By Our Staff Reporter

Mbale City – Thursday, 9 July 2026
The Government of Uganda has unveiled a new leadership arrangement for the 2026 Imbalu launch, with Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Gen. Henry Tumukunde announcing that the event will be conducted under a neutral leadership structure to safeguard peace and unity across the Bamasaba community.

The announcement was made on 9 July 2026 during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Mbale City that brought together government officials, district leaders, security agencies, Members of Parliament, cultural representatives and other key stakeholders to discuss preparations for the annual circumcision festival.

Under the new arrangement, no Umukuuka from any of the rival cultural factions will preside over the official launch of Imbalu 2026. Instead, the responsibility has been entrusted to the Bugisu District LC5 Chairpersons, who will coordinate and oversee the celebrations in a move intended to ensure neutrality and prevent divisions during the cultural event.

Government said the decision follows extensive consultations aimed at preserving peace while allowing the Bamasaba to celebrate one of their most significant cultural traditions without conflict.

The Minister emphasized that security remains a top priority, revealing that additional security and intelligence personnel will be deployed across the Elgon region to support local security teams before, during and after the August 1 ceremony.

On the ongoing cultural leadership dispute, Gen. Tumukunde confirmed that the matter will continue through a court-guided mediation process scheduled to commence on 21 July 2026, with government expressing confidence that the legal process will help provide a lasting solution.

The Ministry of Gender also announced plans to conduct public sensitization campaigns through radio programmes to inform communities about the agreed resolutions and encourage peaceful participation throughout the Imbalu season.

Government further clarified that there will be no public fundraising for the official Imbalu launch, noting that all costs for the ceremony will be met by the Government of Uganda. Leaders also cautioned the public against unauthorized fundraising activities carried out in the name of the event.

Meanwhile, individuals associated with the different cultural leadership groups have been advised that they may attend the celebrations only as ordinary members of the Bamasaba community and will not perform any official ceremonial roles during the launch.

The resolutions mark a significant step in government’s efforts to ensure that Imbalu 2026 remains a peaceful celebration of Bamasaba heritage, culture and unity as preparations gather momentum ahead of the official launch on 1 August 2026.