Imbalu launch marred by circumcisers' protests over delayed support
“We cannot begin our work under these circumstances. The bull is not just an animal to us; it is part of our tradition and a symbol of respect for the people entrusted with carrying out this sacred cultural responsibility. We have always been given a bull before the ceremony begins, and we expect that tradition to be respected,” Mudebo said.
The circumcisers, clad in traditional attire, marched into the arena holding their ceremonial knives, drawing the attention of hundreds of spectators who had gathered for the launch. (New Vision/Files)
MBALE - There was drama during the official launch of the 2026 Imbalu circumcision season today (August 1) at Mutoto ceremonial grounds in Mbale district after traditional circumcisers staged a protest demanding that organisers first fulfil what they described as a longstanding commitment to provide them with a bull for slaughter before they commence their cultural duties.
The circumcisers, clad in traditional attire, marched into the arena holding their ceremonial knives, drawing the attention of hundreds of spectators who had gathered for the launch.
Their symbolic procession briefly disrupted the programme as they insisted they would not proceed with any rituals until their concerns were addressed.
Speaking on behalf of the circumcisers, the chairperson of the Imbalu circumcisers, Magidu Mudebo, said the group had been left disappointed by the organisers' failure to honour a practice that has, for generations, marked the beginning of every Imbalu season.
“We cannot begin our work under these circumstances. The bull is not just an animal to us; it is part of our tradition and a symbol of respect for the people entrusted with carrying out this sacred cultural responsibility. We have always been given a bull before the ceremony begins, and we expect that tradition to be respected,” Mudebo said.
“We are not refusing to serve our community; we are only asking organisers to fulfil what has always been done. If this is ignored today, future generations may think these customs no longer matter,” he said.
The protest forced organisers into hurried consultations as cultural leaders and security personnel attempted to calm the situation and persuade the circumcisers to carry out their duties.
Responding to the protest, the Chairperson of the Imbalu Organising Committee, Hosea Kimono Kigayi, acknowledged the circumcisers' concerns but attributed the delay to financial constraints affecting preparations for this year's event.
“Our budget has been overstretched. We appreciate the concerns raised by the circumcisers, but this year's organisation has faced several financial challenges. Some of the things people have become accustomed to may not happen exactly as they have been done in previous years,” he said.
“We recognise the important role played by the circumcisers in preserving the Imbalu tradition. We are engaging all stakeholders to find a solution so that the launch can proceed peacefully and successfully,” he said.
The standoff created moments of anxiety among revellers, with many watching from a distance as discussions continued between organisers and the protesting circumcisers.
The atmosphere was further strained by heightened security concerns linked to divisions within the Inzu Ya Masaba Cultural Institution. Rival factions of the institution were present at the venue, creating tension that required close monitoring by security personnel deployed around the ceremonial grounds.
Although no major violence was reported by the time of filing this story, the visible disagreements among cultural leaders and supporters added to the uncertainty surrounding the launch.
Several attendees expressed concern that the disputes risked overshadowing one of the region's most significant cultural events.
By press time, organisers were still engaged in discussions with the circumcisers in an effort to resolve the impasse and allow the cultural proceedings to continue without further disruption.