Video: Umukuka Wa Bugisu Mudoma Flees Manafwa District Headquarters As Angry Crowds Turn Hostile

Rough Day for Umukuka of Bugisu, Jude Mike Mudoma, During Tense Visit to Manafwa DistrictManafwa, Uganda.

His Royal Highness Sir Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuka III of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, faced a challenging reception during his official tour of Manafwa District on Thursday, as underlying tensions within the Bugisu community surfaced amid ongoing debates over cultural leadership and unity.

Mudoma, who has held the position since his confirmation by clan leaders, arrived in Manafwa as part of efforts to rally the Bamasaaba people ahead of key cultural events, including preparations for the Imbalu circumcision ceremony. 

The visit was intended to promote unity, socio-economic transformation, and stronger ties between the cultural institution and local communities in the Mt. Elgon region districts. 

However, sources on the ground described the day as "rough" for the Umukuka. 

See Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/uudEZVYjhYU?si=3kjXcH81xKr-2Lii

While some residents and local leaders warmly received him and listened to his calls for cohesion and development, pockets of discontent emerged. 

Critics within certain clans have questioned the legitimacy of his continued leadership, with recent reports of elders proposing extensions of his tenure clashing against others calling for fresh elections or even a new Umukuka. 

These divisions, which have simmered since his installation, appeared to spill into public view during the Manafwa leg of the tour.

Eyewitnesses noted subdued crowds at some stops, with isolated murmurs of dissent and questions raised about the institution's direction, including a recent controversial announcement regarding the status of Inzu ya Masaaba. Mudoma's spokesperson had earlier addressed media on related governance matters, but the visit highlighted that not all Bamasaaba are aligned.

In his address to gathered communities in Manafwa, the Umukuka urged unity, emphasizing the need to ignore divisive calls and focus on collective progress, wealth creation, and youth empowerment — themes consistent with his broader 2025 mandate for transforming subsistence farming and improving household incomes across Bugisu sub-region districts, including Manafwa, Mbale, Bududa, and others. 

Despite the tensions, Mudoma remained composed, reiterating in past statements that he "will not be shaken by anyone" as he pushes forward with cultural preservation and development initiatives. 

Local officials and some clan heads accompanied him, attempting to project stability.

The Bugisu Cultural Institution has faced periodic leadership disputes since its formalization, with Mudoma's tenure marked by both achievements — such as new cabinet appointments favoring certain districts like Bududa, partnerships with government skilling programs, and international recognitions — and persistent calls for reform from dissenting factions.