There is no researched data available on how many Bamasaba men are circumcised, but we can estimate that there may be over 200 million Bamasaba, including the deceased ones, from the time we took over this land. However, every Umumasaba beyond the ages of 12 years up to 22 years is expected to be circumcised. If we find you at, say, age 30 and you are not circumcised, we shall ask you why you still have the foreskin.
The Bamasaba circumcision ritual, which was launched on August 3rd, will end on September 3rd. Any Umumasaba living both within and outside Uganda should utilize this opportunity to fulfill the cultural obligations of the Bamasaba people, as our customs dictate that we follow the path laid down by our ancestors before being labeled as “aman” (men). Regardless of how well-educated you are or how proficient your English may be, if you are not circumcised within the Bamasaba community, you are considered as lacking essential cultural lessons from the knife.
The Bamasaba culture does not recognize exceptions when it comes to fulfilling cultural obligations. Whether you are an erudite academician or not, you must face the knife. Who can ignore the sight of an 80-year-old member of Parliament being circumcised before his own children, grandchildren, and wife? This shows the seriousness of the practice.
Many of our people who may be living in the diaspora went there in search of jobs and education. If anyone has not fulfilled the Bamasaba imbalu requirements, they should look at the calendar as it ticks towards September 3rd and utilize this period before imbalu leaves Bunambutye Subcounty of Bulambuli, which is the last subcounty to conclude imbalu as per the cultural calendar until 2026, when the official flag-off will occur again by the Umukuka III.
Bamasaba in the diaspora may not necessarily undergo all the cultural processes that we do back home, but they should ensure that they are circumcised. If there are local surgeons available where they live, that would be even better than remaining umusinde (uncircumcised). Many of our people born and raised in the diaspora should understand that their identification as Bamasaba is tied to the knife, which is our cultural link to fraternal relations and kinship.
To become men, other tribes, such as the Dinka, extract teeth from initiates as a rite of passage to another level, a cultural requirement to advance to a new stage and communicate with elders appropriately. Any claimant to Bumasaaba-ship must face the knife. If women among the Pokot of Kenya can face the knife, how much more should men?
The Bamasaba people are the only circumcising Bantu tribe in Uganda in the regions of Central, Eastern, and Northern Uganda. The origin of circumcision among the Bamasaba evolved due to various reasons outlined in previous publications. Those in the diaspora should avoid circumcising in years associated with females, such as 2023, 2025, 2027, etc. Instead, circumcision must be carried out during even years, such as 2022, 2024, 2026, etc., and this must be followed whether one is based in the diaspora or within Uganda.
Dr. Timothy, a cultural leader from Nigeria who attended the recent imbalu launch in Mbale, expressed his gratitude for the hospitality shown by the Bamasaba people and their cultural leader. Through diaspora associations, we shall attempt to gather literature on how many Bamasaba people are circumcised. We are enjoined by custom to compel any uncircumcised Umumasaba to undergo circumcision, wherever they may be living on Earth. We will, at an appropriate time, travel to the United States, London, other European countries, South Africa, and Russia to ensure our people who are not considered real men by Bamasaba standards are made to become men. Imbalu brings pride and defines a true man, unlike some men in European countries who may behave in ways inconsistent with Bamasaba cultural values.
Therefore, whenever you meet any Umumasaba, ask him when he was circumcised, provided he is above the circumcision age of 12 to 22 years. If there is no immediate answer, update the cultural institution of the Bamasaba people so that we can take action.
Scientifically, or rather medically, there are various benefits associated with imbalu, including good hygiene and prevention of HIV, among others. Circumcision is also supported by biblical and Islamic writings. In Uganda, various tribes have now adopted the Bamasaba way, and imbalu is gradually spreading to many tribes.
Any Christian who follows Jesus Christ must be prepared to undergo circumcision, as Jesus did, to become a man. Any uncircumcised Christian should follow Jesus’s example and be relieved of the foreskin. In the Quran, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also underwent circumcision, and all his followers practice the same.
Masiga Steven is a researcher from Mbale and a PhD scholar.
