This weekend’s official launch of the 2026 Imbalu (circumcision) season at Mutoto Cultural Grounds near Mbale City marks the beginning of one of Uganda’s most celebrated cultural traditions.
As 11 initiates from the Ba Mutoto clan take the first step in a ritual that will spread across the Bugisu Sub-region until December 31, thousands will gather to celebrate a cultural practice that has been handed down through generations.
For the Bamasaba, it is a rite of passage that ushers boys into manhood and strengthens community identity. It is a heritage that deserves respect and preservation. However, preserving culture should never come at the expense of public safety and human dignity.
In recent circumcision seasons, the celebrations have too often been overshadowed by avoidable tragedies. Processions have disrupted traffic as enthusiastic escorts occupy highways, sometimes forcing motorists into dangerous situations.
Several road crashes have claimed lives and left many others injured. These incidents are not an inevitable part of the tradition; they are the result of disorder, and can be prevented through better organisation, adherence to traffic rules, and stronger enforcement by security agencies and local leaders.
Equally troubling are the reports of sexual abuse and exploitation that emerge during the season, particularly during overnight processions.
Young girls have reportedly been exposed to sexual violence that results in unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
Cultural celebrations should never become an environment where the vulnerable are placed at risk. Community leaders, parents and authorities in the Bugisu Sub-region must work together to discourage risky night processions, ensure proper supervision of young people, and hold perpetrators of abuse accountable.
There is also a need to confront harmful myths associated with the circumcision period. Claims that newly circumcised boys should engage in sexual activity with older women as part of cleansing of bad omen, have no place in a modern society that values health, dignity and scientific knowledge.
Such beliefs expose individuals to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and undermine public health efforts. Culture evolves, and practices that endanger lives should be abandoned.
With more than 10,000 boys expected to undergo circumcision this year-up from about 6,024 in 2024-the responsibility to ensure a safe season is even greater.
Cultural institutions, health workers, local governments, police, religious leaders and families all have a role to play in promoting discipline, road safety, child protection and access to medical care where necessary.
The true success of the 2026 Imbalu season will not only be measured by the number of initiates who complete the rite, but also by whether every participant, spectator and road user returns home safely.
The issue:
Imbalu season
Our view:
With more than 10,000 boys expected to undergo circumcision this year-up from about 6,024 in 2024-the responsibility to ensure a safe season is even greater.