Mbale City, Uganda: Political and security leaders from the Bugisu sub-region have initiated efforts to resolve the ongoing leadership dispute within the Bugisu cultural institution as preparations intensify for the official launch of the 2026 Imbalu circumcision season.
The meeting, held on Thursday, July 02, at the office of the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) in Mbale City, brought together LC5 chairpersons from the six Bugisu districts and Mbale City, alongside senior security officials, to discuss measures aimed at safeguarding peace ahead of the annual cultural event.
The gathering was attended by Mbale City RCC George William Wopuwa, all LC5 chairpersons from the Bugisu sub-region, the Deputy City Security Officer representing the Resident Intelligence Security Officer (RISO), and the Mbale City Police Commander representing the Regional Police Commander (RPC).
Addressing the meeting, Wopuwa said the engagement was convened to develop a common strategy for ensuring that the Imbalu launch, scheduled for August 1, 2026, at the Mutoto Cultural Grounds, proceeds peacefully despite the ongoing leadership wrangles within the Bugisu cultural institution.
He noted that tensions have continued to rise between two rival factions, each claiming legitimate leadership of the institution and reportedly planning to converge at the cultural grounds during the launch.
According to Kigai Kosea, the LC5 Chairperson of Manafwa District and Chairperson of the Bugisu LC5 Chairpersons’ Forum, the leaders resolved to engage the rival groups separately before determining the most appropriate way forward.
“We agreed to meet each of the two factions independently, listen to their concerns and thereafter make recommendations that will ensure peace prevails,” Kosea said.
He emphasized that the leaders’ primary objective is to avert any possible confrontation and preserve the cultural significance of the Imbalu ceremony.
Namisindwa District LC5 Chairperson Emma Bwayo described Imbalu as one of Uganda’s most significant cultural events, attracting thousands of visitors from within the country and abroad.
He said protecting the ceremony from disruption should remain a collective responsibility and appealed to members of the public to remain calm as leaders work towards a peaceful resolution of the leadership impasse.
Bwayo urged both factions and the wider Bamasaaba community to exercise restraint and allow dialogue to take its course in the interest of preserving the region’s cultural heritage.
The annual Imbalu launch at Mutoto marks the beginning of the traditional circumcision season among the Bamasaaba and is expected to attract cultural leaders, government officials, tourists and thousands of participants from Uganda and beyond.
Leaders expressed optimism that continued engagement with all stakeholders would help maintain peace and ensure that this year’s celebrations proceed without incident.
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