The spokesperson of the Bamasaba Cultural Institution (Inzu Ya Masaba), Steven Masiga, has issued a strong warning to Engineer Sakwa and other groups associated with what he described as a controversial roadmap on Bukuka affairs, accusing them of misleading the Bamasaba community and undermining the spirit of the recently concluded court-mediated settlement.
Speaking on behalf of Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma and the entire Inzu Ya Masaba administration, Masiga said the institution had initially chosen to ignore the roadmap circulated on August 15, 2026. However, following concerns raised by cultural leaders and guidance from the Umukuka, he deemed it necessary to provide an official response.
Masiga emphasized that peace and unity among the Bamasaba people must remain a priority, warning against actions that could revive divisions that previously characterized the cultural institution.
“Nobody should be in a hurry to take us back to a period when fellow Bamasaba were not seeing eye to eye. We worked hard to achieve peace, and that peace must be protected,” he said.
The spokesperson clarified that the mediation process did not restore the Inzu Ya Masaba Constitution in its original form as some groups have claimed. Instead, he explained that all parties agreed that the constitution would undergo a broad consultative review involving stakeholders and legal experts before being aligned with Uganda’s legal framework, particularly the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, 2011.
According to Masiga, any attempt to present the 2011 constitution as already restored without amendments is misleading and contrary to the mediation agreement.
He further noted that many provisions of the existing constitution may require revision to ensure they comply with national laws and reflect the aspirations of the wider Bamasaba community.
Masiga also raised concern over what he described as the emergence of multiple individuals claiming to be Secretaries General of Inzu Ya Masaba, warning that such actions risk creating confusion and instability within the institution.
In a direct message to Engineer Sakwa and his associates, Masiga questioned their continued association with former claimant Mayatsa, arguing that the mediation settlement had already settled issues regarding the leadership of the cultural institution.
“We urge all parties to demonstrate fidelity to the law and the spirit of the mediation outcomes. Actions that create the impression of parallel leadership structures only undermine the peace process,” he stated.
The spokesperson also criticized plans to establish an ad hoc electoral commission before the constitutional review process is completed, describing the move as premature and contrary to the agreed roadmap.
He argued that discussions on electing another Umukuka should only take place after the constitution has been reviewed and approved through a consultative process involving all Bamasaba.
Masiga revealed that the cultural institution is preparing to formally engage the government for guidance on implementing the mediation settlement and to seek funding for a comprehensive consultation exercise across Bugisu.
He stressed that the future constitution of Inzu Ya Masaba should belong to all Bamasaba people rather than a select group of individuals, adding that every clan and stakeholder should have an opportunity to contribute to shaping the governance of the cultural institution.
“The future of Bukuka must be determined by the Bamasaba people themselves. No individual or group should cage or imprison the voices of the community on matters concerning their cultural institution,” Masiga said.
He concluded by calling on Engineer Sakwa and his team to allow Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma and the official Inzu Ya Masaba administration to lead the process of seeking government support and coordinating consultations, assuring all stakeholders that their views will be welcomed during the review process.