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This year, 1,960 candidates will be circumcised
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In the towering hills of Mt. Elgon lies the unique Imbalu circumcision ritual, practiced by the Bagisu in Uganda and the Babukusu in western Kenya. This event, held every even year, marks the passage to adulthood for young men who bravely face the knife. The festivities feature cultural practices, dances, drum sounds, and traditional songs. Foods like Kamaleya (malewa), yams, and matooke are served during the celebrations.
Every two years, the ceremony attracts about 10 million people from districts including Namisindwa, Bulambuli, Sironko, Mbale, Manafwa, and Bududa, as well as participants from western Kenya. This year, 1,960 candidates will be circumcised, a significant increase from the previous year's 800, according to Bugisu Cultural leader Umukukha III Jude Mike Mudoma. The rise in numbers is due to candidates who skipped the 2022 ritual due to Covid-19 and government restrictions.
Mudoma emphasized the importance of education, noting that the institution has established structures to monitor candidates even after circumcision. He also highlighted efforts to prevent premature circumcisions by issuing a directive for candidates to wait for the official launch on August 3.
The Imbalu festival presents an opportunity to boost tourism. The government and tourism agencies are strategizing to utilize the large crowds for tourism promotion. Bugisu leaders suggest that gazetting the Mutoto cultural site could generate significant revenue.
At the Mutoto cultural grounds in Mbale, all 32 Bugisu clans exhibit dances, storytelling, foods, dress codes, and tools. The site features 28 grass-thatched houses representing each clan. The preservation of these cultural items is crucial for future generations.
President Museveni has donated 33 cows and items worth 400 million shillings to support the Imbalu ritual launch. This includes tents, chairs, maize, drinks, and a sound system. Mudoma praised Museveni for his ongoing support for the Bagisu, including assistance to landslide victims and the introduction of poverty eradication programs.
The Bamasaba community extends to Kenya, and this year's celebration includes delegations from Kenyan provinces Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia. Circumcision in Kenya awaits the flag-off in Bugisu. Mudoma noted that 200 local surgeons, all HIV-tested, will circumcise the candidates this year.
The Imbalu festival boosts the local economy as crowds gather in Mbale for the grand opening. According to tourism investor Amos Wekesa, such domestic tourism events create new economic opportunities and contribute to GDP growth. The Imbalu festival, a symbol of unity and cultural heritage, continues to attract large crowds and promote tourism, while receiving support from the government to ensure its success.
Torch Media Africa
