By Our Staff Reporter

Mbale-Uganda– May 22, 2026
The Inzu Ya Masaba Cultural Institution has officially launched the Organising Committee for the highly anticipated Imbalu 2026 ceremony, with an estimated budget of Shs1.1 billion.

The launch event, held today at the institution’s headquarters at the Mutoto Cultural Heritage Site, was conducted under the theme: “My Culture, My Identity for Sustainable Development and United Bamasaba.”
Led by His Highness Joram Mayastya Khambo Umukuuka IV, the institution announced that the entire organising committee will operate under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister, Mathias Nabutele.

Committee Leadership
The committee is chaired by Davis Wakane, with Mweru Bosco Wabakwana as Vice Chairperson. Other key members include:
• Netalisile James – Treasurer
• Nelson Budaka – Secretary
• Wepukhulu Abner – Head of Publicity
• Salomon Mutambo – Security
• Stephen Mutinyu –Legal Advisor
• Dominic Wamara – Ex-official
• Wamasali John Siende – Member
Several sub-committees have been formed to manage critical areas including works, finance, culture, entertainment/tourism, welfare, and protocol/ushers.

While delivering the message from Umukuuka IV, Prime Minister Mathias Nabutele thanked the Bamasaba people for their continued commitment to peace and unity both in Uganda and in the diaspora.

Committee Chairperson Davis Wakane presented the 10 Imbalu candidates who will be circumcised on August 1, 2026. Each candidate received a cock from Umukuuka IV as a symbolic gift to share with their parents in preparation for the ceremony.

Wakane announced that Imbalu activities will run for one full month, from July 1 to August 1, 2026, and reaffirmed the institution’s resolve:
“No one will stop us from organising Imbalu at the Mutoto Cultural Heritage Site.”

New Guidelines for Traders
In a major policy shift, the institution stated that business operators will no longer be permitted to construct their own structures at the venue. The organising committee will instead provide uniform big tents to ensure better organisation and aesthetics.

Wepukhulu Abner, Head of the Publicity Committee, revealed that free registration for business operators begins tomorrow, Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Mutoto Cultural Heritage Site.
“We call upon the business community in the region to come to their headquarters at the Mutoto Cultural Heritage Site and register free of charge to avoid last-minute panic and allow proper preparations. Issues concerning payments will be discussed later,” he said

The Inzu Ya Masaba Cultural Institution hopes that this well-funded and professionally organised Imbalu 2026 will strengthen Bamasaba cultural identity while promoting sustainable development and economic opportunities for the community.