Spokesperson Bukuka Appeals for Condom Donations to Protect Imbalu Revelers at Mutoto

Mbale, Uganda – The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, has appealed to health organizations, development partners and well-wishers to urgently provide thousands of condoms to support the growing number of revelers gathered at the Mutoto Cultural Site ahead of this year's Imbalu circumcision festivities.

Masiga said the appeal follows requests from people already camping at Mutoto, who expressed concern over the shortage of condoms despite the large crowds participating in the month-long pre-Imbalu celebrations.

"Today morning, some revelers from Mutoto called me asking that I find ways of taking condoms to the cultural site before evening. Our people are always active during this season, and we are appealing to donors to step in and support us," Masiga said.

He specifically called upon organizations including The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Spotlight Africa and other public health partners to support the initiative by supplying condoms and strengthening HIV/AIDS awareness during the cultural festivities.

Masiga emphasized that while the Bugisu Cultural Institution encourages people to celebrate and preserve their rich cultural heritage, it also has a responsibility to promote public health and protect communities from preventable diseases.

"We want our people to celebrate their culture while alive and healthy. We must address the dangers of HIV and encourage responsible behaviour throughout the festivities," he said.

The Bugisu Cultural Institution officially opened the Mutoto Cultural Site for pre-Imbalu activities, which will run throughout July ahead of the official launch of the 2026 Imbalu circumcision season scheduled for August 1, 2026.

According to preliminary estimates from the institution, more than 1,000 revelers are already camping at Mutoto, participating in traditional dances, overnight celebrations and other cultural activities associated with the lead-up to the launch.

Masiga noted that the number is expected to rise significantly over the coming weeks as thousands of cultural enthusiasts from Kampala, eastern Uganda and other parts of the country converge on Mutoto to witness and participate in the celebrations.

"As a cultural institution, we are seeking support to ensure our people celebrate the pre-Imbalu festivities with the necessary tools for safer sex. Thousands of cultural enthusiasts are already in Mutoto, and we must ensure that everyone remains safe," he said.

He observed that large cultural gatherings often present increased public health challenges, including the heightened risk of HIV transmission if preventive measures are not readily available. For that reason, he said, condom distribution should be complemented by HIV prevention campaigns, voluntary counselling and testing services, and continuous health education throughout the celebration period.

Masiga urged government health agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups and development partners to work together in safeguarding the health of participants while allowing the cultural celebrations to proceed successfully.

The Imbalu ceremony is one of the most significant cultural traditions among the Bamasaba community, attracting thousands of initiates, families, tourists and cultural enthusiasts from across Uganda and beyond. The festivities are celebrated through music, dance, cultural exhibitions and traditional rituals that culminate in the public circumcision ceremonies.

As preparations intensify for the official launch on August 1, Bugisu cultural leaders say integrating public health interventions into the celebrations will help ensure that participants preserve both their cultural heritage and their well-being.