Mbale, Uganda – Fresh controversy has erupted within the Bamasaba community after remarks attributed to Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma and cultural figure Maserejje appeared to distance the Bamasaba living in Kenya from their counterparts in Uganda, sparking accusations of self-contradiction and undermining long-standing cultural unity.
The Bamasaba (also known as Bagisu or Bamasaaba) are a Bantu ethnic group primarily residing on the slopes of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda, with a significant related community the Bukusu living across the border in western Kenya.
The two groups share deep historical, linguistic, and cultural ties, including traditions such as the Imbalu circumcision ceremony.
However, recent statements by Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma, the recognised cultural leader of the Bugisu Cultural Institution in Uganda, and Maserejje have ignited debate.
In separate engagements, the two leaders reportedly asserted that the “Bamasaba of Kenya” are not part of the Bamasaba community under the Ugandan cultural institution, effectively drawing a hard line between the cross-border kin.
Critics have quickly pointed out the apparent contradiction. Umukuka Mudoma has on several previous occasions preached unity among all Bamasaba people, including hosting or attending events aimed at fostering ties with Bukusu leaders from Kenya.
Similarly, cultural elders like Maserejje have historically acknowledged the shared ancestry and called for stronger collaboration across the Uganda-Kenya border.
One elder, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “How can they now claim the Kenyan Bamasaba are not part of us? We have always known that the Bukusu are our brothers who migrated from the same Masaba roots.
This position contradicts earlier messages of oneness and risks dividing the larger Bamasaba family.”
The remarks come at a time when the Bamasaba Cultural Institution is already grappling with internal leadership wrangles, including disputes over the Umukuka’s term and the restructuring of cultural organs.
In the past, Kenyan Bamasaba expressed frustration when Ugandan authorities barred them from participating in the election of the Umukuka, citing that foreigners cannot engage in governance matters of a Ugandan cultural institution.
Political and cultural observers note that such statements could strain cross-border relations and affect joint initiatives in trade, tourism around Mount Elgon, and cultural exchange programs.
The Bukusu in Kenya have occasionally voiced their desire for greater inclusion in Bamasaba cultural affairs, arguing that blood and heritage transcend national boundaries.
When contacted, associates of Umukuka Mudoma maintained that the cultural institution operates within Uganda’s legal framework under the Cultural Leaders and Institutions Act, which limits its mandate to Ugandan citizens.
They insisted the position is not a rejection of kinship but a clarification of institutional jurisdiction.Maserejje’s camp has not yet issued a detailed clarification, but sources close to him suggest the comments were made in the context of defining who qualifies for certain cultural roles and benefits within the Ugandan setup.
The development has triggered heated discussions on social media platforms popular in Mbale, Bududa, Manafwa, and among the diaspora. Many residents are calling for a reconciliatory meeting that includes representatives from the Kenyan Bamasaba/Bukusu community to reaffirm shared identity while respecting national laws.
Freeman News UG understands that efforts are underway to organise a cross-border cultural dialogue to address the growing concerns and prevent further fragmentation.As the debate rages on, questions linger: Will the cultural leaders reconcile their statements with the historical narrative of Bamasaba unity, or will national boundaries continue to redefine kinship in the 21st century?
Freeman News UG continues to monitor developments in Bamasaba cultural affairs.
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