MBALE– The Imbalu [ Circumcision ] launch celebrations held at Mutoto Cultural Ground in Mbale City ended prematurely following an attack on ministers by a group of angry youth over the weekend.
The youth were accusing the organisers of reportedly failing to declare the money supposedly received from the government to fund the event.
The attack by the youth prompted the ministers, Members Of parliament, and other dignitaries who were sitting in the VIP tent to run away, prompting the function to end prematurely.
This is the first time that the circumcision launch has ended prematurely.
David Waniala, an elder, said the incident was unfortunate.
“It was a sad celebration and nobody anticipated that such an ugly scenario could happen despite their differences,” Waniala said.
Thousands of people had thronged Mutoto Cultural Ground for the official launch of the circumcision ceremony.
Circumcision of boys as a ritual to transform them into manhood in Bugisu is an age-old tradition, which defines and unites the Bamasaaba people in districts of Mbale, Manafwa, Bulambuli, Sironko, Namisindwa and Bududa, and Kenya [Babukusu] in Bungoma County. They are believed to be descendants of Masaba.
President Museveni was expected to grace the ceremony but he didn’t come. The Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Mary Goretti Kitutu represented the president at the function.
Male circumcision is held to much fanfare by the Bamasaaba during even years.
Ms Sarah Maswere Wasake, the general secretary of Bamasaaba Imbalu Organising Committee 2022, said five boys from Mutoto clan were circumcised during the launch.
Godwin Mubuya, the chairperson Bamasaaba Imbalu Inauguration Committee 2022, said that heard a rumour that some had planned to disorganize the function but were quick to defend it.
“The time for circumcising boys has reached. When they were taking the boys for circumcision they left the original cultural pass and used another pass which caused the commotion,” Mubuya said, adding that they didn’t use the cultural pass
Mubuya who apologised to the guests dismissed reports that he received money from the government.
“As the organising committee we didn’t receive any money from the governmentt and If money comes we shall declare it to the public, ”he said.
He explained that good enough no person was injured.
Mbale City Resident City Commissioner [RCC], Ahamada Washaki, blamed the youth, saying they caused unnecessary tension during the celebrations that were supposed to be peaceful.
The Imbalu ritual will continue throughout all the 26 clans in the Bugisu Sub-region.
The Bubulo East MP, John Musila, said there is a need to develop Mutoto Cultural Ground.
“We request the government to invest money here. We need the government to develop this place into a modern stadium,” he said.
https://thecooperator.news/bugisu-mps-want-lwakhakha-upgraded-to-one-stop-border-post/
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