By Our Staff Reporter

23 February 2026
Mbale City – Uganda
The newly appointed Prime Minister of Inzu Ya Masaaba Cultural Institution, Rt Hon
Mathias Nabutele, has pledged to formally remind His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the key development pledges made in 2017 and 2018. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring full implementation for the economic transformation of the Bamasaaba people.
A new chapter has dawned in the cultural and administrative leadership of the Bamasaaba people following the appointment of Rt Hon Mathias Nabutele as Prime Minister of the revered Inzu Ya Masaaba Cultural Institution.

In his powerful acceptance speech delivered at the cultural palace, Rt Hon Nabutele made a bold and historic pledge: he will formally remind Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the major development commitments he made to the institution during his landmark visits in 2017 and 2018.

CULTURAL INSTITUTION AT THE HEART OF MASAABA IDENTITY
The Inzu Ya Masaaba Cultural Institution represents millions of Bamasaaba people living in eastern Uganda and across the border in Kenya. It was established to unite the 26 clans, preserve cultural heritage, and promote economic and social transformation.
Speaking before His Highness Umukuuka IV Mayatsa Joram Khamboson, clan leaders, elders, and invited guests, Nabutele expressed deep gratitude and readiness to serve.

FULL ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
His Highness, the Umukuuka IV Mayatsa Joram Khamboson,
The culture Council,
Clan chairmen ,
clan delegates
Religious Leaders,
Distinguished Guests,
Our brothers and sisters at home and across the border in Kenya and the diaspora,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I stand before you today with a deeply humbled heart, profound gratitude, and an unshakable commitment to serve.
His Highness, I sincerely thank you for the great honour and trust you have bestowed upon me by appointing me as Prime Minister of Inzu Ya Masaaba.
This opportunity is not just a personal milestone but a sacred duty to serve our ancestors, our people, and future generations.

MY JOURNEY OF SERVICE SINCE 2010
His Highness, my service began in 2010 as Deputy Minister for Natural Resources under Umukuuka I, representing the Wakoko Clan.
I later served as:
PPS in the Office of the Umukuuka
Minister in the Office of the Umukuuka II
Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Royal Duties and Protocol
Following the passing of Umukuuka II, I founded the Umukuuka II Foundation, where I serve as Ambassador Plenipotentiary to date.
These experiences have equipped me with vast expertise in cultural diplomacy and royal protocol.

RESTORING CROSS-BORDER MASAABA UNITY
One of my top priorities is restoring strong cultural ties with our Bamasaaba brothers and sisters in Kenya.
Our culture does not stop at colonial borders.
We are one people, one heritage, and one destiny.
I pledge to fully involve our Kenyan brothers and sisters in the day-to-day affairs of Inzu Ya Masaaba.

HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL PLEDGES TO BE FOLLOWED UP
Rt Hon Nabutele declared firmly:
“I will formally remind His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda of the pledges he made in 2017 and 2018 at Maluku Palace and State Lodge Mbale.”

These pledges include:
Five-Star Cultural Hotel
To be constructed to promote tourism and generate revenue.
205 Cows for Four-Acre Model
To empower clans economically and eradicate poverty.
Agricultural Exchange Programs
To expose Bamasaaba farmers to modern successful farming methods.
Cottage Industries Development
Including:
Dairy farming
Apiary (bee keeping)
Indigenous poultry breeding
Coffee value addition

A VISION FOR ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
Rt Hon Nabutele emphasized:
These programs will:
Create jobs
Improve incomes
Empower communities
Strengthen the cultural institution

PLEDGE OF LOYALTY AND SERVICE
He concluded with a powerful commitment:
“I pledge to serve with loyalty, integrity, humility, and transparency.”
He called upon:
Clan leaders
Youth
Elders
Diaspora
To unite behind His Highness.

HISTORIC MOMENT FOR INZU YA MASAABA
Political and cultural analysts say Nabutele’s appointment marks a turning point in strengthening cultural diplomacy, economic development, and cross-border unity.
His extensive experience in royal administration places him in a strong position to deliver transformation.
Rt Hon Mathias Nabutele
Prime Minister
Inzu Ya Masaaba Cultural Institution