By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
With only one day left to the official launch of circumcision at the Mutoto Cultural Site, the LCV Chairpersons from the Bugisu region under the Imbalu Organizing Committee say they have so far collected only UGX 60 million out of a target of UGX 1 billion.
Speaking to the media in a press conference held on Thursday, 30th July, 2026 at the Mutoto Cultural Site, Alex Nabende Guga, the LCV Chairperson of Sironko District and Treasurer of the Imbalu Organizing Committee, said they have failed to meet the UGX 1 billion target as the launch date draws closer.
He noted that the funds were donated by district local governments, Mbale City business people, and other sources.
Kosea Kigai Kimono, the LC5 Chairperson of Manafwa District and Chairperson of the Imbalu Organizing Committee, said the money raised does not even reach a quarter of their budget.
He added that they had planned several activities, including hiring tents and seats, and awarding candidates who will perform traditional dances, among others.
Godfrey Natubu Wafukhulu, the LCV Chairperson of Bududa District and Head of Resource Mobilization for the Imbalu Organizing Committee, said that since cultural leaders were left out of the arrangements, the current Umukuka, Mike Mudoma, is undermining their resource mobilization efforts.
Emma Bwayo, the LCV Chairperson of Namisindwa District and Mobilizer of the Imbalu Organizing Committee, accused Umukuka Mudoma of receiving Shs50 million for Imbalu organization from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, but only handed Shs16 million to the organizing committee.
He said the Bamasaba community should demand the full amount so that proper accountability can be made on record.
Bwayo blamed the Ministry of Gender for not following the correct procedure of channeling the money directly to the organizing committee through the LCV Chairpersons instead of giving it to Umukuka Mudoma.
He further alleged that Mudoma has continued to receive support from various stakeholders without declaring it to the committee.
However, Caine Gomeyi, an official from Inzu Ya Masaaba, dismissed the LCV Chairpersons’ claims. He said Inzu Ya Masaaba had left the organization of Imbalu to them and asked why they were still involving Mudoma and Inzu Ya Masaaba.
Gomeyi added that the Ministry of Gender cannot give money directly to LCV Chairpersons because they fall under the Ministry of Local Government.
