Government to modernise Imbalu to attract tourists, says Museveni
Tourism minister Maria Mutagamba (L) dances alongside Energy minister Irene Muloni (R) during the launch of Imbalu at Mutoto grounds in Mbale yesterday. Photo by Yahudu Kitunzi.
What you need to know:
Mr Museveni says he will give financial support to institutions that wish to modernise some cultural practices.
Mbale
President Museveni has told cultural leaders to preserve practices that are relevant to society and turn them into tourist attractions.
The President was speaking as chief guest at the Imbalu inauguration ceremony at Mutoto cultural grounds yesterday. He pledged to extend financial support to cultural institutions that will show interest in modernising their practices, including the Imbalu.
Mr Museveni said a number of cultures and traditions are fading and it is the responsibility of the cultural leaders to ensure that such practices do not get extinct and are passed on to the next generations.
He commended the Bamasaba for maintaining Imbalu as a symbol of unity saying it is the only culture in the world that excites everybody although the circumcised boy undergoes pain before as he is being initiated into manhood. “Cultural leaders have a duty to document their culture and preserve the documentation for the next generations.
I believe Imbalu is as old as the people of Bugisu have lived but it is still here. It must now be developed into a modern culture to attract tourists and thus generate revenue for both the Inzu Ya Masaaba cultural institution and the country at large,” Mr Museveni said.
The President’s remarks come barely two weeks after Uganda Tourism Board resolved to work with the Bamamasaba cultural union (Inzu Ya Masaba) to promote this year’s Imbalu celebrations as a cultural tourism activity under the theme, “When you unite, love each other for development”. Bagisu live on the slopes of Mt Elgon in Eastern Uganda.
Although the desire to be circumcised is believed to be spiritually inspired, many faint-hearted Bagisu have fled the region and taken refugee in other districts. So powerful is the tradition here that when the luck of such men runs out, they are circumcised forcibly.
According to the cultural minister in the Bamasaba [Bagisu] cultural institution, Mr Augustine Wandende, a budget of Shs97 million has already been sent to the districts in the Elgon region.
These include; Bududa, Manafwa, Mbale, Sironko and Bulambuli. Mbale Municipality and the Babukusu in Kenya, who share norms with the Bagisu, have also been asked to make contributions. “After the launch at Mutoto, the circumcision will then spread to other parts of Mt Elgon sub-region,” said Mr Wandende recently.
