Circumcision, which is the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis, is a widely practiced procedure with a rich history and diverse cultural significance. It is a complex and multifaceted procedure, offering various benefits and posing potential risks. While the decision to circumcise ultimately rests with individual preferences, understanding the cultural and religious significance of circumcision is essential.
Circumcision holds cultural or religious importance in many communities, providing a sense of identity and connection to heritage. It has been practiced for over thousands of years, with different cultures and religions adopting the procedure for various reasons. In the Jewish culture, circumcision is a fundamental rite of passage, symbolizing the covenant between God and the Jewish people. In Islam, circumcision is believed to be a sign of purity and cleanliness.
According to Moses Nabugoomu, a businessman from Mbale district, circumcision is a coming-of-age ritual, marking a boy’s transition to manhood.
“In Bugisu, we believe that a circumcised boy is regarded as a man. If you are not circumcised, no matter how old you are, you are still regarded as a boy and, therefore, not allowed to sit with fellow men until this ritual is carried out on you. You cannot cross over to being a full man. Those who resist circumcision are regarded as cowards, thus not fit to be called men,” Nabugoomu said.
Health wise, circumcision helps prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract, thereby lowering the risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) like pyelonephritis, urethritis, cystitis, and prostatitis and also lessening inflammation of the glans penis (balanitis) in circumcised men.
Circumcision has been believed to decrease the risk of certain STIs, such as HIV/AIDS, herpes, and HPV. In May 2024, Dr. Daniel Byamukama, the head of HIV prevention at the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), revealed that HIV infections among uncircumcised men who were formerly married, divorced, or separated are increasingly being registered in different parts of Uganda.
“Uncircumcised men who were formerly married, divorced, or separated came in second in the number of new HIV infections,” Dr. Byamukama said.
Circumcision has been linked to a reduced risk of penile cancer, although this is already a rare condition, by making it easier to keep the penis clean, which promotes overall genital health.
According to Dr. Faith Turyagyenda, studies show that circumcision lowers the risk of cervical cancer in female partners, possibly due to reduced transmission of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer.
“There is what we call the human papillomavirus; the spread is less from one female to another when the man is circumcised. It also helps with better hygiene because they are able to wash until they are clean rather than uncircumcised, reducing the number of cells that would take up the human papillomavirus and cause the problem in their female counterparts,” Dr. Turyagyenda said.
Paul Niyonziima, a resident of Kitooro in Entebbe municipality, said that circumcision improves sexual sensation and pleasure.
“After I got circumcised at the age of 23, my sexual life improved tremendously. I started to last longer in bed and enjoy sex than before. Circumcision is really good,” Niyonziima said.
Medical reports indicate that circumcision also helps to simplify future surgeries, such as vasectomies or prostate procedures, by reducing the risk of complications.
The question of whether circumcision is an endless tradition or a medical necessity lies or varies from one person to another and can only be answered basing on one’s understanding, cultural and religious beliefs and practices or how one perceives it. Therefore, it is not conclusive since everyone’s opinion counts.
