By Aaron Okotel
MBALE CITY
The Umukuka III of Bugisu, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, has met with the 26 Bamasaba clan heads, known as Bebikuka, in a strategic meeting aimed at preparing for the official launch of the 2026 Imbalu circumcision season.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, 24th June, 2026 at the Bugisu Cultural Institution headquarters in Mudodo, attracted hundreds of subjects of the Umukuka as well as members of the wider public who gathered to witness the cultural engagement.
During the closed-door discussions, the cultural leaders deliberated on key preparations for the upcoming Imbalu season, which is expected to draw thousands of participants and visitors from across Uganda and beyond.
Following the meeting, Umukuka Mudoma toured the cultural site, inspecting clan shrines and assessing ongoing renovation efforts intended to preserve and improve the institution’s cultural heritage sites ahead of the circumcision festivities.
Speaking after the engagement, the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, called upon well-wishers and members of the public interested in supporting the renovation of clan shrines to channel their contributions through recognized clan leaders.
Masiga warned the public against falling victim to fraudsters who may exploit the preparations to solicit money under false pretenses.
“We appeal to all people who wish to contribute towards the facelift of the clan shrines to work directly with the respective clan leaders. This will help avoid incidents of conmen taking advantage of the preparations,” Masiga said.
The Bugisu Cultural Institution is expected to officially launch the 2026 Imbalu season on August 1, marking the beginning of one of Eastern Uganda’s most celebrated cultural traditions.
Imbalu, a public circumcision ritual practiced by the Bamasaba, is held every even-numbered year and symbolizes the transition of boys into manhood.
