The Uganda Tourism Board – UTB which is the leading marketing body for tourism products and Uganda Safaris in Uganda together with the Bamasaba Cultural Institution has unveiled plans to the plans to improve and renovate the Mutoto Cultural Site to good international tourism standards. This site found in Mbale District in Eastern Uganda is where the Basgishu circumcision rituals are performed.
This Mutoto Cultural Ground is a renowned place in the Masaba land and it’s in these grounds that boys are initiated into manhood through a traditional practice called the imbalu. Although male circumcision has become widespread across Uganda and it’s mainly carried out in hospitals, the practice of circumcision was first practiced by the Bagishu people leaving in the in the Mt. Elgon region although they did this the traditional Way
The Bagishu people believe that through circumcision, a boy is initiated into manhood and is at that point that one is consider mature. The circumcised boys are normally given various gifts from their relative and friend and it is a very big celebration within the respective families. The Ibalu ceremony is carried out each even year.
Before this carrying out this cultural ritual, the concerned elders first check all the candidates presented for that ritual to determine if they are true Bagishu as well as identify their clans. They also have to ensure that each of the candidates is 18 years or above before carrying out the practice. Once the candidate has met these, then they go on to perform the ritual.
The Elgon region is a place of great historical significance as well as a place of interest for many tourists who visit the country on a Safari in Uganda. it comprises of five different districts Mbale, Sironko, Manafwa, Bulambuli as well as Bududa, found at the bottom of Mount Elgon which they believe to be incarnation of their fore father Masaba.
During the official launching of the 2016 Imbalu Ceremonies, the Mutoto Cultural Ground was launched by the Inzu-Ya-Masaba Cultural Leaders. He imbalu rituals for more than two hundred years have been conducted here at the Bagishu Cultural center so without a doubt, it is time that this place is well upgraded to become and international site because of its uniqueness and great cultural significance to the people of Uganda. This will be a nice place to visit during your Uganda Cultural Safari
Luckily, its unveiling came at a time when the Ugandan government has expressed interest in this Imbalu Ceremony, which today has been upgraded into a national carnival and is also listed among the different tour products which holidaymakers can explore while visiting the country on a Uganda Safari.
During the ceremony, Kirunda Kivenjinja the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister on behalf of the President of Uganda repeated the government’s call in encouraging cultural as well as heritage conservation during the speech he made.
For more information about the Cultures in Uganda, visit adventureugandasafari.com
