Our Reporter | Mbale City — The Umukuka of Bugisu, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, has asked the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to support the development of the Mutoto cultural site into a modern cultural centre.
According to the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, the Umukuka made the request during a meeting with a UNESCO delegation that paid a courtesy visit to the cultural institution in Mbale City on Tuesday afternoon.
Masiga said the proposed development would include a modern palace, amphitheatre, stadium and other cultural facilities aimed at transforming Mutoto into a major cultural and heritage centre.
The UNESCO delegation included Ms. Mariana from Mexico and Dan Kawesi from the UNESCO Uganda office.
The meeting was also attended by officials from the Bugisu Cultural Institution, including Hon. Priscilla Khaitsa, Minister for Museums; Hon. Moses Kutoi, Minister for Culture and Heritage; and Hon. Richard Wambede, Minister for Umukuka Affairs.
Masiga said the UNESCO team committed to presenting the proposal for the development of Mutoto cultural site to the organisation’s relevant authorities for consideration.
He said the Bugisu Cultural Institution is determined to transform the current face of Mutoto by establishing a modern palace and offices for ministers within the cultural institution.
Masiga added that the planned developments are intended to preserve Bugisu’s cultural heritage while creating modern facilities that can support cultural activities, tourism and community development.
The Mutoto cultural site is an important cultural and historical site for the Bamasaaba and hosts major cultural activities, including ceremonies associated with Imbalu, the traditional male circumcision practice of the Bamasaaba.
