Uganda: 'Imbalu' the Gateway to Manhood

Kampala — THE Bagisu believe one's voyage to manhood begins with imbalu ( cultural circumcision). The Gisu community participates in the ritual which involves walking around the circumcision candidate's village, visiting cultural sites to appease the gods, singing and dancing to folk songs that praise the gods. Frederick Womakuyu proudly narrates how he faced the knife

As a Mugisu, I am swollen with pride about imbalu or impalu, the circumcision - ritual that I, like any other man, is obliged to undergo before the age of 22. It is done by this age to allow time to mature allow and also have enough time for school.

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