The Paramount Chief of the Bamasaba His Royal Highness, Umukhuka we Bamasaba, Jude Mike Mudoma, has officially commissioned the traditional circumcision of his boyhood subjects for the calendar year,  2024.

Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma stands through the roof of a high-lifted car, waving to his subjects during the launch of Imbalu at Bumutoto Cultural Grounds yesterday.

In a well-attended colourful festival, Umukhuka, Mudoma launched the traditional circumcision known as Imbalu which is regarded as the rite of passage from boyhood to manhood.

With the launch, this means boys in ten and hundreds from different parts of Bugisu both Ugandan and Kenyan will be circumcised during the ceremony and more will officially face the knife throughout the remaining part of the year.

His Royal Highness Fiti Torgbui Adzonugaga Amenya V of Ghana, accompanied by his entourage, arrives at Bumutoto Cultural Grounds for the launch of Imbalu yesterday.

The exercise was flagged off by several cultural leaders including those from abroad.

Sebei’s Kinkoo, Peter Swilikei Kissa, King of Kumam, His Royal Highness, Raphael Otaya, and His Majesty Nabongo Mumia II the King of Wanje Kingdom in KenyaMudoma were all in attendance.

The Buganda Kingdom, Iteso Cultural Union, Ikumbania wa Bagwere, The Japadhola King, and Busoga Kingdom all sent representatives to Mutoto cultural ground in the Industrial Division of Mbale city.

Asumin Nasike, the Resident City Commissioner of Mbale City, adorned in banana leaves, leads the Kenyan delegation in dance at Bumutoto Cultural Grounds during the launch of Imbalu on August 3, 2024.

Guests outside East Africa included; His Royal Majesty King Baridam of Ogoniland from Nigeria, Chief Piernam Telou and Majesty Sangli Kponvi.

Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma waving to his subjects.

Others included, Majesty NII Kpambi Vedzesu the 5th Prime Minister, Queen Enyona Fiti and King Amenya Fiti V, the President of AFLAO Traditional State that comprises Ghana, Benin and Togo.

Imbalu candidates entertaining guests and local revellers.

The Government was represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, John Mulimba and several ministers including State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Florence Nambozo, and Minister for the Elderly, Dominic Mafaabi Gidudu.

The Opposition Chief Whip in the eleventh Parliament, Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe led the Members of Parliament who included; Karim Masaba of Industrial Division, Mbale City WMP Connie Nakayenze Galiwango, Richard Wanda of Bungokho Central, John Baptist Musila of Bubulo, Miriam Mukhaye of Mbale District among others.

Several other dignitaries such as Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, RDCs, RCCs, religious leaders, Emyooga national coordinator, Rita Namuwenge and Mbale City Mayor Cassim Namugali graced the occasion.