Umukuuka Mudoma Launches Imbalu Board Ahead of 2026 Circumcision Ceremonies
Speaking to Nile Chronicles by telephone from the Mutoto Cultural Site in Mbale City, the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Mr. Steven Masiga, confirmed that His Highness the Umukuuka, Jude Mike Mudoma, presided over the launch of the new board.
Mutoto, Mbale City (UG)
The leadership of the Bugisu Cultural Institution has officially launched the Imbalu Board that will oversee preparations for the highly anticipated 2026 Imbalu circumcision ceremonies across the Bugisu sub-region.
Speaking to Nile Chronicles by telephone from the Mutoto Cultural Site in Mbale City, the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, confirmed that His Highness the Umukuka, Jude Mike Mudoma, presided over the launch of the new board.
According to Masiga, the newly inaugurated board will spearhead all organizational activities, mobilization efforts, cultural coordination, and preparations for the 2026 Imbalu season, one of the most celebrated cultural rituals among the Bamasaaba people.
The board will be chaired by Mr. Emmanuel Watundu, a media personality attached to Open Gate Radio Station, alongside several other executives appointed to serve on the committee.
Masiga revealed that the chairmanship of the Imbalu Board rotates among clans, noting that this year’s chairman comes from the Wanale clan, while the 2024 chairperson came from the Mubuya clan.
“The Umukuka has today officially launched the Imbalu Board that will coordinate all preparations for the 2026 circumcision ceremonies. The chairman this year is Mr. Emmanuel Watundu from the Wanale clan,” Masiga said.
The launch ceremony at the historic Mutoto Cultural Site attracted senior officials from the Bugisu Cultural Institution. The Umukuka was accompanied by the Prime Minister of the institution, Dr. Paul Mwambu, spokesperson Steven Masiga, and the Minister for Works, Allan Wekesa, among other dignitaries.
The newly constituted Imbalu Board comprises 11 members tasked with ensuring the successful organization of the traditional circumcision festivities, which are expected to attract thousands of participants, cultural enthusiasts, tourists, and visitors from across Uganda and beyond.
Imbalu is a treasured cultural practice among the Bamasaaba, symbolizing the transition of boys into manhood through traditional circumcision rituals accompanied by cultural dances, music, and community celebrations.
The Mutoto Cultural Site in Mbale City remains the spiritual and cultural center of the Imbalu ceremonies and serves as the official launch venue for every circumcision season.
Cultural leaders expressed optimism that the newly appointed board will strengthen preparations, preserve the values of the Bamasaaba culture, and ensure a successful 2026 Imbalu season.
