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Babukusu ‘king’ launches parallel Imbalu festival
A man being circumcised at Babukusu cultural palace in Bulucheke sub county- Bududa District . FILE
Imbalu, the annual ritual of circumcision among the Bamasaba (Bagisu) society, is rooted in a revered culture that relishes the rite of passage to manhood. For generations, Inyembe, the knife used in circumcision has separated men from boys.
As a ritual, Imbalu ceremonies start from Mutoto village in Mbale District before spreading to other areas of Bugisu sub-region, especially in the districts of Sironko, Bulambuli, Manafwa and Bududa.
This village is regarded as the birth and circumcision ground of the first male Mugisu (Mumasaba).
Although the Inzu Ya Masaba, the legitimate cultural institution of Bamasaba has scheduled its inauguration of 2018 Imbalu season on August 11, at Mutoto cultural ground, Babukusu ‘kingdom’, a breakaway faction from Bamasaba Cultural Institution in Bugisu sub-region on Thursday launched a parallel Imbalu inauguration ceremony.
Parallel circumcision ceremony
The man who calls himself Babukusu king (Umukhungu Bukusu), Mr Wash Joseph Kanyanya, told Saturday Monitor after the launch at his cultural palace in Bulucheke Sub-county, Bududa District, that his subjects are not part of Bamasaba community.
“We are Babukusu, not Bamasaba. Therefore, we are not bothered with what they do, but our kingdom upholds the culture of the Babukusu in high regard,” Mr Kanyanya said.
He also revealed that during their launch, they circumcised more than 20 young men and that more candidates, especially in Bududa District will be circumcised during the festivities.
Mr Kanyanya claims that his ‘kingdom’ has 77 clans while the Bamasaba have only 26 clans.
“I wonder why some people who are not in any way close to our kingdom are opposed to my kingship. I took oath with the full knowledge of government,” he said.
The Babukusu information minister, Mr Nicholas Nakasala, said they will not be part of the Inzu Ya masaba “Imbalu” launch.
President Museveni is expected to attend the official launch of Imbalu in Mbale District as a chief guest.
The Inzu Ya Masaba has repeatedly challenged the legitimacy of Babukusu ‘kingdom’.
When contacted yesterday, the Bamasaba cultural leader, Mr Bob Mushikori called Mr Kanyanya, “a boy and an imposter who does not even qualify to be a clan head in Bugisu sub-region”.
He also claimed that the Mr Kanyanya did not undergo traditional circumcision.
“That boy wants to disorganise the Bamasaba but we shall not allow. He is not recognised as a cultural leader anywhere in the country,” Mr Mushikori, said before declaring the rival launch of Imbalu illegal.
“The ceremony was illegal if it took place, but we will see how to handle that,’ Mr Mushikori said.
About Umukhungu Bukusu
Previous attempt: In 2014 and 2016, Mr Kanyanya organised similar parallel events but they were blocked by police. However, this time there was no interruption and no explanation was given.
Coronation: In 2012, Mr Kanyanya was sworn in as the leader of Babukusu kingdom by the Grade One magistrate of Bududa District and was accordingly installed by his subjects in 2013.
However, his institution has not been officially recognised by government.
