Hon. Godfrey Wakooli Matembu Hails Supporters: Here Is The Heartfelt Appreciation from Bugisu Parliamentary Committee

Your Excellency, On behalf of the people of Bugisu and the Bugisu Parliamentary Caucus, allow me to express our deepest gratitude for honouring our rich cultural heritage through your representative. We sincerely thank you for accepting to send the message of Your Excellency to the Bamasaba people. It was a powerful demonstration of your love, respect, and commitment to our people.

We also thank the Rt. Hon. Speaker for graciously accepting to deliver Your Excellency's message.

Your presence reaffirmed that the Bamasaba remain an important part of the Ugandan family. We are truly grateful for your continued affection and support.

Your Excellency, we humbly apologize for the unfortunate events that unfolded during the ceremony. What happened was never intentional and was not directed at our distinguished guests. The programme extended beyond the scheduled time, and by the time the imbalu candidates approached the moment of facing the knife, our cultural customs had taken over.

In Bamasaba tradition, once that sacred moment arrives—typically around 2:00 p.m.—the candidates enter a state of complete commitment to the ritual. At that point, no one can stand in their way. To those unfamiliar with our culture, their actions may appear aggressive, but they are not acts of violence or disrespect. It is a deeply rooted cultural practice that has similarly surprised other distinguished guests in previous circumcision seasons.

The Bamasaba are a peaceful, hospitable, and welcoming people. As the African proverb says, "A river does not forget its source." Our culture is our source, and while we cherish it, we equally cherish and respect our national leaders and all our visitors.

We have learnt valuable lessons from this year's experience. Going forward, the organisers have resolved that all official speeches shall conclude by 12:00 noon to allow our guests ample time to witness the colourful cultural celebrations without any discomfort or misunderstanding.

Your Excellency, we regret that the circumstances prevented many from fully receiving your important message. Please accept our sincere apology and our assurance that the incident does not reflect the character or intentions of the Bamasaba people.

Thank you once again for your unwavering love, support, and leadership. May God continue to bless you and bless our motherland Uganda.

Hon Wakooli Godfrey Matembu.

Mp Butiru county, Manafwa District

Chairperson Bugisu parliamebtary caucus