Thousands of Revelers who turned up for the launch of the Imbalu (circumcision) ceremony in Bugisu sub-region at Mutoto Cultural Ground in Industrial City Division of Mbale City were on Saturday left puzzled after a swarm of kadodi [traditional circumcision] dancers, imbalu candidates dressed in traditional regalia and their cheerleaders, overran the VIP section.
This was during a cultural circumcision rite held every even year at Mutoto Cultural Ground, a place believed to be where the first Mugisu (Mumasaba) was circumcised.
Some of the government officials in the raided tent included the Minister of Karamoja Affairs, Dr. Mary Gorreti Kitutu, and the Minister in charge of Karamoja Agnes Nandutu among others.
Fortunately, the ministers and other dignitaries that were in that respective tent were whisked away by security personnel’s.
This year’s ceremony was held in the absence of a universally accepted cultural leader “Umukuka” who is supposed to preside over the rites.
This follows the succession disputes that engulfed the Masaba cultural institution since the demise of the last leader Bob Saul Mushkor who passed away last year.
According to the Mbale City Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Mr Ahamada Washaki, the Kadodi dancers and imbalu candidates were possessed by the ancestral spirits and lost their way.
Some of the Traditionalists interviewed noted that the incidence was a sign that the gods were not happy with the leaders in Bamasaba land.
“From time immemorial, the candidates have never lost their way, especially to the yard, where they are supposed to be circumcised and since they strayed into the VIP tent, it means there is something wrong with them,” an anonymous surgeon stated.
Some of the elders also allege that the recent flood that claimed over 30 persons after a heavy downpour that lasted 11 hours causing the Nabuyonga and Namatala rivers to burst their banks could also be attributed to the god’s anger.
According to Sarah Maswere Wasake, the General Secretary of Bamasaba Imbalu Organizing committee 2022, over 6000 boys are expected to be initiated into manhood this year.
Moses Kutoi, the Chairperson of Imbalu in Inzu Ya Masaaba said after the official launch, the circumcision will then spread to other districts .
By Susan Akidi
