His highness Umukuuka III Jude Mike Mudoma
By IP Reporter | Mbale, Uganda (IP)
The Bugisu Cultural Institution has clarified that His Highness the Umukuuka III, Jude Mike Mudoma, will not attend any political rallies during the election season.
The institution spokesperson cited constitutional restrictions that bar cultural leaders from engaging in partisan activities.
In a statement responding to guidance from Mbale City Resident City Commissioner George William Wopuwa, the institution’s spokesperson Steven Masiga said the Umukuuka’s absence from campaign events should not be misinterpreted as disinterest in national affairs but as respect for the law.
“His Highness the Umukuuka may not attend political rallies of any candidates, even when they are campaigning on Bamasaaba land, since attendance of any political rally may be construed as a mark of support to that particular candidate,” Masiga said.
He noted that Article 246 of the Constitution of Uganda restrains all cultural and traditional leaders from taking partisan positions.
However, he emphasized that the same article does not strip such leaders of their constitutional right to vote for candidates of their choice in any election.
The Bugisu Cultural Institution assured the Bamasaaba community that the Umukuuka continues to have access to the head of state and other national leaders through established channels to present matters of regional importance.
“His failure to attend the NRM political rally or any other political rally in his region is therefore well guided by the various protocols in place as laid down by Ugandan law and other cultural policies,” the statement added.
Masiga said the Umukuuka commended the Bamasaaba people for the peaceful and respectful reception they have given all presidential candidates who have visited the region so far.
He also praised political aspirants for maintaining civility in their campaigns.
“We further commend all candidates for using non-inflammatory language while campaigning on our land, and we appreciate the security leadership in the region for serving our people without discrimination,” Masiga said.
Masiga concluded with a traditional call for unity, signing off, “Mwanyala Nabi, Mulinde Lukoosi.”
