By Weswa Ronnie
BUDUDA
A dramatic incident unfolded at Kikholo Sub County in Bududa district on Saturday, 5th July 2025 during the official opening of Hawthorne International School.
The Umukuka, Mike Mudoma, was chased away by his challenger, Washi Kanyanya.
The conflict between cultural institution and Kanyanya has been ongoing for about 15 years, with Kanyanya claiming that he is the cultural leader of the Babukusu in Bududa, while Mudoma asserts his authority as the Umukuka of Inzu yamasaba.
Kanyanya has been arguing that Bududa district is inhabited by the Babukusu, not the Bamasaba.
During the school’s opening function, Mudoma’s presence was met with resistance from Kanyanya’s followers, who refused to welcome him or offer him a seat. Kanyanya allegedly commanded the crowd to chase Mudoma away, which they did, before the function even began.
Steven Masiga, the Inzu yamasaba communication officer, condemned Kanyanya’s actions, citing the Ugandan constitution, which recognizes the Bamasaba as the inhabitants of Bududa district, not the Babukusu. Masiga added that Mudoma was invited to the function as a guest of honor and that Kanyanya’s actions were unjustified.
