Some will call it backward or weird but the Bagishu call it culture which has to be respected. Public male Circumcision-locally known as Imbalu among the Bagishu is the time when Boys mostly below 18 years (although the trend has changed where even boys of 15 years take part) transition from boyhood to manhood. It doesn’t matter how old you are, because even at 60 years you will be considered a boy unless you are circumcised. Undergoing medical circumcision still makes you a coward and a boy.
This activity is conducted during even-numbered years and is believed to have originated from their ancestors dating back to 500 years ago when Masaba-their forefathers emerged from Caves of Mount Elgon (locally known as Mount Masaba by the Bagishu). It is said that Masaba dwelled in the upper slopes of this Mountain where he carried out assemblies with lower divines which is mysterious compared to encountering the Mudange Cliff while on a safari within Mount Elgon.
This ceremony involves a series of activities that last even for a month, then the date of circumcision is officiated by a traditional doctor who conducts the activity with a Knife and not a surgical blade as it is in the Hospitals. Among the Bagishu, there is no rule to circumcision because each clan has non-hereditary chief who is appointed by the Council of Village elders. The actual control used to be in the hands of the traditional leaders who were also known to be witches and sorcerers. These people held the iron grip on the society, beliefs, traditions and one of them being the Imbalu ceremony.
Imbalu Circumcision Ceremony is one of the societal norms passed from one generation to another. Myths have it that the first Mugishu man to be circumcised was actually a known womanizer who always lured women within the Village and beyond-whether married or not. He was eventually summoned before the village elders who declared that he be castrated as a punishment and lesson to the other men. Instead it was not done but he was only circumcised but recovered and continued with his ways of luring more women. Surprisingly, the women even said he was a better lover which is why Bagishu women prefer their circumcised men to the uncircumcised ones. Other men never wanted to be left out from such pleasures hence asked to be circumcised just like the first Mugishu.
Imbalu is therefore a pivotal occasion in Bagishu society where an individual undergoes rite of passage to manhood that involves the whole local community and even visitors from near and far being allowed to witness the entire process hence making it an important activity worth experiencing during Uganda safari. Males from 15 to 25 years are considered potential candidates for this public circumcision.
Interested individuals have to announce their intention in June or May then spend the few months preparing for the ceremony. It is always done early in the morning (before 10:00am) and involves elders from the clan; several young men who are cheer the candidates by whistling and carrying on shoulders.
Candidates have their faces covered in ash and yeast, and stripped half naked below the waist on the way to the venue of the activity where they line up in front of the cheering crowd of friends and family (both male and female) and is interestingly done in public.
Imbalu is used as a basis for male Bagishu to be referred as men (basani) contrary to the other un-circumcising tribes whom the Bagishu refer as boys (basinde). According to these people, you will always be a boy regardless of age as long as you have not undergone this public circumcision (not medical circumcision). Crying or screaming during the process would mean cowardice hence forbidden, which implies the candidate has to stand bravely.
After it is done, he is taken to a quiet place and wrapped in a cloth before bleeding stops. He then proceeds to the father’s home and is hand-fed for about three days before being ritually cleansed and allowed to eat with own hands, thus marking the end of the ritual. Therefore, a boy graduates into a man after Imbalu and the woman’s true identity is also defined by getting married to a “real man” who is circumcised.
The Imbalu is an interesting Cultural experience within the Bagishu of Eastern Uganda and traces the authentic culture of the African continent hence worth exploring while on Uganda safaris.
