At the stroke of 5:30 pm on Saturday November 1^st, the cultural gala was at its peak as the adjudicators of the day gracefully pronounced Basoga Nseete students association as the overall winners of the hotly contested gala.

At this juncture, tears of those who had unsuccessfully made it to top the gala were washed away by an ecstatic event of the Imbalu organized by the Bamasaba Makerere University Students Association (BAMUSA).

This was reached amidst cheers and jubilations, the BAMUSA performed for the first of its kind the Imbalu- the traditional ceremony of circumcision at Makerere University in University hall.

Multitudes of students were attracted to the event.  Paul Weboya the culture minister university Hall also a born of Mbale in Eastern Uganda expressed his happiness having hosted the mega event at his hall of residence adding that UH is on record for its hospitality and calmness compared to other halls on campus.

“Circumcision is part of our culture among the Bamasaba. This event climaxes our culture and it has been in UH for the first time. It is the culture we have launched and we want to implore all cultural ministers to maintain the same because what you have seen is just a prototype. It has attracted some tourists who are willing to contribute towards the event. “

Joshua Bwayo 17, an S.1 student at Oxford High School- Mbale was the day’s candidate for circumcision and eventually was turned into a man.

Juma Kimanai of Napooli Village Mutoto parish Bumutoto sub county Mbale District, also the uncle to the candidate confirmed the circumcision on behalf of the family and thanked the students for upholding the traditional cultures.

“It was yesterday (Friday) that Sam called us requesting for a candidate for circumcision and as a family we agreed to it. They sent us some transport and we were very happy for the way students welcomed us. We really loved it when we were called to Makerere and we hope he will study hard and come here also. Some people have not been seeing it practically but I am happy it was done.”

He also noted, “The association has contributed 400,000 for the boy and I am sure it will add to his school fees. I know in every corner of the world he has been known.”

Muramuzi Zakayo an elder brother to the candidate said he was very excited to come to Makerere since it was his first time and had only stopped in A’ level. “I am very happy and honored for having welcomed me at Makerere. When they called me, I had to negotiate with my family and they finally allowed us to come with ‘Umusinde’ (a boy) and now he is now a man ‘Umusaani’,”Zakayo said.