MBALE, (Mutoto Cultural Site) –The leadership of the Bugisu Cultural Institution has warned members of the public against making payments to unauthorized individuals claiming to allocate business space at the Mutoto Cultural Site ahead of the upcoming Imbalu circumcision ceremonies.
Speaking to The Ankole Times, the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Steven Masiga, said he had received direct instructions from His Highness the Umukuka and the institution’s cabinet to ensure that anyone found illegally collecting money on behalf of the cultural institution is apprehended and prosecuted.
According to Masiga, the institution has received numerous complaints through its intelligence and monitoring structures regarding individuals allegedly approaching companies, organizations, banks, and private individuals to solicit money in exchange for promises of securing business space at Mutoto during the Imbalu season.
“There are several complaints before our cultural intelligence desk concerning people who are moving around collecting money from companies, organizations, banks, and individuals in the name of allocating space during the upcoming circumcision ceremonies. This will not be tolerated because the Bugisu Cultural Institution is fully in charge of the process,” Masiga said.
He clarified that all official payments and arrangements relating to business space at the Mutoto Cultural Site must be made through the authorized offices of the Bugisu Cultural Institution.
Masiga advised interested individuals and organizations to contact the institution’s designated officials, including the Prime Minister of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Dr. Paul Mwambu, the Minister of Finance, Andrew Masaba, or the office of the spokesperson for guidance on the proper procedures for acquiring business space during the Imbalu festivities.
He further warned members of the public to be vigilant and avoid dealing with individuals operating from hotels, lodges, or other unofficial locations while purporting to represent the cultural institution.
“As the listening post of the Bugisu cultural community, we shall not allow individuals to siphon money from unsuspecting members of the public while pretending to act on behalf of the institution. We are aware of some of these activities and appropriate action will be taken,” he said.
Masiga also noted that impersonating cultural leaders or acting without authorization on behalf of a cultural institution is prohibited under Ugandan law. He cited provisions of the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, warning that individuals found engaging in such practices could face legal consequences.
The warning comes as preparations intensify for the forthcoming Imbalu circumcision ceremonies, one of the most significant cultural events among the Bamasaaba community, which attracts thousands of participants, visitors, and businesses to the Mutoto Cultural Site
