Business booms at Mutoto ahead of August 1 Imbalu launch
From food vendors and beverage sellers to poultry dealers, business operators said the influx of people has turned Mutoto into a round-the-clock marketplace, offering opportunities that many describe as unmatched elsewhere in the Bugisu sub-region.
The usually calm Mutoto Cultural Site in Mbale district has transformed into a bustling commercial hub ahead of the official launch of the 2026 Imbalu circumcision season. (Credit: Ivan Tsebeni)
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The usually calm Mutoto Cultural Site in Mbale district has transformed into a bustling commercial hub ahead of the official launch of the 2026 Imbalu circumcision season on Saturday, August 1, with traders reporting brisk business as thousands of visitors stream into the cultural grounds.
From food vendors and beverage sellers to poultry dealers, business operators said the influx of people has turned Mutoto into a round-the-clock marketplace, offering opportunities that many describe as unmatched elsewhere in the Bugisu sub-region.
Anne Nabudde, who operates a small chips stall at Mutoto, said relocating her business to the cultural grounds last month has significantly increased her earnings.
"I joined Mutoto last month after learning that preparations for Imbalu had intensified," Nabudde said as she attended to customers.
She added, "Since then, I have been operating 24 hours because Mutoto never goes to sleep. There are always people buying food, whether it is morning, afternoon or late at night."
Nabudde noted that the growing crowds have transformed her modest business into a profitable venture.
"On a normal day, I make profits of about sh100,000 from my small chips business. I never expected to earn this much from selling chips, but the business here is very good. I am proud of what I am making, and I believe the official launch will bring even more customers."
A few metres away, Jonathan Ssempala was busy serving customers at his chicken stall. He said the increased activity at Mutoto had already surpassed his expectations.
Despite the booming business, some traders said security in the area remains a concern.
Justine Namukose, a bar attendant at the Mutoto Cultural Grounds, said she has experienced a few security challenges while working at the venue, especially during the night.
"There have been some cases of insecurity, but I cannot leave this place because the business is good," Namukose said, adding; "The profits are encouraging, and I believe security will continue improving because more security personnel have been deployed."
The Organising Committee Chairperson, Hosea Kigayi Kimono, who also serves as the Manafwa District Chairperson, said this year's preparations are far better than those of previous Imbalu seasons.
"We are better prepared compared to previous years," Kimono said, adding; "The organising committee has worked tirelessly to ensure that all facilities are ready ahead of the official launch. We have also worked closely with security agencies, and the few issues of insecurity that had been reported have largely been tamed."
He assured traders, visitors and residents that the committee would continue improving the business environment throughout the circumcision season.
"We appreciate the traders, who have invested their money here because they are part of the success of this cultural event. We are committed to providing a better business environment at Mutoto from now and in the days to come so that everyone can benefit from the economic opportunities created by Imbalu," Kimono said.
Emma Bwayo, the Secretary of the Organising Committee and Namisindwa District Chairperson, said preparations for the official launch were nearing completion.
He warned individuals who might be planning to disrupt the ceremony.
"We want to warn those planning to cause violence to stay away. Security agencies are fully prepared to deal with anyone who intends to interfere with this important cultural function. We want the launch to be peaceful and memorable."
Imbalu is the Bamasaba community's traditional public circumcision ceremony, held every even-numbered year as a rite of passage from boyhood to manhood.
The ritual is accompanied by traditional music, dance, clan processions and public circumcisions that attract thousands of people from across Uganda and neighbouring Kenya, making it one of the country's biggest cultural tourism events.
Following the official launch at Mutoto on Saturday, August 1, candidates proceed to their respective homes and communities across the Bugisu sub-region, where circumcision ceremonies continue throughout the season.
This year's launch comes after months of leadership wrangles within the Bamasaba Cultural Institution that threatened preparations for the ceremony.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development directed district chairpersons from the Bugisu sub-region to oversee preparations and preside over the official launch following disagreements within the institution's leadership.
Although the differences were resolved through court-mediated negotiations last week, the district-led organising committee has retained responsibility for presiding over Saturday's inauguration ceremony.
With thousands of visitors already camping at Mutoto and traders recording booming sales days before the launch, organisers say this year's Imbalu season is expected to deliver not only a successful cultural celebration but also a significant economic boost for Bugisu sub-region.