The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development stands accused of actively fueling a deepening rift within the Bamasaba Cultural Institution, according to Opposition Chief Whip John Baptist Nambeshe.
Nambeshe, who also serves as the Manjiya Member of Parliament, announced that the Bamasaba community plans to petition Speaker Anita Among, putting the Ministry “on notice” for alleged interference.
His strong remarks were made during a parliamentary session where legislators were congratulating the Tooro Kingdom on its 30th coronation anniversary. Speaking passionately, Nambeshe highlighted a growing division within the cultural leadership, attributing it directly to the Ministry’s actions.
“The Bamasaba are soon paying you a courtesy call with a petition putting the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development on notice for meddling in the affairs of the kingdom,” Nambeshe stated during the session.
He elaborated on the nature of the conflict, revealing the existence of a “serious rift madam speaker of a clique of self-seekers among the Bamasaba who have created their own kingdom called Inzu ye Bagisu which is parallel to Inzu ya Masaba.”
Nambeshe emphasized the detailed nature of the upcoming document, adding, “The rest you will see it, which is well articulated in that petition by your humble petitioners madam speakers.”
The Bamasaba, primarily residing on the slopes of Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda, have long been represented by the Inzu ya Masaba cultural institution, led by the Umukuka (cultural leader).
The emergence of a parallel institution, Inzu ye Bagisu, as alleged by Nambeshe, signifies a significant challenge to the traditional leadership structure and unity of the community.
Nambeshe’s accusations suggest that the Ministry, which is mandated with overseeing cultural institutions, may have inadvertently or intentionally contributed to this fragmentation.
The planned petition to Speaker Anita Among underscores the gravity with which the Bamasaba leadership views the situation, seeking parliamentary intervention to address what they perceive as undue external influence.
While the specific details of the Ministry’s alleged involvement remain to be fully disclosed in the petition, Nambeshe’s public statement puts the issue squarely in the national spotlight. As Parliament continues its business, all eyes will now be on the anticipated petition from the Bamasaba community, and the subsequent response from both the Speaker’s office and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development regarding these serious allegations.
