By Our Staff Reporter

Mbale-Uganda-March 30, 2026-The Prime Minister of the Inzu Ya Masaaba Cultural Institution, Mathias Nabutele, has issued a strong appeal to the Bamasaaba diaspora, calling for unity, transparency, and neutrality amid growing concerns over divisions within the community.

In a formal communication addressed to leaders and members of the North America Masaba Cultural Association, Nabutele emphasized the deep historical, cultural, and social ties that bind the Bamasaaba people both at home in Uganda and across the diaspora.

He warned that any actions or perceptions that promote division whether deliberate or unintended pose a serious threat to the community’s shared identity and long-term development. “We are a people born and raised together, intermarried, and united by common cultural practices and heritage. Safeguarding this unity must remain our highest priority,” he noted.

Nabutele highlighted that while minor cultural differences exist within the community, these differences were never intended to divide the people. Instead, they informed the establishment of the Inzu Ya Masaaba as a unifying cultural institution—symbolizing inclusivity, mutual respect, and a shared ancestral foundation.

The Prime Minister further called on NAMCA to maintain its critical role as a neutral and unifying body within the diaspora. Acknowledging the diverse circumstances under which many Bamasaaba left Uganda, he praised the diaspora community for organizing itself around shared identity and solidarity.

However, he urged the association to remain attentive to all voices within the community, including dissenting perspectives, to ensure that its actions contribute to unity rather than deepen divisions back home.

Reflecting on past collaborations, Nabutele commended NAMCA’s contributions to community development, including support for repatriation efforts, travel facilitation, and cultural reconnection initiatives. He specifically recalled the Education Resource Centre groundbreaking ceremony officiated on behalf of the President of Uganda by the late Minister Malinga, describing it as a milestone in strengthening diaspora ties.

Despite these achievements, Nabutele called for greater transparency from NAMCA regarding any shifts in its current position on cultural leadership matters. He stressed that open communication and dialogue are essential in addressing misunderstandings and preserving trust among stakeholders.

“We remain committed to unity, reconciliation, and the preservation of our shared cultural heritage,” Nabutele affirmed, expressing confidence that NAMCA will continue to play a constructive role in fostering cohesion between Bamasaaba communities in the diaspora and those at home.

The appeal comes at a time when cultural leadership questions have sparked debate within sections of the Bamasaaba community, both locally and internationally, raising concerns about the future of unity within one of Uganda’s most closely knit cultural groups.