The spokesperson of the Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, has challenged business owners and affluent individuals in the Bugisu sub-region to support vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society. He made the remarks during a one-day symposium organised by the Bugisu NGO Forum in partnership with Legacy, an organisation working with communities in the region. The meeting brought together stakeholders to discuss community development, corporate social responsibility and the role of different actors in supporting vulnerable people.
Masiga expressed concern over the lack of willingness among some members of the Bamasaaba business community to contribute towards cultural and humanitarian initiatives, despite their financial capabilities. He cited the resettlement of people from Bududa District to Bunambutye in Bulambuli District as an example of the limited support from local businesses. According to Masiga, the Chinese Industrial Park was among the few organisations that came forward to offer substantial assistance, contributing items worth approximately Shs100 million.
Masiga challenged business owners to reconsider their approach to community support, arguing that philanthropy should not be left to foreign investors and government institutions when local businesses can also play a significant role. He drew comparisons between the support extended to cultural leaders in other parts of the country and the response of the Bamasaaba community during the death of their former cultural leader, Umukuuka wa Bamasaaba. Masiga recounted his recent visit to Tooro Kingdom, where he led a delegation of Bamasaaba cultural leaders to attend the send-off ceremonies of the late Omukama of Tooro.
Masiga contrasted his experience in Tooro Kingdom with what happened in Bugisu following the death of the former Umukuuka, saying the community's failure to mobilise sufficient resources for the burial forced the Government to intervene. He said the experience highlighted the need for Bamasaaba to strengthen their commitment to their cultural institution and take greater responsibility for activities that benefit their community. Masiga urged the business community to abandon selfishness and embrace a spirit of collective responsibility.
Masiga called on civil society organisations, including the Bugisu NGO Forum and Legacy, to work closely with business owners to document and publicise philanthropic contributions made towards community development. He observed that several individuals and businesses were already supporting vulnerable people but their contributions often went unrecognised because of inadequate documentation and coordination with civil society organisations.
The symposium also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss the contribution of civil society organisations and the business community to development in the Bugisu sub-region. Catherine, who represented the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Mbale District, was among the speakers at the meeting. She was joined by Iddi Mafabi, the Programme Officer of the Bugisu NGO Forum.
Masiga's appeal comes amid calls for greater private-sector participation in community development, with stakeholders being encouraged to complement government programmes through charitable giving, partnerships. The Bamasaaba Cultural Institution is committed to recognising and rewarding individuals and businesses that demonstrate outstanding commitment to community development and humanitarian activities.
Key points
- Masiga urges Bugisu business owners to prioritize community welfare over selfishness
- The Bamasaaba Cultural Institution is committed to recognising and rewarding individuals and businesses that demonstrate outstanding commitment to community development
- Masiga calls on civil society organisations to work closely with business owners to document and publicise philanthropic contributions
