By Leah Namono
MBALE
Leaders from the six districts and one city in Bugisu on Thursday afternoon held a meeting to discuss ways of ensuring a peaceful and successful Imbalu launch amid the ongoing leadership crisis at the Bugisu cultural institution. The meeting took place at the office of the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) in Mbale City.
The meeting was attended by all LC5 Chairpersons from the Bugisu sub-region, George William Wopuwa, the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Mbale City, the Deputy City Security Officer representing the Resident Intelligence Security Officer (RISO), and the Mbale City Police Commander, who represented the Regional Police Commander (RPC).
Wopuwa said he convened the meeting to chart a way forward for the successful launch of the Imbalu circumcision ceremony, scheduled for 1 August 2026 at the Mutoto Cultural Grounds. He noted that tensions have escalated between two rival factions, both claiming legitimate leadership of the cultural institution and threatening to converge at Mutoto.
According to Kigai Kosea, the LC5 Chairperson of Manafwa District, the leaders resolved to meet the two rival factions separately and listen to their concerns before making any recommendations. Kosea, who also serves as the Chairperson of all LC5 Chairpersons in Bugisu, said the main objective is to prevent violence and ensure that the Imbalu launch is conducted peacefully.
Emma Bwayo, the LC5 Chairperson of Namisindwa District, described Imbalu as the second-largest cultural carnival in the world and emphasized that it must be protected at all costs. He appealed to the people of Bugisu to remain calm and allow leaders the opportunity to explore peaceful solutions that will guarantee a successful Imbalu launch.
