Busia; Chief Warns Against Forced Circumcision Raids
A local administrator in Busia has issued a firm public warning against groups forcing children and uncircumcised adults into traditional circumcision rites that violate existing laws.
Deputy Chief of Busia Town Ward Joseph Barasa Mulama spoke out after reports that unknown individuals invaded neighbouring villages and seized four Standard Six boys with the clear intention of subjecting them to the procedure against their will or family consent. The incidents, concentrated around Siteko, Mayenje and Mabale, have created an atmosphere of fear that now reaches far beyond the immediate victims.
According to Barasa, the abductions in Munongo and Buderie have already disrupted daily routines. Children in the affected areas are increasingly reluctant to walk to school, while uncircumcised men, particularly those who earn a living as motorcycle taxi operators, have begun avoiding the town centre for fear of being targeted. Speaking at a funeral gathering in Mabale on the outskirts of Busia, the deputy chief stressed that anyone involved in organising or carrying out such forced rites would face strict legal consequences. He also reminded practitioners that circumcision, when performed, must be done with proper equipment and by people who meet the required legal standards.
The warning comes at a moment when communities in the region are already navigating tensions between cultural expectations and the protection of individual rights. Forced initiation not only breaches the law but also leaves lasting psychological scars on young boys and creates suspicion among families who feel their children are no longer safe in familiar surroundings. Barasa’s public stance seeks to draw a clear line, signalling that cultural practice cannot be used as cover for coercion or violence.
Beyond the circumcision cases, the deputy chief used the same platform to address a parallel rise in insecurity within Busia town itself. He noted growing complaints of motorcycle thefts and night-time house break-ins, urging village elders and landlords to exercise greater caution when screening tenants. Knowing who lives in rental properties, he argued, is a basic step toward reducing opportunities for criminals who exploit anonymity in densely populated urban pockets.
As local leaders continue to confront both cultural overreach and everyday crime, the message from Busia underscores a broader need for vigilance that protects the vulnerable while respecting lawful tradition. The coming weeks will reveal whether the warning translates into fewer incidents and restored confidence among residents who simply want their children to attend school and their livelihoods to continue without fear.
