Jude Mike Mudoma, Umukuka III, the cultural leader of the Bamasaaba, has strongly denounced the practice of conducting circumcision rituals before the official launch scheduled for August. His disapproval was expressed during the Umukuuka III Cup, the Bugisu inter-county tournament’s finale held at the Mbale City Stadium on Sunday.
Umukuka III addressed the issue following reports of groups drumming through towns, causing unrest. He emphasized that such actions tarnish the significance of the Kadodi cultural festival. Umukuka urged the youth to refrain from engaging in circumcision at this time and instead utilize the remaining months until August for economic activities contributing to the development of the Bamasaba community.
“This is our circumcision year, and I want to remind all Bamasaba. However, I sternly advise the youth against engaging in circumcision presently. Instead, use this time to earn money. We anticipate the official launch in August and the ceremonies at school in December. As for parents practicing circumcision now, I vehemently condemn it,” he asserted.
The circumcision ritual in Bugisu occurs every even year and symbolizes boys’ transition into manhood. It is performed by local surgeons known as ‘Bashebi.’ The Imbalu (Circumcision) tradition officially commences in August at the Mutoto Cultural Center, spreading across all 26 clans of the Bamasaaba.
Teams from Mbale City secured victories in the inaugural Umukuuka III Cup. The Northern Division County emerged as football champions, winning against Bubulo East County 6-5 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the boys’ football final. In netball, the Industrial Division County triumphed, securing the title by defeating Bungokho Central County 31-29 in a closely contested girls’ netball final.
Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma presented awards to the victorious teams during the event’s conclusion. Notable figures at the finals included Bubulo East MP John Musila, Lydia Wanyoto (NRM National Women League chairperson), Herbert Mukekwa (secretary general of Inzu Ya Masaaba), and Rita Namuwenge (national coordinator for the Presidential Initiative on Job and Wealth Creation – Emyooga).
