"We No Longer Produce Boys – We Lack Manpower": Umukuka Modoma Accused of Stealing Imbale Gods

"We No Longer Produce Boys – We Lack Manpower": Umukuka Modoma Accused of Stealing  Imbale gods.

By Freeman News UG | April 26, 2026MBALE – Traditional elders in the Masaba land community have leveled shocking allegations against His Highness Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma, the cultural leader of the Bagisu, claiming he has stolen sacred artifacts linked to the Imbalu (circumcision) gods, resulting in a mysterious decline in the birth of boys across the region.

The elders, speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal, assert that the disappearance of certain powerful "Imbale gods"  believed to be spiritual forces responsible for fertility and the production of male children has triggered a crisis. 

They point to a noticeable shift in birth patterns, where families are reportedly "producing more girls than boys," leading to what they describe as a severe "lack of manpower" for future generations."We no longer produce boys. We lack manpower," one elder lamented, directly tying the alleged theft to the cultural leader's actions. 

According to the claims, the sacred items associated with the Imbalu rites, which have historically guided the initiation of young men into adulthood in Bugisu culture, were removed or desecrated under Mudoma's watch.

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Traditionalists believe these gods ensure the community's strength, virility, and balance in gender births.The Imbalu ceremony remains a cornerstone of Bugisu identity, marking the transition of boys into manhood through circumcision. 

Elders argue that tampering with its spiritual foundations could disrupt not only cultural practices but also the demographic future of the region.

Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma, who ascended to the throne as the third Umukuka of the Inzu ya Masaba, has faced previous criticisms, including accusations of irregularities in the management of institutional assets such as government-donated vehicles. 

However, this latest controversy strikes at the heart of cultural and spiritual beliefs, potentially deepening divisions within the community.

Attempts to reach the Umukuka's office for comment were unsuccessful as of press time. 

Sources close to the cultural institution dismissed the claims as "baseless rumors" spread by disgruntled factions opposed to Mudoma's leadership, suggesting internal power struggles may be fueling the accusations.

Community leaders have called for calm, urging investigations by both cultural elders and relevant authorities to verify the claims and restore harmony. 

Some have proposed traditional rituals to appease the gods and "recover" the missing spiritual elements if the allegations hold any truth.

The story has sparked heated debates on social media and in local gatherings, with many residents expressing concern over the potential long-term impact on family structures and the community's labor force in agriculture-dependent Masabaland.

This developing story highlights the tensions between modern leadership and deeply held traditional beliefs in one of Uganda's vibrant cultural kingdoms.

Freeman News UG will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more details emerge.