A major cultural standoff is unfolding in Bugisu after thousands of clan leaders announced plans to petition President Yoweri Museveni over what they describe as attempts to undermine the authority of His Highness Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma.
More than 5,000 Bugisu clan chairpersons are preparing to travel to State House with a handwritten petition demanding presidential intervention in a dispute over control of cultural affairs, especially the organisation of the historic Imbalu circumcision ceremony.
The elders, through the Bugisu Cultural Institution, accuse some Members of Parliament from the Bugisu sub-region of attempting to reduce the powers of the Umukuka by taking over responsibilities they believe constitutionally and traditionally belong to the cultural institution.
Bugisu Cultural Institution spokesperson Steven Masiga said the clan leaders are concerned that decisions affecting Bugisu customs and traditions are being made without proper consultation with cultural custodians. He said the Umukuka’s role in guiding customary ceremonies must be preserved.
Masiga pointed to Uganda’s Constitution and the Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, arguing that cultural institutions have a protected role in promoting and safeguarding traditions that are consistent with national laws.
The tensions reportedly escalated after a meeting at Mbale Secondary School to discuss preparations for the upcoming Imbalu season, where clan chairpersons were allegedly left out despite being key custodians of the cultural practice. The meeting reportedly resolved that district leaders would continue coordinating circumcision activities, a move that sparked anger among some elders.
The Bugisu Cultural Institution has rejected the decision, insisting that the Imbalu ceremony falls under the direct cultural authority of the Umukuka. Elders have vowed to use all recognised cultural avenues to defend the position of their traditional leader.
The planned State House petition comes amid continuing disagreements over leadership and governance within the Bugisu Cultural Institution ahead of the 2026 Imbalu season. The Bugisu Parliamentary Caucus had not publicly commented on the allegations by the time of publication.
