Umukuuka wa Bugisu III Sir Jude Mudoma meets Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in his office.Looking on is the Deputy Prime minister of Bugisu Dr Sylvester Wakoli Bifwoli …..Photo/James Wekesi
By Staff Writer
TRANS NZOIA, Kenya
His highness Sir Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuuka III of King of the Bugisu Kingdom has raised concern over long-standing divisions between the Bagisu of Uganda and the Bukusu of Kenya, urging renewed efforts to rebuild unity among the Baamasaba people.
During a visit to Trans Nzoia County in Kenya ,the monarch accompanied by his cabinet met clan chairmen and local leaders, emphasizing the need to restore a shared identity rooted in common ancestry.
He described the split as a legacy of colonial-era “divide and rule” policies that fostered mistrust across borders.
“Whether they are Bagisu in Uganda or Babukusu in Kenya, they are all my people,” his highness Sir Mudoma said. “It is my responsibility to bring them together so that each one sees the other as a brother.”
The king warned that prolonged disunity has contributed to economic hardship, calling on the Baamasaba to embrace cooperation in mobilizing resources and improving livelihoods.
He also cautioned against what he termed a gradual erosion of cultural values, urging communities in Kenya, Uganda and the diaspora to reconnect with their traditions.
Sir Mudoma highlighted the importance of preserving the Lumasaaba language as a unifying cultural pillar and called for environmental conservation, particularly the protection of water catchment areas through tree planting.
Earlier, the king paid a courtesy call on George Natembeya, governor of Trans Nzoia County, where he planted a tree as they later on discussed cross-border issues affecting the community that resides in eastern Uganda and western Kenya.
County government officials, clan leaders and emminent elders from both Kenya and Uganda attended the meeting.
The visit is being viewed as a symbolic step toward mending historical divisions and strengthening ties among the Baamasaba.
The Umukuuka is expected to continue his outreach in Bungoma County on Thursday where he will meet additional community leaders and clan elders before concluding his tour of western Kenya.
