Mediation of Bugisu Cultural Leadership Dispute Begins

By Skika Reporter

A long-running leadership dispute within the Bugisu Cultural Institution (Bukuuka Bwa Bugisu) has entered a critical phase, with court-led mediation now underway at the High Court of Uganda in Mbale City.

The mediation process, facilitated by the Judiciary under its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework, commenced on April 24. It seeks to harmonise and resolve multiple court cases while restoring unity within the Bamasaba cultural institution, which has been divided since around 2020.

At the centre of the dispute are competing claims to the title of Umukuuka—the supreme cultural leader of the Bamasaba community.

One faction is led by Jude Mike Mudoma, who is currently recognised by government authorities as Umukuuka. Opposing him are rival claimants aligned to the Inzu Ya Masaba faction, including John Amram Wagabyalire, Masolo Yaya Gidudu, and Joram Khambo.

The mediation is being overseen by a five-member panel chaired by Richard Buteera. Other members include Yorokamu Bamwine, Andrew Khaukha, Francis Atoke, and Francis Gimara.

During the preliminary session, the panel addressed procedural issues, including confirmation of all parties, legal representation, and timelines for submissions. Justice Buteera directed lawyers to file a formal mediation agreement, case summaries, and statements of issues by May 15 ahead of substantive hearings.

“The mediation is aimed at achieving consensus rather than delivering a court ruling. I urge the media to report responsibly to avoid inflaming tensions,” Buteera said.

The dispute stems from disagreements over the election and gazettement of the Umukuuka, legitimacy of cultural institutions, and control of cultural authority structures. Over time, these disagreements have resulted in more than 30 cases being filed before the High Court.

Key cases now under mediation include Civil Suit No. 43 of 2023 (Wagabyalire vs Attorney General), Civil Suit No. 63 of 2023 (Sakwa vs Attorney General), and Civil Suit No. 40 of 2025 (Mudoma vs Walimbwa Charles Peke & others), among several related claims.

Supporters of Mudoma are pushing for recognition of a single, unified cultural leadership to end parallel claims that have created confusion within the community.

The institution has also faced additional tensions following a 2025 government decision through the Ministry of Gender to rename Inzu Ya Masaba to the Bugisu Cultural Institution—a move rejected by the rival faction.

Lawyer Joseph Massa, representing the Bugisu Cultural Institution, said the mediation offers a chance to address both legal and underlying identity issues.

“This dispute has persisted for years with multiple claimants emerging. Mediation gives all parties a chance to resolve not just legal questions, but also deeper concerns around identity,” he said.

Institution spokesperson Stephen Masiga emphasised the need for peace, stability, and clarity in leadership.

However, leaders aligned to the Inzu Ya Masaba faction insist that the process must address questions of legitimacy. Their lawyer, Eddie Nangulu, said meaningful progress depends on recognition of their concerns and full commitment to the mediation process by all parties.

Community elder Davis Wakane added that their demands include restoration of Inzu Ya Masaba as the legitimate institution, reinstatement of its cultural constitution, and rebuilding of leadership structures.

The outcome of the mediation is expected to play a crucial role in determining the future of cultural leadership in Bugisu and restoring unity among the Bamasaba people.