By Our Staff Reporter

Mbale, Uganda — April 2026
The Judiciary of Uganda has taken a significant step toward resolving the long-running leadership dispute within the Bukuuka cultural institution, launching a structured mediation process at the High Court in Mbale.

The initiative, conducted under the Judiciary’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework, is aimed at easing tensions among rival cultural factions while reducing the growing number of court cases linked to the conflict.

Focus on Dialogue Over Litigation

The mediation process is being overseen by a panel of senior legal experts led by Richard Buteera, alongside Yorokamu Bamwine, Andrew Khaukha, Francis Atoke, and Francis Gimara. The panel is tasked with guiding disputing parties toward consensus rather than issuing a court judgment.
During the opening session, only part of the panel was present, but proceedings focused on laying the groundwork necessary for meaningful engagement.

Laying the Foundation

The first phase of the process centered on administrative and procedural steps. Legal representatives from all sides were instructed to formally identify the parties involved, file necessary documentation, and outline the key issues at the heart of the dispute.

Justice Buteera emphasized that this stage is critical in building a clear framework for mediation. Lawyers were directed to submit a formal agreement to participate in the process, along with summaries of their clients’ positions, by May 15, 2026.
Only after these submissions will the panel set a definitive date for substantive mediation sessions to begin.

Values Guiding the Process

The mediation is anchored on shared cultural values, norms, and aspirations of the Bamasaba people. Central to the discussions will be:
What each party considers a fair and just outcome
The possibility of reconciliation among rival factions
Commitment by all sides to respect and abide by the mediation process
Panelists stressed that participation must be voluntary and grounded in good faith, with a willingness to compromise for the greater unity of the institution.

Dispute at the Center

The conflict involves competing claims to cultural leadership, including those of Jude Mike Mudoma and other figures aligned with different factions within the Inzu Ya Masaba structure. The disagreements have fueled divisions in the community and led to numerous court cases over the years.

Call for Calm and Responsible Reporting

Justice Buteera also urged the media to play a constructive role by promoting accurate and balanced reporting, warning that misinformation could inflame already heightened tensions.
Legal experts on the panel echoed the need for professionalism, encouraging lawyers to remain objective and avoid turning the mediation into an adversarial contest.

Hope for Resolution

Early reactions from both sides suggest cautious optimism. Representatives expressed hope that the process will lead to reconciliation and restore stability within the cultural institution.

The Judiciary’s intervention reflects a broader push to embrace ADR mechanisms as a faster, less confrontational approach to resolving sensitive disputes especially those rooted in culture and community identity.