news 1 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Speaker Oboth-Oboth Evacuated as Kadodi Dancers Disrupt Imbalu Ceremony
Speaker Anita Among was reportedly whisked away from Mutoto grounds amidst a chaotic disruption by Kadodi dancers during the Imbalu circumcision ceremony in Mbale City. The dancers allegedly lost their spiritual path, leading to a pandemonium that necessitated the Speaker's swift exit. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/speaker-oboth-oboth-flees-mutoto-grounds-as-kadodi-dancers-storm-vip-5543776
The highly anticipated Imbalu circumcision ceremony in Mbale City was thrown into disarray when Kadodi dancers reportedly veered off their designated spiritual route on Mutoto grounds. This deviation led to a chaotic scene, causing alarm among attendees and prompting the immediate evacuation of distinguished guests, including Speaker Anita Among.
Witnesses at the event, which is a significant cultural practice for the Bamasaba people, described a moment of panic as the dancers, who are central to the traditional procession, appeared to lose their way. The spiritual significance of the Imbalu ceremony demands adherence to specific pathways and rituals, and the dancers’ alleged loss of direction disrupted the solemnity of the occasion.
Sources present at the grounds indicated that security personnel quickly intervened to ensure the safety of the Speaker and other high-profile individuals. The situation escalated to a point where the ceremony’s proceedings were halted for a period as order was being restored. The exact cause of the dancers losing their spiritual pathway remains unclear, but it significantly impacted the smooth running of the cultural event.
This incident highlights the delicate balance between cultural traditions and the security arrangements required for public gatherings, especially when prominent figures are in attendance. The disruption has sparked discussions about the preparedness and execution of such significant cultural events in the future.