Dozens of euphoric Bagisu took to the streets of Mbale yesterday to mark the second day of the rituals performed before the ‘Imbalu’ circumcision ceremony. A procession of women and young men danced in excitement to mark the occasion.
Security has also been beefed up in Mbale town ahead of President Museveni’s anticipated visit for the traditional circumcision ceremony slated for Today.
This year, as with every even year, the Bagisu are in high gear because it is a circumcision year. In the last couple of years, there has been debate about whether medical male circumcision should replace the traditional procedure.
Every even year in Bugisu, boys between the ages of 15 and 18 are initiated into manhood. Anyone within that age group from the five districts of Bududa, Bulambuli, Manafwa, Sironko and Mbale are prepared for circumcision.
Most people are only aware of the actual circumcision
On the morning of circumcision, malwa (local brew from sorghum) and kamoshe (roasted bananas) are prepared for the candidates. Only men prepare this meal and the kamoshe is peeled using fingers, not knives. To conclude the celebration, a special ceremony, inemba (cleansing of the newly circumcised) is organised in January and February. At this event, pressure is exerted upon the newly circumcised adolescents to prove their manhood, in essence encouraging the ‘new men’ to have sex with a woman.
