By Dramadri Federick.

Cultural Chiefs within Lugbara Kari, a cultural organization that unites all Lugbara-speaking clans, have denounced His Royal Highness, Yuma Amuku Manase, the designated Cultural Leader commonly known as ‘Agofe’.

The move was led by the Chiefdom Prime Minister Ismael Tuku, his deputy Professor Ngaka Willy, and two other officials, including Rev. Dr. Christopher Yiki, the Speaker, and Jaffar Alekua, the Clerk to the Council.

These have accused the ‘Agofe’ of failing to unite with his clan members from Ayivu and swiftly declared Chief Alia Angello Pati as the clan head of Maracha and consequently as the new Agofe of Lugbara Kari.

However, Yuma has dismissed these claims, stating that he has already communicated with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and has served a notice to the President of Uganda to disregard the appointment of Alia Angello Pati as Agofe.

In the petition submitted to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Chief Yuma disregarded all documents earlier submitted by the Prime Minister and other Cabinet officials. An additional petition was also submitted to the President of Uganda, confirming Yuma Amuku Manase as the legitimate leader of Lugbara. Both letters were written on October 4th and officially received by the respective offices on October 7th, 2025.

Chief Yuma has further threatened to sue the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers over the alleged overthrow of his government. Through the cultural institution’s legal adviser, Izo and Co Advocates, Yuma has raised several grounds for his opposition, including illegal amendments to the 2011 Lugbara Constitution and its enforcement, unlawful appointment of Alia Angello Pati, and the overthrow of the Lugbara Paramount Chief.

Counsel Isaac Ayikobua, legal advisor to the Paramount Chief of Lugbara Kari, confirmed that all necessary documents have been prepared and served to the relevant authorities, demanding immediate action. “We want to demonstrate that any government can be overthrown at any time, which is very dangerous. These actions by the Cabinet members are criminal, and they should be arrested because you cannot form your own government when an existing one is in place,” Ayikobua stated.

On his part, Gasper Piriyo, a subject from the Ayivu chiefdom, criticized the actions of the Cabinet led by the Prime Minister, describing them as satanic and calling for condemnation from all Lugbara.

“Corruption and tribalism have infiltrated this mighty cultural organization of Lugbara Kari. We cannot allow this chieftaincy to disappear simply because of the actions of a few individuals,” Piriyo emphasized.

Meanwhile, according to the 2011 Lugbara Constitution, the election of the Paramount Chief is based on the decisions of the four clan chiefs, not the executive members or ministers. On the other hand, the conflict between the Agofe-elect and the Cabinet ministers of Lugbara Kari coincides with the ongoing struggle of the cultural institution to attain official gazettement by the government.

END.