Bunyole Leadership Disputes Jeopardize Gazetting Efforts.

By Ambrose Wanagoli.

The Chairman of the Culture Council in the Bunyole Cultural Institution, Mr. Ben Muyagu, has criticized individuals behind a recent Cabinet reshuffle within the faction of the late Martin Hayinja, accusing them of undermining efforts to formalize cultural leadership in the area.

Muyagu, aligned with the Chomi faction, told journalists on Tuesday that intrigue, hypocrisy, and a lack of mutual respect have fueled ongoing disagreements in Bunyole.

He warned that these divisions are now jeopardizing the long-awaited process of gazetting the Bunyole Cultural Institution.

According to Muyagu, the Chomi faction had made significant progress toward achieving official recognition. He questioned the timing of the Hayinja faction’s decision to appoint a parallel Cabinet, describing it as disruptive at a critical stage.

He noted that the two factions—those of Martin Hayinja and Elly Wesana Chomi—had previously agreed in principle to work together toward gazetting the institution, which would pave the way for access to government programs.

Following the death of Hayinja in December 2025, his Prime Minister, Eddie Wamusha, was appointed in an interim capacity to steer the faction.

However, Muyagu claims that Wamusha instead moved to form a new cabinet, effectively creating a parallel cultural leadership.

Historically, Hayinja, a Mubengho, was elected in 2009 by various clan presidents as the Cultural Leader of Bunyole, representing one of the three royal clans traditionally recognized among the Banyole. He defeated contenders, including Mr. Abdu Zakriah Gessa and Mr. Ben Muyagu.

The situation shifted in 2019 when a section of the Banyole community rejected royal lineage-based leadership and elected Professor Chomi as Cultural Leader after defeating Muyagu.

That group also criticized the Hayinja faction for alleged inaction in pursuing gazetting and accessing government support.

Since then, Chomi has maintained a Cabinet that has served voluntarily, anticipating benefits following official recognition. However, tensions have intensified with the resurgence of the Hayinja faction, now positioning itself to advance the gazetting process independently.

During a nationwide tour in 2025, Yoweri Museveni urged the Banyole to resolve their internal conflicts.

He emphasized the need for unity to enable the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development to recommend the institution for gazetting, after which the President would sign it into effect.

The ongoing rivalry, however, continues to cast uncertainty over the future of cultural leadership and formal recognition in Bunyole