MUTOTO CULTURAL SITE, UGANDA’S HIDDEN TREASURE

What distinguishes Uganda from the rest of other African safari destinations besides its huge concentration of wildlife is its unique culture. Over 60 tribes are all confined within this remarkable landlocked country with more than 30 different languages thus making it a true cultural melting pot. Its diverse cultures and heritage is what rates it among a few most sought after destination by visitors on cultural safari in Africa. Remarkably, each of the tribes comes with rare lifestyles, variety of traditional food, dances, music performances, arts and many others.

When you think of Uganda cultural safari, a few sites always feature on visitor’s list but for any need to discover what other part of Uganda holds for the world when it comes to unique African cultural experiences then a visit to Mutoto circumcision cultural site is worth it. The fact that each part of Uganda holds something unique, equally one may wonder what brings the Bamasaba and Bukusu from western Kenya together. For starters, no need to wonder anymore because what is exceptional in this particular region is nothing but ‘Imbalu.’ To get the best of this unique cultural practice, a visit to eastern Uganda to Mutoto never leaves you in regrets.

The local folklore have it that this cultural site is that one site where the first Imbalu which is also popular as circumcision ceremony was adopted officially. It is of no doubt that several Imbalu ceremonies have for long been conducted around this area. Ideally, it is a birthplace of this significant tradition. It is where the Imbalu practice was revived after a bit lull. History has it that there was break in observing circumcision rituals after circumcision of Masaba the patriarch of the Bamasaba people. However, the Imbalu was then reinstated courtesy of a man from Mutoto known as ‘Fuuya.’ It is from his strong support to revive this cultural ritual that fueled it up. Today, thousands of people gather at this site to witness and take part in the Imbalu festival which is accompanied by lots of dancing, drinking, singing, food fare, circumcising boys as way to initiate them into adulthood. This ritual spreads as far as Kenya and Kapchorwa. Mutoto grounds also serve as an area where Imbalu festivities usually kick start in each even year. Uganda cultural safari in this area gets you a great opportunity as a cultural enthusiast to discover more about the unique cultures the Mbale people hold for the world.

Last year (2018), the Imbalu festival equally attracted many participants especially in areas of Manafwa, Bududa, Mbale, Sironko, Bulambuli, Namisindwa as well as Bukusu and Luhya in western Kenya. All these groups do live at the base of Mount Elgon. This cultural event isn’t only limited to locals but also to tourists across the world and it is such an incredible cultural experience that rewards travel endeavors with lots of memories. While on Uganda cultural safari, take part in this activity and have adequate time interacting with natives as they undergo through this cultural practice. This cultural practice comes with so many myths-one has it that removing the fore skin originally began as a punishment given to a person who snatched someone’s wife. However, after healing, he became more attractive to women than the one who has not been circumcised. On other hand, it is also believed that it began with the Gishu ancestor who wanted to marry a Kalenjin girl from the Barwa clan in Kenya who was asked to make a covenant of circumcision with the clan including his ancestors. Because of the love he had for the girl, he accepted to be circumcised.

Most importantly, during this ritual blowing a horn is one way to make the young boys get inspired and announce their intentions to be circumcised and surgeons get possessed by the Imbalu spirit and begin trembling involuntarily. Those who show intentions are advised by elders about the challenges connected to knife in that they don’t show any fear. Any signs of fear in Gishu land means the person will be under mind/under looked or considered as being not man.

Location of Mutoto

This cultural site is set near Mbale town just within Bungokho south. While here, you will find a small unroofed house that marks the spot where the first Imbalu candidates underwent circumcision.

In summary, embarking on African safari in Uganda alone is a remarkable experience of its own and sharing cultural experience with the Gishu Imbalu circumcision is incredibly a distinct experience of a lifetime.