The Launch Of Imbalu 2002

By Abubaker MukoseDrums and more drums led the imbalu (circumcision) troupes as they danced their way to the Mbale’s Bumutoto cultural site to launch the 2002 circumcision festival last week.Two or more circumcision candidates featured prominently amongst the dancers who included the youth, elderly and children.Donned in cultural fatigue ranging from animal skins to cowry-shells to locally made bells and the traditional beads, the fierce-looking candidates had no option, but to brave the day’s cultural festivities as they unfolded to the last ritual of shedding blood.The hustle and bustle created dust as thousands of fans went into a frenzy to mark the cultural event, which comes once in two years.The kadodi music lyrics coupled with dancing and ululating filled the Bumutoto cultural site as the Mt. Elgon’s ridges stood 3km away to echo the day’s activities.It was a drumming collection where the Kadodi imbalasi (Southern beat) and the imbalabe (Northern Bugisu beat) met to share the cultural space, sending the over 10,000 cultural fans in total frenzy.Five imbalu candidates ushered in to sample the first ritual wore brave faces, but could be seen mumbling about in anticipation of the traditional knife.Like condemned animals in an abattoir, the candidates one after the other faced the traditional knife as it performed its role.The candidates faced the knife with courage and devotion. The bakhebi (local surgeons) are so talented that a candidate hardly takes 10 seconds for both the epidermis and endodermis to be operated off the penis.“Mwanyala, mwanyala hukhuma...,”(thank you for the courage), State Minister for Communication, Michael Werikhe, who officiated at the launch, was heard saying in the background as the occasion came to its the end.The activity ended with a drinking spree. While the well-to-do class settled for a beer or whisky, locals had their day on the local potent gin and malwa. Eats ranging from chicken to local dishes and light foods blessed the occasion.Ends