Bugisu MPs contribute to Imbalu inauguration ceremony
The legislators collectively contributed funds to support the celebrations, with each MP donating sh1M.
The MPs' contributions come as preparations enter the final stages ahead of the official inauguration of the 2026 Imbalu circumcision season, which will take place on Saturday, August 1, at the Mutoto Cultural Site, the traditional home of Imbalu. (Photo by Ivan Tsebeni)
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Members of Parliament (MPs) from Bugisu sub-region have rallied behind preparations for the official inauguration of the 2026 Imbalu circumcision season, contributing millions of shillings towards the annual cultural event scheduled to take place at the Mutoto Cultural Site in Mbale City.
The legislators collectively contributed funds to support the celebrations, with each MP donating sh1M. However, the MP for Bubulo West Constituency in Manafwa District, Chris Matembu Wataka, made an additional contribution of sh500,000m towards the renovation of the Gobero and Wagogo cultural huts at the Mutoto Cultural Site.
Gobero and Wagogo are among the 26 sub-clans that make up the Inzu Ya Masaba Cultural Institution.
Speaking after making the contribution on Tuesday, Wataka said leadership goes beyond debating and passing laws in Parliament, emphasising that elected leaders have the responsibility to support the communities they represent in all aspects of life, including preserving their cultural heritage.
“Apart from being in Parliament and making laws, I am a leader of the people who should always support them in whatever they do. Culture is part of our identity, and it is our duty as leaders to ensure that it is preserved for future generations,” Wataka said.
“I call upon all our people to come to Mutoto on Friday and be part of this important occasion as we celebrate our culture together,” he added.
Namisindwa District Woman MP Metrine Musufa said it is the responsibility of every son and daughter of Bugisu to support the cultural institution and activities that promote the traditions of the Bamasaba.
She noted that leaders have a special obligation to champion cultural initiatives because they strengthen unity and preserve the community's identity.
“It is the role of the daughters and sons of Bugisu to support our culture. It is important for every leader to stand and support activities such as the Imbalu because they define who we are as a people,” Musufa said.
“I thank my fellow MPs for the contributions they have made. It is a good spirit, and it demonstrates our commitment to supporting the cultural institution and the people we represent,” Wepukhulu said.
The MPs' contributions come as preparations enter the final stages ahead of the official inauguration of the 2026 Imbalu circumcision season, which will take place on Saturday, August 1, at the Mutoto Cultural Site, the traditional home of Imbalu.
Thousands of people from across Bugisu, other parts of Uganda and neighbouring countries are expected to throng the venue to witness the colourful ceremony that officially marks the beginning of the biennial circumcision season.
Imbalu is the traditional circumcision ritual of the Bamasaba and is regarded as one of the region's most treasured cultural practices. The ceremony symbolizes the transition of boys into manhood through a public display of courage, endurance and acceptance into adulthood. The ritual is accompanied by vibrant cultural dances, drumming, singing and festivities that attract participants and visitors from different parts of the country and beyond.
Following the inauguration, candidates from different districts in the Bugisu sub-region and among Bamasaba communities living elsewhere begin presenting themselves for the traditional rite, which continues throughout the circumcision season.
Cultural leaders have called upon the public to embrace the celebrations peacefully and to use the occasion to promote unity, tourism and the preservation of the rich heritage of the Bamasaba people.