Lugbara Rival Cultural Chief Manaseh Yuma Amuku Passes Away at 80

Manaseh Yuma Amuku, a prominent rival claimant to the position of paramount chief of the Lugbara cultural institution, has passed away at the age of 80. He breathed his last at Arua Regional Referral Hospital after battling a long-term illness.

The death of Mr Amuku was confirmed by his prime minister, Ejiku Elly, who noted that the late leader passed away in the early hours of the morning. Family members, clan leaders, and government authorities are currently holding consultative meetings to finalize the burial arrangements, though the final date has not yet been formally announced.

Before rising to prominence in cultural leadership, Mr Amuku served the region as a sub-county chief within the former Arua District administration. He later assumed the role of clan chief for the Ayivu people and was subsequently elected as the paramount chief, known locally as the Agofe, in 2023. However, his tenure as paramount chief remained unconronated.

Mr Amuku’s passing unfolds against the backdrop of a prolonged and intense leadership dispute within the Lugbara cultural institution. The institution encompasses several clans, including Vurra, Ayivu, and Maracha. Under traditional guidelines, clan chiefs are expected to elect a paramount chief through a parliamentary gathering called Langaa.

However, a factional rift emerged between Mr Amuku’s camp and a rival group led by Maracha clan chief Angello Pati. While rival factions recognize Mr Amuku’s legitimacy as the Ayivu clan chief, they strongly contested his claim to lead the entire cultural institution. Leadership tensions recently came to a head when an installation ceremony for Mr Pati was halted after judicial authorities advised that the chief-designate needed proper gazettement first.

Read more details on the Daily Monitor.