Name Change Sparks Rift in Bugisu Cultural Institution скачать в хорошем качестве

Name Change Sparks Rift in Bugisu Cultural Institution

Name Change Sparks Rift in Bugisu Cultural Institution By Mbale Uncensored In May 2025, the Ministry of Gender gazetted the change of name of Inzu Iya Masaba cultural institution to Bukuka Bwa Bugisu a move that has left many residents disgruntled and protesting the decision. Formed in 2010, Inzu Iya Masaba was established to unite descendants of Masaba living around the slopes of Mount Elgon. The Bamasaba occupy districts such as Sironko, Bulambuli, Mbale District, Mbale City, Manafwa, Namisindwa, and Bududa in Uganda, with extended communities in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties in western Kenya. Leadership in the institution was agreed to rotate among the three clans descending from Masaba’s sons: Wanale (Mbale), Mwambu (Sironko and Bulambuli), and Mubuya (Manafwa, Bududa, and Namisindwa). The inaugural cultural head (Umukuka) was the late Wilson Weyasa Wamimbi (2010–2015), followed by the late Ambassador Sir Bob Mushikori (2015–2020). In 2023, after a leadership dispute, Jude Mike Mudoma III was gazetted as Umukuka. Since taking office, Umukuka Mudoma has introduced major changes, the most contentious being the renaming of the institution to Bukuka Bwa Bugisu. Joseph Weyusya Masafu, an elder and one of the founders of Inzu Iya Masaba, argues the new name undermines the Bamasaba identity and excludes their Kenyan kin. “The original constitution reflected the views of respected elders and cultural leaders across Masaba land. Changing the name without proper consultation is wrong,” Weyusya said, accusing Mudoma of consolidating power and sidelining dissenting voices. Weyusya and other critics also reject the use of “Bagisu,” claiming it is a nickname derived from “ingisu” a cow allegedly stolen from the Kalenjin and not the true cultural name of their people. They maintain that Inzu Iya Masaba was a unifying name rooted in ancestral heritage. Supporters of the change, including cultural attorney general Masika, argue that aligning with the name “Bugisu” is legally sound since the Ugandan constitution recognizes the community as Bagisu. Masika also claims that the previous institution operated outside the Cultural Institutions Act of 2011 and missed out on certain privileges. However, many elders, including founding members like Mzee Davis Wakane, insist that Inzu Iya Masaba was established within the law and fear that the new administration aims to create a hereditary kingship. Some have launched petitions, including one seeking a million signatures from Uganda and Kenya, to challenge the change. Critics also question the legality of the gazetting process, accusing the Ministry of Gender of acting without the consent of the Bamasaba. They have vowed to take the matter to court, demanding that all properties acquired under Inzu Iya Masaba including its Maluku headquarters be returned.