By KT Reporter
The High Court in Mbale has issued summons against ten individuals accused of unlawfully parading themselves as leaders of Inzu Ya Masaba in a case filed by Jude Mike Mudoma, the gazetted cultural leader (Umukuuka III) of Bugisu.
Mudoma, through his attorneys Messrs Wakosese Advocates and Masanga & Co. Advocates, accuses the group of breaching the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, Cap. 242 and intentionally causing him emotional distress by impersonating his office and organizing parallel cultural activities.
The defendants—Walimbwa Charles Peke, Mubuya Godwin, Wedaira Nelson, Ahmada Washaki, Komoli Eddy, Nabuduwa Lillian, Kundu Charles, Wamimbi Damian, Weyusa Joseph, and Wakane Davis—are alleged to have acted under the name Inzu Ya Masaba, which Mudoma claims is merely an association incorporated in 2011, not a traditional institution under the law.
According to court filings, Mudoma was first gazetted as Umukuuka in Gazette No. 1413 of 2023, with a corrigendum later issued under Gazette No. 996 of 2025 to correct errors in the gazetting process. His lawyers argue that despite this, the defendants convened meetings, assigned themselves cultural offices, and announced events purporting to represent Bugisu’s cultural leadership.
In one such meeting, Wedaira Nelson was named “Speaker,” Wamimbi Damian “Chairperson of the Cultural Council,” and Walimbwa Charles Peke “Secretary General.” The plaintiff insists these appointments were unlawful and confusing to the Bagisu community.
Mudoma formally petitioned the Regional Police Commander in August 2025, accusing the group of impersonation, disruption of cultural order, and spreading malicious allegations against his leadership. Attached to the suit are copies of newspaper notices, meeting resolutions, photographs, and video recordings of the defendants’ activities.
The plaintiff is seeking a court declaration that Inzu Ya Masaba is not a recognized cultural institution under Ugandan law and that all its activities and decisions are unlawful, null, and void. He also wants the court to permanently restrain the defendants from parading themselves as cultural leaders or interfering with the Umukuuka’s functions.
In addition, Mudoma is demanding general and exemplary damages for loss of reputation, psychological distress, and disruption of cultural duties, together with costs of the suit. The High Court has directed the defendants to file their defence within fifteen days; failure to do so will result in the case proceeding in their absence.
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