Abakenye Cultural Union Elects First Yaaya Amid Leadership Dispute

The Abakenye Cultural Union recently held a landmark meeting at Serenity Gardens in Iganga District, where leaders from 33 clans selected Owek Sinini Waiswa Moses as the first Yaaya. This Bantu-speaking ethnic group, originally from central Buganda and now spread across Buyende, Iganga, Kamuli, Busoga, Buganda, and northern Uganda, aims to preserve traditions and foster unity through the new institution.

The election pitted Sinini of the Bbakulu clan against Ronald Mbago of Bbabira, but Mbago withdrew, alleging irregularities and non-compliance with agreed procedures. Cocas Ssekandi, chairperson of the clan heads, then declared Waiswa the leader. In his acceptance speech, Waiswa vowed to reconnect scattered community members and establish a headquarters in Buyende District while collaborating with government programs.

Supporters like treasurer Jackson Muzeyi emphasized that the process followed three years of nationwide consultations, urging the community to rally behind the milestone. The group estimates its population exceeds the 100,000 recorded in the latest UBOS census and has petitioned for a recount.

Opposition has been fierce, however. Critics including Glerade Kasujja and Peter Kirigwajjo decried the event as unlawful, citing violations of cultural norms, lack of an electoral committee, and issues like clan heads staying overnight in hotels. They invoked Article 246 of the Constitution and the Institutions of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, demanding adherence to legal standards.

Despite the rift, the election marks a pivotal step for the Abakenye toward cultural cohesion.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)