The Umukuka of the Bamasaaba, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, has held a high-level meeting with security leaders from Mbale City and the Elgon region to discuss preparations for the official launch of the 2026 Imbalu circumcision season.
The launch is scheduled to take place on August 1, 2026, at the Mutoto Cultural Grounds in Mbale City and is expected to attract thousands of people, including top political, cultural, and international dignitaries.
During the meeting, the Umukuka briefed security officials on the expected guests and discussed the security architecture and cultural protocols that will guide the celebrations.
The security delegation was led by Mbale Resident City Commissioner (RCC) George Wopuwa and included Elgon Regional Police Commander SSP Samuel Asimwe, Elgon Regional CID Commander SSP Johnson Agaba, Deputy RCC Industrial Division Hamuza Banja, Deputy RCC Northern Division Yahaya Were, Assistant RCC Henry Manana, police commanders from Industrial Division and Mbale City Central Police Station, RISO officials, and other security personnel.
The Umukuka was accompanied by the Bamasaaba cultural institution’s Deputy Minister for Security, Hon. Mungoma, Minister for Interreligious and Community Affairs Hon. Phillip Kyaro, and the Umukuka’s Legal Advisor Hon. Isaac Masanga.
According to officials, the meeting agreed on a comprehensive roadmap for the August 2026 cultural event, with emphasis placed on early planning, crowd management, and deployment of security personnel.
His Highness the Umukuka informed the security leadership that several high-profile guests had already confirmed attendance at the launch ceremony.
Among the notable dignitaries expected are President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Kenyan President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, Speaker of the Kenyan National Assembly Dr. Moses Wetang’ula, and several African monarchs from South Africa, Eswatini, Nigeria, Togo, and Cameroon.
Delegations from Indonesia, as well as a number of Ugandan cultural leaders, are also expected to attend the event.
The Imbalu launch is one of the biggest cultural ceremonies among the Bamasaaba people and marks the beginning of the traditional circumcision season, which attracts participants and visitors from across Uganda and beyond.
Steven Masiga, the spokesperson of the Bamasaaba cultural institution, said preparations were progressing well and called upon the public to support efforts aimed at ensuring a successful and peaceful event.
