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Leaders from the Inzu Ya Masaaba cultural institution have launched the Imbalu Festival 2024, which is estimated to cost 1.13billion shillings.
The launch took place at Lukhubo in Inzu Ya Masaaba, Malukhu, where stakeholders gathered to officiate the event.
Prime Minister Charles Walimbwa Peke, who officiated the launch, emphasized that the Imbalu Festival has an estimated budget of 1.1 billion shillings and urged the public for support.
He highlighted that this year’s celebration will involve planting trees in over 50 schools in Masaba land to promote environmental conservation.
Chairman of the Imbalu Cultural Board, Mr. Wilson Watira, announced that the festival will commence with a dinner on August 1, followed by a match through Mbale city on August 2, and will be officially commissioned on August 3, 2024.
He also appealed for financial support towards the celebration of Imbalu.
Inzu Ya Masaaba spokesperson, Masika Stephen, warned that those who engage in violent activities, such as dancing with sharp objects, will face the law.
He encouraged all participants to celebrate the Imbalu Festival in peace and responsibly to avoid cases of rape, murder, and theft.
Rogers Taitika, the Elgon region police spokesperson, stated that security personnel have a deployment plan in place to ensure a successful festival.
He cautioned the public to be vigilant during the Imbalu season, as eight people lost their lives in accidents and violent incidents during the previous celebration.
Moses Kutoyi, Minister of Culture and Heritage in Inzu Ya Masaaba, urged circumcision candidates not to beg during the celebrations and encouraged all Bamasaba to embrace Imbalu as their origin of identity.
Enid Mirembe, representative from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, emphasized the importance of promoting cultural heritage among youths.
She highlighted their focus on encouraging young people to embrace their origin and grow it internationally through various partnerships.
Additionally, she stated that the tourism body aims to capitalize on the Imbalu Festival to improve people’s lives through revenue generation.
Mrs. Rachel Nandelenga Wadada, Senior Community Development Officer and Gender Culture, expressed concern about the increase in domestic violence during the Imbalu season.
She emphasized that Imbalu should uplift and bond standards of living in homes and reduce mob justice and domestic violence.
