Culture minister wants Imbalu banned
What you need to know:
- Asked whether her statements are not contradicting officials from tourism ministry which is promoting the practice for tourism purposes, Ms Mutuzo said “issues like foreigners coming to Uganda to see our nakedness is wrong. Instead, ‘Kadodi’ (a traditional dance in Bugisu) can be used for tourism.”
Kampala. The state minister for Gender and culture, Peace Mutuzo has called for a ban on the practice of ‘Imbalu’ (the biennial circumcision ceremony) among the Bagisu/Bamasaba of eastern Uganda labeling it barbaric.
'Imbalu' brings together all the Bamasaba people in the five districts of Mbale, Sironko, Bulambuli, Manafwa and Bududa.
According to the minister, there are hospitals, clinics and dispensaries that carry out safe male circumcision hence preventing the spread of HIV/AIDs instead of 'Imbalu' where one knife is used to cut many boys during the ceremony.
Ms Mutuzo made the remarks while briefing the media at Uganda media centre ahead of celebrations to commemorate international day of family due May 15, 2017 with a theme “Strengthen the Family: Build a Nation”.
The state minister for Gender and culture, Peace Mutuzo addressing journalists at Uganda Media Centre. Photo by Rachel Mabala
" The people of Mbale to stop or reduce dehumanizing the habits of circumcision which are invoking sexuality. The 'Imbalu' culture is really a backward one. It's important for men to circumcise but we would wish to encourage people to do it in a manner that gives dignity to those young men," she added.
According to her, "Running around and chasing those small boys for three weeks and this young man implies into his mind that he has to practice sex on another juvenile. And this girl according to their culture, they are not supposed to meet again, is an abuse."
“I am aware of the advantages of circumcision, but it should be done in a proper and dignified manner not to make a boy of 13 years after healing from the wounds and start to engage in sexual activities since he has been initiated into manhood,” she added.
Ms Mutuzo said while the boys who have been circumcised and gotten complications have not come out openly to report cases, their mothers have complained of effects of 'Imbalu' on their children adding that during the season, attendance in schools drastically reduces hence affecting school planning and hampering Uganda is moving towards achieving middle income status.
She added that currently her ministry is carrying out campaigns to sensitise those who practice 'Imbalu' about its dangers and also encourage them to abandon the practice altogether.
Asked whether her statements are not contradicting officials from tourism ministry which is promoting the practice for tourism purposes, Ms Mutuzo said “issues like foreigners coming to Uganda to see our nakedness is wrong. Instead, ‘Kadodi’ (a traditional dance in Bugisu) can be used for tourism.”
