MAYUGE, Uganda — Residents of Bumwenha B Village in Malongo Sub-county, Mayuge District, killed a 41-year-old man, Moses Wepukulu, following a tragic mishap during a traditional circumcision ritual.
The incident unfolded after Wepukulu’s brother, Martin Sangula, 38, reportedly mutilated Peter Munghala, son of Fred Mudenyi, by severing his private parts during the ceremony. Both Wepukulu and Sangula, hailing from Kawempe Swere Village in Kapyanhga Sub-county, Bugiri District, had been hired to oversee the ritual.
Witness accounts revealed that disputes among spectators over the procedure disrupted the ceremony. Amid the commotion, Wepukulu, assisting Sangula, accidentally caused the catastrophic injury by shoving against Munghala, the circumcision candidate.
Enraged by the incident, the community turned on the brothers. Wepukulu was beaten to death, while Sangula narrowly escaped a similar fate after being rescued by Mubarak Bogere, the area LCI Chairman. Sangula sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Bumwenha Health Centre for medical care.
Norman Musinga, the Police Commander for Busoga East, denounced the mob violence, urging residents to let legal processes address disputes and calling for calm in the wake of the tragedy.
“We are investigating the matter, and all perpetrators will be brought to book.
Norman Musinga
Peter Munghala, the victim of a tragic mishap during a circumcision ceremony, was urgently taken to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
As the year draws to a close, the Bagisu community in Busoga continues to observe its traditional Imbalu circumcision ceremonies, an event characterized by the rhythmic beats of Kadodi drums.
These ceremonies see numerous candidates come forward to undergo the sacred Imbalu ritual, adhering to the tradition’s even-year schedule.
A cornerstone of Bagisu culture, Imbalu is a significant rite of passage that transitions boys into manhood. It is considered an essential milestone for all males in the community, expected to be completed before their death.
