Locals call for interventions over potential cholera outbreak at Imbalu site

Residents have expressed concerns over a potential cholera outbreak and other sanitary-related diseases at Mutoto cultural site due to the absence of adequate pit latrines.

As the population at the site continues to swell up in anticipation of next month’s circumcision launch, the risk has become even more imminent. Mutoto, located along Mbale-Tororo road in Mbale Industrial City Division, is the Bamasaba cultural site where the public circumcision ceremony, known as Imbalu takes place.

This ceremony, a significant cultural event for the Bamasaba people of Uganda, has been promoted as a major tourist attraction, drawing several attendees. However, despite its significance and large crowds since 1984 when the farewell blessing for candidates was moved from Maluku to Mutoto, the site lacks permanent latrine facilities.

Saudat Nabugwere, a restaurant owner at the site, expressed frustration that instead of constructing latrines, the organizers have focused on hiring plots to business operators for Shs 300,000-500,000. Nabugwere criticized the organizers for prioritizing financial gains over basic sanitary needs, leading to human excretion being scattered all over the site.

Emmanuel Kibeti, a local brew seller at the site, echoed these concerns, noting that the only three temporary pit latrines are insufficient for the large population, forcing people to pay Shs 500 whenever nature calls.

Zaid Wandulu, the area councillor, emphasized the urgent need for at least twenty permanent latrines at the cultural site as the launch date approaches. Mbale city health director Moses Mugonya stated that his team conducted an inspection two weeks ago and urged Inzu Yamasaba, the cultural institution, to construct toilets.

He assured that his team would revisit the site to assess the situation and provide an updated report to the media. However, Stephen Masiga, spokesperson for the Masaba cultural institution, dismissed the allegations of inadequate latrines, claiming that such statements were made by individuals from rival camps aiming to sabotage the function.