Bugisu circumcisers petition govt over health equipment
"We are asking the Government to support us with gloves, sanitisers and other protective equipment because we handle people's lives just like medical surgeons," Mudebo said.
The Imbalu Organising Committee admitted that preparations are facing financial challenges that have affected several planned activities, including support for key stakeholders. (Photo by Ivan Tsebeni)
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Traditional circumcisers from the Bamasaaba cultural institution have appealed to the Government to urgently provide them with medical supplies, including surgical gloves, sanitisers and financial facilitation, arguing that the nature of their work exposes them to health risks similar to those faced by medical practitioners.
The appeal was made on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during a health and safety training attended by 678 traditional circumcisers ahead of the official launch of the 2026 Imbalu circumcision season on Saturday, August 1, at the Mutoto Cultural Grounds in Mbale City.
Speaking on behalf of the circumcisers, Magidu Mudebo, the head of all traditional circumcisers in Masabaland, said the practitioners play a critical role in safeguarding the lives of thousands of young people (initiates) every Imbalu season but continue to operate with limited support.
"We are asking the Government to support us with gloves, sanitisers and other protective equipment because we handle people's lives just like medical surgeons. Every circumciser comes into direct contact with blood, and without proper protective gear, both the initiates and the circumcisers are exposed to health risks," Mudebo said.
He said although the Ministry of Health has continued to train circumcisers on safe practices, the knowledge alone is insufficient without the tools required to implement the health guidelines.
"We have received the training, and we appreciate government for that. However, the training must be accompanied by the necessary equipment. It becomes difficult to observe proper hygiene if a circumciser cannot access gloves or sanitisers."
Mudebo also renewed calls for financial facilitation, saying the traditional surgeons have not received any response after submitting their budget to the Imbalu Organising Committee.
"We submitted our budget to the organisers but we have not yet received any response. Circumcisers are among the biggest stakeholders in this ceremony because without us there is no Imbalu. There should be a budget specifically meant to facilitate our work," he said.
Officials from the Ministry of Health acknowledged the important role played by traditional circumcisers in promoting safe cultural practices.
Dr John Baptist Waniaye Nambohe, the Commissioner for Emergency Medical Services at the Ministry of Health, said the ministry organised the training to strengthen infection prevention and improve safety during the traditional circumcision exercise.
"The purpose of this training is to equip circumcisers with health tips on how to conduct safe circumcision. The Government cares about the health of its people, and that is why we continue working with cultural institutions to improve safety during Imbalu," Nambohe said.
He noted that although Imbalu remains a treasured cultural practice among the Bamasaaba, it must always be conducted in accordance with basic public health standards.
"Imbalu is a good cultural practice, and it has several health benefits, especially when it is handled properly. We, therefore, encourage all circumcisers to remain clean, observe hygiene and be health conscious throughout the exercise," he said.
Nambohe urged practitioners to consistently use clean instruments and maintain high sanitation standards to minimise infections.
The Imbalu Organising Committee admitted that preparations are facing financial challenges that have affected several planned activities, including support for key stakeholders.
"The financing gaps we are experiencing resulted largely from the disagreements that affected the institution. Those misunderstandings slowed mobilisation efforts and affected our fundraising activities," Wepukhulu said.
He explained that the committee has so far realised only minimal revenue from activities at the Mutoto Cultural Grounds.
"The money collected as revenue from the venue remains inadequate to finance preparations for an event of this magnitude. We are now looking to the Government to support the entire exercise," he said.
Despite the financial hurdles, organisers remain optimistic that this year's ceremony will proceed successfully.
The Secretary of the Imbalu Organising Committee and Namisindwa District Chairperson, Emma Bwayo, assured the Bamasaaba that the earlier disagreements would not derail preparations.
"Whatever disagreements we experienced have now been resolved, and they will not deter this year's Imbalu ceremony. Preparations are progressing well and we expect a successful launch."
Bwayo said President Yoweri Museveni is expected to officiate as the chief guest during the launch on August 1 at Mutoto Cultural Grounds and called upon the public to turn up in large numbers.
"We invite all Bamasaaba and friends of our culture to attend the launch. Security agencies have already put in place adequate arrangements to ensure there is peace and security throughout the celebrations."
This year's Imbalu season comes after months of uncertainty within the Inzu Ya Masaba Cultural Institution, whose leadership disputes disrupted preparations and fundraising efforts. But following a court-mediated reconciliation last week, cultural leaders said they are now focused on delivering a safe, peaceful and successful circumcision season while strengthening collaboration between traditional practitioners and the health sector.