news 6 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Bugisu Cultural Leadership Dispute Heads to Mediation
A court-appointed mediation process has begun at the High Court in Mbale to resolve the long-standing leadership dispute within the Bugisu cultural institution, involving competing claims for the supreme cultural leader title, Umukuuka. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mediation-of-bugisu-cultural-leadership-dispute-starts-5449570
The Judiciary has initiated a mediation process at the High Court in Mbale to address the deep divisions within the Bugisu cultural institution, known as Bukuuka Bwa Bugisu.
The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework is facilitating discussions aimed at consolidating numerous pending court cases and restoring unity among the Bamasaba people, a conflict that has persisted since approximately 2020.
At the heart of the disagreement are competing claims to the hereditary title of Umukuuka, the paramount cultural leader. Jude Mike Mudoma, currently recognized by government authorities, leads one side, while the Inzu Ya Masaba faction supports rival claimants including John Amram Wagabyalire, Masolo Yaya Gidudu (claiming to be Umukuuka III), and Joram Joram Khambo (claiming to be Umukuuka IV).
A five-member panel, chaired by Justice Richard Buteera (Deputy Chief Justice Emeritus), is overseeing the mediation. The panel also includes Justice Yorokamu Bamwine, Justice Prof Andrew Khaukha, Francis Atoke, and senior counsel Francis Gimara.
During the initial session, the focus was on procedural aspects such as confirming all parties, agreeing on legal representation, and establishing timelines for submitting arguments. Justice Buteera emphasized that the goal is consensus, not a judicial ruling, and urged responsible media reporting to prevent escalating tensions. The dispute has spawned over 30 High Court cases.
Key cases under mediation include those filed by Wagabyalire and Sakwa against the Attorney General, and a case filed by Mudoma against Walimbwa Charles Peke and others.
Supporters of Umukuka Mudoma are advocating for a singular, unified leadership. Meanwhile, the Inzu Ya Masaba faction insists that the mediation must address the legitimacy of leadership and seeks the restoration of the institution under its original name, Inzu Ya Masaba, along with its cultural constitution and leadership structures.