Views: 4
The Bamasaaba community in the diaspora is pressing to meet President Yoweri Museveni over the issue of Bugisu University, which has stalled for a while. Steven Masiga, the spokesperson for the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, says that of all the major regions of Uganda—Buganda, Busoga, Acholi, Ankole, Teso, Bunyoro, and Bukedi—it is only Bugisu region without a public university.
As a community, our plea is that the Bamasaaba people also desire a government university in the heart of Masaabaland. We appreciate the government for quickly addressing the issue of Bukuka, where Umukuka was gazetted, and for granting the Bamasaaba city status. However, like in Oliver Twist, we still need more, Masiga emphasized.
The spokesperson of the Bamasaaba said that the equitable allocation of services is something we cannot gloss over. No wonder that Article 21 of the Ugandan constitution discourages any form of segregation based on economics, tribe, or region. With this constitutional guarantee, I know the government is listening to us and will act.
The Bamasaaba in the diaspora are willing to meet President Museveni to seek guidance on how the issue of a public university in the region can be actualized. They are ready to travel from the USA to Kampala and meet the president or interact with him virtually, if he grants this request, to allow them to plead with the president and the government to grant the region a public university.
At the forefront of these efforts are notable Ugandan academicians like Associate Professor Florence Wakoko and Dr. Stephen Mungoma, the executive secretary of the Mbale Public University, who is currently in the diaspora. A few years back, while in Kapchorwa District, where the president met the majority of the Bamasaaba political leaders, he committed to ensuring that the Bamasaaba people get a public university in their midst.
The university will enable Bamasaaba to acquire free university education and also help the children and grandchildren of many Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) fighters acquire undergraduate and graduate education.
Bugisu, as a region, has the Islamic University in Uganda as a private institution, and the rest are study centers established by various universities, like Makerere University opposite Centenary Bank, which mainly focus on short courses such as administrative law, diploma programs, and a few selected degree courses. Other institutions include UCU center towards the garage and UMI in Maluku, among others.
Some of the notable Bamasaaba in the diaspora pushing for the public university include Associate Professor Florence Wakoko, who is the Head of the Department of Sociology at Columbus State University. She holds a PhD from Ohio State University. Dr. Stephen Mungoma holds a doctorate in Religious Studies. Mr. Michael Materesi, the United Kingdom president of the Bamasaaba Association, holds a master’s degree. Prof. Margaret Khaitsa is a professor at Mississippi State University and holds three degrees in the field of veterinary medicine from various institutions, including Makerere University, Edinburgh University, and a PhD from the same university. Dr. Josephine Walwema is an associate professor at the University of Washington, teaching Linguistics.
The Bamasaaba in the diaspora are members of various associations. Notable among these associations is NAMCA (North America and Canadian Association) and the United Kingdom Bamasaaba Association (IMKA). Other associations of the Bamasaaba exist in Australia and South Africa. Umukuka III, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, has so far met the Bamasaaba in the United Kingdom and South Africa during his travels. He also recently met the NAMCA group during his visit to the United States for the Trump swearing-in ceremony in January 2025 and will soon visit the Bamasaaba in Australia, the Arab world, and West Africa to engage with them.
The Bamasaaba in the diaspora are concerned about the development agenda of their region. Among other initiatives, they have pledged to support the acquisition of a radio station and television for the Bamasaaba Kingdom and will contribute to the construction of the Bamasaaba Palace. Dr. Florence, she is at the center of many initiatives aimed at triggering development in Masaabaland. Recently, His Highness the Umukuka appointed her as our Ambassador to the United States of America and Canada.
“Mezo’s changes could set a new standard for Kampala’s nightlife.”
Meanwhile, Martha’s family has urged venues to adopt stricter alcohol policies to prevent similar tragedies.
Mezo Noir’s reopening marks a pivotal moment for Uganda’s entertainment scene. By marrying luxury with accountability, the club aims to restore trust while honoring its legacy as Kampala’s premier destination.
Source:Ankole Times