UMUKUUKA WA BUGISU HRH SIR JUDE MIKE MUDOMA MEETS BISHOP NANDAAH OVER LUMASABA BIBLE CONCERNS

Mbale, Uganda

The Umukuuka wa Bugisu has held a consultative meeting with the Right Reverend John Wilson Nandaah, Bishop of Mbale Diocese, following the Bishop’s public remarks regarding the Lumasaba Bible and broader procedural concerns within Inzu Ya Masaaba.
The meeting comes days after Bishop Nandaah raised questions during the requiem mass of the late Canon Codvia, where he cautioned against making significant cultural and institutional changes without proper consultation and agreed-upon procedures. His remarks touched on unity, order, and the need to safeguard long-standing cultural and religious frameworks within the Bugisu community.
During their engagement, the Umukuuka and the Bishop emphasized mutual respect between cultural institutions and the Church, reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, cohesion, and development. The Bishop reiterated that religious leaders are not opposed to culture or government, noting that the Church consistently prays for both the Umukuuka and state leadership.
“What brings confusion is changing things without following proper procedure,” Bishop Nandaah previously observed, warning that unilateral decisions risk dividing the community.
A key issue discussed was concern over possible changes to established language use, particularly the Lumasaba Bible translation, which was jointly developed by Anglican and Roman Catholic institutions after extensive consultation and significant investment. The Bishop cautioned that abrupt alterations could undermine education, worship, and the unity of believers, especially at a time when learners are undertaking national examinations under an established system.
The Umukuuka welcomed the Bishop’s candid views and underscored the importance of inclusive dialogue, consensus-building, and respect for institutional processes. He stressed that Bugisu’s strength lies in unity and that any proposed reforms within Inzu Ya Masaaba should be approached carefully, transparently, and with the involvement of all stakeholders.
Both leaders agreed that internal divisions weaken the community’s voice at the national level and pledged to promote continued engagement among cultural, religious, and government leaders. They called on the people of Bugisu to remain calm, united, and focused on shared goals of development and social harmony.
By our Reporter