By Eumu Emmanuel
- Bamasaba Cultural Institution Joins Prestigious African Kings’ Forum, Celebrates with Grand Imbalu Launch
Mbale: The Bamasaba cultural institution has achieved a significant milestone by gaining admission into the prestigious Forum of African Kings, Queens, Sultans, Sheikhs, Princes, and Traditional Leaders. This development elevates the Bamasaba’s status, enabling them to engage on equal footing with renowned kingdoms such as Buganda, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, and Swaziland.
The announcement was made by His Royal Highness Fiti V, the President of the Forum and leader of the Volta people of Ghana, Togo, and Benin. HRH Fiti V declared that the Inzu ya Masaba is now a full member of the Forum, symbolizing their integration into a broader African cultural dialogue. As part of this induction, Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma III received a symbolic cultural attire made of Ghanaian Ashanti Cotton, representing a new era for the Bamasaba.
HRH Fiti V’s visit to Uganda was specifically to join the Bamasaba cultural leader in celebrating the first coronation anniversary of the Bamasaba people, following the official recognition of their cultural leader last year. The event attracted various kings and cultural leaders from Uganda and beyond, including His Majesty the King of the Gbenemene and Kasimene people of Nigeria, Dr. Suanu Timothy, and the King of the Wanga Kingdom, His Royal Highness Peter Mumia.
Other notable attendees included cultural leaders from Teso, Kumam, Sebei, Lango, Acholi, and Karamoja. This inclusion places the Bamasaba alongside esteemed cultural institutions such as those in Swaziland, Buganda, Ghana, Toro, DRC, and Morocco.
In a gesture of support, HRH Fiti V donated UGX 4 million towards the establishment of the Bamasaba Radio Station, an initiative of Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma III. This donation highlights the collaborative spirit and mutual support among African cultural institutions.
The celebrations continued with the official launch of the Imbalu circumcision ceremony at the Mitoto Cultural and Heritage Center. The ceremony was inaugurated by the Umukuka of the Bamasaba people and was graced by the presence of Hon. Mulimba, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, representing President Yoweri Museveni.
Other dignitaries at the Imbalu launch included Col. Katabazi, Deputy Director of ISO; His Excellency Lusaka, Governor of Bungoma County; Hon. Mafabi Dominic, Minister of State for the Elderly; and various Members of Parliament from Bugisu and beyond. Cultural delegations from Sebei and Busoga, as well as the Mbale city business community, also attended.
Mr. Tumwesigye John represented the business community, while Mr. Lwokudu, Chief Administrative Officer of Mbale, stood for his fellow CAOs. The event also saw the participation of police leadership, clan heads, and other distinguished guests.
The launch of Imbalu was marked by vibrant celebrations, with the best celebrants receiving gifts ranging from cash to cows. The government supported the event with a generous contribution of UGX 300 million,