli Godfrey, said Bugisu Members of Parliament remain committed to promoting unity, peace, and stability in the region.
Wakooli noted that while the leadership issues within Inzu Ya Masaba should be addressed through dialogue and lawful processes, the immediate priority is to ensure that the upcoming Imbalu ceremony, scheduled to begin on 1st August 2026, is properly organized, peaceful, and successful. The caucus has called on all stakeholders to work together to enable all Bamasaba to freely participate in and celebrate the cultural event without fear for their safety or security.
Gender Minister Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde Kakurugu is expected to meet the rival factions, LCV chairpersons, top security officials and area MPs on July 9 to find a way forward.
