These rituals, called “Ulwaluko” in the country, take place twice a year in initiation schools. Their purpose is to prepare young men for adult life.
Upon arriving at these places, the young men are separated from their families and smeared with white clay. Then they spend three weeks in a transitional period during which boys become men, and later they are returned home.
During the ceremony, initiation participants are supposed to be circumcised by traditional surgeons with many years of experience. However, many circumcisions are performed by unqualified people in illegal initiation schools. They perform horrific operations with old spears, scissors, or razors.
Some illegal “surgeons” performed operations even without anesthesia.
“Ulwaluko” rituals can be deadly. Local media reported that 43 boys died during ceremonies this year. And in 2024, during the winter and summer rituals, a total of 93 boys died, and another 11 lost their penises – some illegal “surgeons” performed operations even without anesthesia.
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