Mbale City, Uganda — The Bugisu Cultural Institution has issued new guidelines directing how media houses and digital platforms should report on the upcoming Imbalu (male circumcision) ceremonies, warning that non-compliance could attract regulatory action.
Speaking to the Ankole Times in a telephone interview from Mbale City, the institution’s spokesperson, Steven Masiga, said his office has introduced reporting standards that all media platforms must adhere to in covering cultural events related to Imbalu.
Masiga said all media houses intending to cover the ceremonies will be required to seek accreditation from the cultural institution, in addition to complying with guidelines set by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Electronic Media Act.
He emphasized that under Ugandan law, only a gazetted cultural leader has the mandate to issue official Imbalu programmes, warning that anyone found issuing or promoting such programmes without authority would be acting in violation of Section 17(2) of the Cultural Leaders Act.
According to Masiga, the law also criminalizes individuals who allegedly masquerade as agents of the cultural institution or solicit funds under the guise of Imbalu-related activities.
He further expressed concern over what he described as increasing misinformation from some media platforms and social media content creators, particularly TikTok users, who he accused of spreading confusion about cultural leadership and Imbalu administration in Bugisu.
“We have guided radio stations and news anchors to always verify with the Office of the Spokesperson, the Office of the Prime Minister, or the Ministry of Culture on matters concerning Imbalu programs,” Masiga said.
He warned that the Uganda Communications Commission has powers to sanction or shut down radio stations found in breach of broadcasting regulations, citing provisions under the Electronic Media Act and Article 29 of the Constitution.
“I don’t want my people to perish because of ignorance. Media practitioners must know the law and promote peace instead of misusing platforms to distort our cultural practices,” he added.
Masiga said preparations for the 2026 Imbalu ceremonies are ongoing, with the official launch scheduled for August 1, 2026. He noted that further details on the programme will be communicated in due course through official channels.
