By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE
The Inzu yabugisu has declared a ban on the launch of circumcision (imbalu) which was scheduled to take place on 1st January 2026. The announcement was made by Steven Masiga, the spokesperson of Inzu yabugisu on Sunday, 28th December, 2025.
According to the circumcision (Imbalu) calendar of Bamasaba, the exercise takes place every even year. This implies that the circumcision is supposed to be launched on the 1st of next month.
However, Steven Masiga, spokesperson for Inzu yabugisu, defended the decision to stop the launch on 1st January citing the busy political activities and re-opening of schools.
He says Inzu yabugisu has two circumcision periods in a circumcision year, that is, August during the official launch for non-school-going youth and in December for school-going youths.
Moses Kutoi, the Minister for Culture at Inzu yabugisu, urges the Bamasaba to abide by the directive so that everything can go in peace.
Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuka III of Inzu yabugisu, says he has informed Samuel Asiimwe, the Elgon region police commander, about the ban, stating that anyone who violates the directive will be arrested.
Meanwhile, Mudoma sent his condolences regarding the recent killings at Jewa town council in Mbale district, where Moses Nabende, the LC1 Chairman of Bubirabi village, was killed by members of a rival MP’s political camp over political differences.
Assimwe urged the Bamasaba to follow the law and abide by the directive of Inzu yabugisu banning the launch of imbalu on 1st next month until the official opening.
