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The Bamasaaba cultural leader, Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma, has named a 36-member cabinet headed by a prime minister, to help him run the Inzu Ya Masaaba for the next five years.

Speaking to New Vision, the Inzu Ya Masaaba public relations officer, Steven Masiga, said after consultations, the Umukuuka formed the cabinet that includes three women.

The cabinet is headed by the prime minister Amb. Charles Masolo Walimbwa Peke and has two deputies: Clet Wanduyi (minister of research and innovations) and Damiano Wamimbi in charge of the treasury.

Former Budadiri East MP Vincent Waboya was named minister in charge of disaster and emergency management, Sam Kuloba who recently retired as commissioner of secondary education, took the portfolio of education and sports, while Paul Mwambu who is a commissioner in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, was named agriculture minister.

Among other appointments include educationist Dr Kosea Wambaka in charge of planning, and Rita Namuwenge, the national coordinator of the Emyooga programme, is the new gender minister.

Dr Robinah Namoome got the health ministry, and current Kumi RDC Ahamada Washaki appointed envoy in charge of mediation and reconciliation, while former Bududa LC5 chairperson Wilson Watira is to be in charge of the Imbalu committee and culture council.

According to Masiga, the cabinet will among other issues, pursue the opening of a public university in the Bugisu sub-region pledged by President Yoweri Museveni, forging unity for development among all people who live in Masaabaland, and mobilising financial support to build a palace at Mutoto cultural site.

Masiga called for closer a working relationship and coordination between the central government departments and the Bamasaaba cultural institution in programmes like the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and the proposed relocation of people from landslide-prone areas.