Opposition Chief Whip Accuses Ministry of Gender of Interfering in Bamasaba Cultural Affairs
The Opposition Chief Whip, John Baptist Nambeshe, has accused the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development of allegedly fueling divisions within the Bamasaba cultural institution.
He said the Bagisu people will formally notify Parliament through a petition to Speaker Anita Among seeking intervention.
Nambeshe made the remarks during a parliamentary session that also saw lawmakers congratulate the Tooro Kingdom on its 30th coronation anniversary.
“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. As we talk there is 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. The rest you will see, which is well articulated in that petition by your humble petitioners, Madam Speaker,” Nambeshe said.
The Bamasaba, also known as the Bagisu, are a Bantu ethnic group predominantly found in Eastern Uganda, particularly in Mbale and surrounding districts.
The cultural rift stems from longstanding disagreements over leadership and the control of traditional institutions.
A faction calling itself Inzu ye Bagisu has reportedly sought to establish a parallel structure to the established Inzu ya Masaba, raising tensions over recognition, cultural authority, and resource management within the community.
