Leaders from Bugisu sub region on Tuesday held a meeting with Hon Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Gender, Labor and Social Development to try and find solutions to the Umukuka (cultural leader) election controversy.
According to Tumwebaze, the meeting involved MPs, Lc5 Chairpersons), elders of bugisu and stakeholders of the Inzu Ya Masaba.
“We had a day long meeting with leaders ( MPs, Lc5 Chairpersons), elders of bugisu and stakeholders of the Inzu Ya Masaba today to try and reconcile the two factions that each claim to have elected the UMUKUKA III.
A problem identified is a problem half way solved,” Tumwebaze said on twitter.
He added, “We took enough time to talk at length while listening to each other in greater detail and we have correctly traced the origins of the conflict. Atleast now all parties agree that mistakes were made in their respective processes of electing UMUKUKA. All parties have agreed. That apparently there is no legally elected UMUKUKA III.”
They further agree that the process of electing the next UMUKUKA will be repeated through a unified structure of Inzu Ya Masaba and that all break away factions will re-integrate and submit to one structure under Inzu Ya Masaba constitution, the minister revealed.
Trouble in the cultural institution stems from the death of former Inzu Ya Masaba, Umukuka II Bob Kipiro Mushikori who passed on in January, sparking a power struggle.
The conflict has been between John Amulam Wagabyalile and Mike Mudoma, both claiming to be the legitimately elected cultural leader.
There have been calls by leaders in the district that the Masaba cultural institution should conduct fresh elections to get a legitimate Umukuka.
It appears, they have found consensus following the meeting with the minister who has been mediating the conflict between the warring parties.