Mbale, Uganda:- His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Bamasaba cultural leader, has recognized and awarded Mrs. Hanyiga Eleanor Catherine, the composer of the Bamasaba cultural anthem, with an Inzu Yamasaba recognition certificate and a cash prize of 1 million shillings.

The ceremony took place at the Inzu Ya Masaba offices in Maluku and was attended by Mrs. Hanyiga, her family members, Inzu Yamasaba ministers, and other distinguished guests, including Ambassador Angelina Wapakhabulo, Sarah Maswere, and several clan chairmen.

During the event, the Umukuka also expanded the responsibilities of the Inzu Ya Masaba spokesperson, Mr. Steven Masiga, appointing him as the chairman of the Cultural Awards Committee.

In his new role, Masiga will be responsible for identifying and recognizing Bamasaba individuals who have made exceptional contributions in fields such as health, education, business, culture, and music.

Speaking to The Standard, Mr Steven Masiga confirmed his new duties and emphasized the importance of acknowledging outstanding efforts and talents within the Bamasaba community.

He promised to scan Masabaland, Kenya, and the diaspora to ensure deserving individuals receive recognition from the Inzu Yamasaba leadership.

Mrs Hanyiga, who composed the Inzu Ya Masaba anthem 15 years ago, expressed her immense gratitude and happiness for the recognition from the cultural leader. This acknowledgement marks the first time her contributions have been formally appreciated by the leadership.

In a significant cultural decree, the Umukuka exempted Mrs Hanyiga from any cultural taboos and punishments, ensuring she could not be tried in cultural courts for any allegations or cultural trespasses.

Furthermore, His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma ordered the Inzu Yamasaba Prime Minister, Ambassador Charles Walimbwa Peke, to grant Mrs. Hanyiga special status and a royal chair at all culturally related public functions.

The gesture was widely praised by thousands of Bamasaba. Hon. Sarah Netalisire, the Woman MP for Namisindwa, commended the Inzu Yamasaba for the recognition, a sentiment echoed by Kenneth Khatuli, the town clerk of Jinja City Division. Dr. Elijah of Mt. Elgon Hospital and Sr. Mary Wasagali of the Equal Opportunities Commission also lauded the cultural leader’s bold move.

Headteachers from Mbale SSS, Nyondo, Mulatsi SSS, and Mbale School for the Deaf applauded the gesture. Professor Florence Wakoko from the United States tweeted her support, noting that Masabaland was on the right path. Nandelenga Annet of Centenary Bank in Mbale shared this view.

The senior presidential advisor on the Bugisu region, Mr Bernard Mujasi, praised the Umukuka and his cabinet for their achievements in just one year in office, suggesting that they deserve a serious handshake for their efforts.