Isabaruuli’s Mediation Offer in Bugisu: A Misguided Intervention? | Bugisu Leadership Dispute Explained

A dispute over cultural leadership in Uganda has escalated, with accusations of interference and political maneuvering surfacing between traditional leaders. The controversy centers on the recognition of the Umukuuka of Bugisu, Jude Mike Mudoma, and challenges to his authority from a faction promoting Masolo Yaaya Gidudu as an alternative claimant.

The current friction was ignited by an offer from Constantine Mwogezi Butamanya, the Isabaruuli (cultural leader of the Buruli chiefdom) to mediate in the Bugisu leadership dispute. This offer, made while hosting a delegation led by Gidudu, has drawn sharp criticism from commentators who question both the legitimacy of Gidudu’s claim and the appropriateness of Butamanya’s intervention. February 9th, Rhyman Agaba wrote about the issue in the New Vision.

Critics argue that Butamanya, as chair of the Uganda Kings and Cultural Leaders Forum, should have been aware of the established leadership in Bugisu and engaged with the officially recognized Umukuuka before extending an invitation to Gidudu. The move is seen by some as undermining the authority of Mudoma, who was gazetted as the Umukuuka in 2023, and potentially sowing discord within the Bugisu community.

Wadada Rogers, a political and social commentator, has publicly condemned Butamanya’s actions, suggesting they are a basis for resignation or impeachment. Rogers contends that a prudent leader would first consult with the existing Umukuuka to ascertain the validity of any dispute before offering mediation. He further criticizes Butamanya for seeking publicity through a public statement without first establishing the existence of a legitimate challenge to Mudoma’s position.

The situation is complicated by ongoing issues within the Buruli chiefdom itself. Rogers points to unresolved land conflicts with neighboring communities and the pursuit of greater autonomy from the Buganda kingdom as internal challenges that should demand Butamanya’s attention. He suggests that Butamanya’s intervention in Bugisu appears hypocritical given these unresolved issues within his own domain.

Historically, the Buruli chiefdom has sought greater autonomy, particularly concerning land rights and administrative control within the larger Buganda kingdom. A 2013 memorandum of understanding, brokered by President Museveni, aimed to address these concerns, but its full implementation remains a point of contention. Recent tensions, including a dispute over the installation of a Buganda chief in Nakasongola in December 2024, highlight the fragility of the relationship.

Rogers emphasizes that the Ugandan government, through the Attorney General and the Ministry of Gender, has clarified the status of cultural leadership in Bugisu. A corrigendum gazette notice, 2025 Notice 966, affirmed Mudoma as the first Corporation Sole Institution of the Cultural Leader for Bugisu, effectively recognizing him as the sole legitimate cultural leader. This clarification, however, has not been widely disseminated to the public, leading to continued confusion.

The government’s actions were prompted by previous disputes within the former cultural association, Inzu Ya Masaaba. The establishment of the Umukuuka Wa Bugisu as a Corporation Sole was intended to streamline cultural leadership and resolve ambiguities surrounding the authority of Inzu Ya Masaaba. Rogers clarifies that the Umukuuka has no legal or equitable interest in the affairs of Inzu Ya Masaaba, which remains a separate cultural association.

Despite the government’s clarification, Rogers notes that the promoters of Inzu Ya Masaaba have largely passed away, but the association could be amended through legal channels if desired. However, he stresses that Inzu Ya Masaaba does not operate under the same legal framework as the Umukuuka Wa Bugisu, which is recognized under Article 246 of the Ugandan Constitution and the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act.

Currently, there are no known legal disputes regarding the Bugisu cultural establishment before the Attorney General, the Ministry of Gender, or the courts. Rogers asserts that Mudoma is the cultural leader recognized by the government. He calls for unity and support for Mudoma, emphasizing his potential to unify the Bugisu community and advocate for its interests.

Rogers concludes by advising Butamanya to refrain from making further statements that could be perceived as interference in Bugisu affairs, characterizing such actions as attention-seeking and ill-considered. He suggests that Butamanya’s unsolicited offer is a “misguided missile” that risks exacerbating tensions and undermining the established cultural leadership in Bugisu.

The trial of eleven suspects accused of murdering ARISE News journalist Somtochukwu Maduagwu and security guard Barnabas Danlami has commenced at the FCT High Court in Abuja. The defendants, led by Shamsu Hassan, pleaded not guilty to nine counts of conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder. Two witnesses testified under protective measures, recounting a raid on Unique Apartments in September 2025, during which valuables were stolen and the victims were killed. The trial was previously delayed due to the non-appearance of the defendants on Tuesday, February 10th, following an earlier postponement on Monday, February 9th when the correctional service failed to produce them.

Separately, concerns regarding safety during Imbalu rituals among the Bagisu people remain minimal, according to Mr. Moses Kutoyi, the minister for Culture (Imbalu) and Heritage at the Bugisu Cultural Institution.