His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuka III of the Bamasaba people, has announced a major reshuffle in the Bamasaba Cultural Institution’s cabinet, relieving the Prime Minister and several other ministers of their responsibilities.
The decision, made on December 28, 2024, aims to address issues of political interference and misconduct within the institution.
Speaking to The Standard, Mr. Steven Masiga, spokesperson for the cultural institution, explained that the changes were guided by Article 246(f) of the Ugandan Constitution and the Cultural Leaders Act (2011), which bar cultural leaders and their agents from participating in partisan politics.
“Many of those dismissed were active members of political parties or held political roles, such as parliamentary candidates. This contravenes both the law and the institution’s core values,” Masiga stated.
He pointed to former Prime Minister Charles Walimbwa Peke and Hon. Allan Makweta, a National Unity Platform (NUP) parliamentary candidate, as examples of individuals whose political affiliations conflicted with their cultural responsibilities.
The reshuffle also addressed allegations of inefficiency and insubordination.
Former Minister Ahamada Washaki, tasked with reconciliation duties, was criticised for failing to mediate a critical dispute between the Bamasaba and Acholi communities as per cultural protocols. Instead, he was accused of fostering intrigue and disengaging from his assigned duties.
“The Constitution and the Cultural Leaders Act empower the Umukuka to appoint and dismiss officials in the institution’s best interest. These decisions were also influenced by public demand,” Masiga emphasised.
The newly appointed officials include:
- Rt. Hon. Paul Mwambu as Prime Minister
- Dr. Kosea Wambaka as Deputy Prime Minister
- Mr. Mwenyi Davis, Assistant Commissioner in the Office of the President, as Deputy Prime Minister
- Hon. Emmanuel Mutanje as Minister for Investments and Entrepreneurship Development
- Hon. Makatu Patrick as Minister for Lands
Meanwhile, those relieved of their roles include Charles Walimbwa Peke, Nelson Wedaira, Ahamada Washaki, and Allan Makweta, among others.
Masiga assured that the outgoing officials remain respected members of the Bamasaba community and are expected to support the institution outside its formal structures. A proper handover process will be initiated soon.
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