Mbale City, Uganda — Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma has met regional and city security leaders to finalize preparations for the upcoming Imbalu cultural launch scheduled for August 1, 2026, at Mutoto Cultural Grounds.
The high-level meeting, held on April 10, brought together key security officials from across the Elgon region to agree on a comprehensive security plan and protocols ahead of the historic event, which is expected to attract thousands of participants and high-profile dignitaries.
The security delegation was led by Mbale Resident City Commissioner George Wopuwa and included senior officers from the Uganda Police Force, among them Elgon Regional Police Commander Samuel Asimwe and Regional Criminal Investigations Department head Johnson Agaba. Other officials from Mbale City divisions and intelligence units also attended.
According to the Bamasaaba cultural leadership, the meeting focused on developing a clear security architecture to ensure the safety of guests and smooth coordination during the Imbalu launch.
The Umukuka’s team included key cultural and government figures such as Deputy Minister for Security Mungoma, Minister for Interreligious and Community Affairs Phillip Kyaro, and legal advisor Isaac Masanga.
Officials confirmed that a detailed roadmap for the August event has been agreed upon, with early planning focusing on crowd management, VIP security, and coordination among security agencies.
Umukuka Mudoma also briefed the security leadership on the notable dignitaries expected to attend, to guide advance security deployment and logistical planning.
Among those expected are Yoweri Museveni, William Ruto, and Moses Wetang’ula, alongside several African monarchs from countries including South Africa, Eswatini, Nigeria, Togo, and Cameroon. Delegations from Indonesia and various Ugandan cultural institutions are also anticipated.
The Imbalu ceremony, a key cultural practice among the Bamasaaba, is expected to draw regional and international attention this year, with leaders emphasizing the need for robust planning to match its growing significance.
