The Inzu Ya Masaaba has come of age, something exemplified by the holding of peaceful elections for the new cultural leader, Mr Bob Mushikori.
In the past there have been disputes in regard to the institution, when two people, Joseph Wash Kanyanya and Wilson Wamimbi, at one point in time claimed to be the rightful holders of the office.
Similarly, there have been problems of accountability and in March this year it was reported that the cultural institution was embroiled in a financial scandal, with officials allegedly soliciting for money from other sources and failing to declare or account for the funds.
In that regard therefore, the election of Mushikori as the Mukuukha comes with some challenges and one of his first assignments should be to help recover the mismanaged funds, and then to streamline the operations of the institution.
Mushikori is a seasoned man, he brings with him a wealth of experience and is respected for his wide international outlook and understanding of diplomacy after he served as the culture minister of Inzu Ya Masaaba in charge of the Diaspora and also as President for North American Masaaba Cultural Association.
That aside, the Bamasaaba should be hailed for upholding democratic values.
In its fifth year now, the Inzu Ya Masaaba institution has shown that it is a beacon of continuity, capable of preserving the cultural norms of the Bamasaaba.
And in the next five years Mr Mushikori should ride on that tide to steer the Institution to even greater heights.
