culture 13 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Imbalu Circumcision Ceremony Launch Scheduled for August 1 Amid Bagisu Cultural Clashes
The Bugisu Cultural Institution has announced August 1 as the start date for this year's Imbalu circumcision rites at Mutoto Cultural Ground, despite opposition from a rival faction and rising security tensions among the Bagisu community. Divisions stem from a government renaming of the institution, fueling disputes over leadership and event rights. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/imbalu-launch-set-for-august-1-amid-tension-5422688
The Bugisu Cultural Institution, led by Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma, has fixed August 1 for the official launch of the 2026 Imbalu circumcision ceremony at Mutoto Cultural Ground in Mbale District. This decision comes amid ongoing rivalries with the Inzu Ya Masaba faction headed by Joram Mayatsa.
Tensions escalated last year when the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development renamed the institution from Inzu Ya Masaba to Bugisu Cultural Institution, deeming the original registration illegal under the Companies Act. Mudoma insists his group holds the legitimate authority to organize the event.
Preparations include securing the venue, deploying security, and plans to tarmac the access road following talks with the Works minister. Weekend meetings with regional security heads, led by Mbale RCC George Wopuwa, outlined protocols for the event, expecting high-profile attendees like Presidents Museveni and Ruto.
The rival Inzu Ya Masaba group rejects the launch, claiming lack of community backing and vowing a parallel event at the same site if needed. They argue Mudoma abandoned their structure, electing their own leader as the true custodian.
Bugisu officials like Culture Minister Moses Kutoyi accuse opponents of seeking financial gains, while Local Government Minister Sam Napokoli warns of potential chaos. Former MP Cosmas Busima urged elders to shun violence and social media incitement, promoting unity. Residents call for government mediation to ensure peace.
Source: Daily Monitor