The burial of the Bamasaba cultural leader, Umukukha Bob Mushikori, who died on Monday, may delay as they await his children to arrive from Canada.

Umukukha died just days after he was replaced. He was slated to hand over office to his successor earlier this year.

He died at his home in Senior Quarters, Northern division in Mbale city.

Mathias Nabutele, Umukukha’s personal assistant and former deputy premier, said the cultural institution was waiting for a post-mortem report to find out what killed him.

“He died at his home, where he was being attended to by his personal doctor, Dominic Wabuloko. A detailed report on the cause of death will be provided soon,” Nabutele said.

He said burial plans had kicked off and that Umukukha will be laid to rest in Busayi, Bududa district.

Nabutele noted that as much as arrangements are going on, the burial date will be determined by Umukukha’s children.

Nabutele also noted that the cultural institution was facing challenges of resources, adding that they had approached the government for assistance.

He said they were considering holding a scientific burial due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Mushikori was elected in 2015, replacing Wilson Wamimbi, who became the first cultural head in 2010.

Mushikori’s term expired and he handed over power last month. Elections for the new Umukukha were held on December 11, last year.

In June last year, Mushikori was rushed to Nakasero Hospital, with the intervention of State House, after being referred by Mbale Hospital, where he had been admitted with severe diabetes symptoms.

John Chrysotom Wayabire, the acting Uganda Cultural Leaders Association chairperson, who is also the cultural leader of Bagwere cultural institution, mourned the passing of the Bamasaba cultural leader.

“It is sad that the Basamaba cultural institution has lost its second cultural leader. Mushikori has been a principled man, who liked his culture and subjects,” Wayabire said.

He said the Umukukha played a great role in the unification of Bagwere and Bagisu over the Namatala wetland conflict that left scores of people dead as they fought for ownership of the wetland.

“He was at the forefront of promoting unity and peace between the two tribes,’’ Wayabire said.