The issue on whether to circumcise your baby boy or wait for them to grow up and make their own choice is debatable. Society magazine?s Linda Mbabazi brings you the heated argument from the Kigali dwellers who were quizzed on the subject.

?There is nothing to wait for! Parents should take their sons for circumcision when they are still young. In fact, the best time is when the baby is between 7 to10 days old.?

Emmy Uwimana, a business woman in Nyamirambo.

?I don?t understand the importance of circumcision, and therefore I can?t say that it is good or not good for parents to take their sons for circumcision when they are still young, or leave them to make their decision when they are mature. It?s a free world, let them do what they think is good for their sons. As for me, I?m not circumcised and I don?t intend to.?

Jean de Dieu Nitegeka, a shop attendant in Nyamirambo.

?It all depends on the way parents perceive and understand the importance of circumcision. Most parents are ignorant about this subject, because they think that it is only applied to Muslims. People should leave their son(s) to grow up and decide on whether to circumcise or not.?

Belthilda Mukanfizi, a mother living in Nyakabanda.

?Boys circumcised later in life may find it a more embarrassing experience. For a while afterwards they will feel the sensitivity of the permanently exposed glans penis, but will gradually adapt to it. Thus, circumcision during babyhood is a very sensible decision.?

Eric Ndikumana, sells clothes in Nyimirambo market.

?Let us put aside the religious and culture beliefs; in this modern world it is a shame to find a man who is not circumcised. A man who is circumcised is a real man, and will always be proud of his parents, who helped him to be circumcised at an early age.?

Eric Ngabo, an electrician.

?I think it is good to take your son for circumcision when he is still young. However, you must explain as soon as he is old enough to understand, what happened and why it was done. Otherwise he might safer from inferior complex, thinking that his penis is not normal.?

Shaban Shabo.

?Circumcision is important, especially for health reasons; but while a lot of uncertainty exists over the long-term effects of the practice, as well as the limited financial capacity in the third world countries, putting pressure on parents to circumcise their sons makes very little sense for me.?

Omar Mugisha, a professional footballer.

?It is our responsibility as parents to help our sons avoid some of these problems, the painful and prolonged treatment for example, once and for all by having them circumcised early in life. Not only is it a simpler procedure, needing no stitches, but they will not remember the event. They will also grow up never knowing anything different.?

Mustafa Banyanga, runs an electronics shop in Nyamirambo.

?Circumcision should be carried out at an early age. The government should implement a campaign and make it mandatory for all parents to take their sons for circumcision. The benefits of circumcision are logical and clinically important. If the campaign is successful, it would save the nation from higher cases of HIV/AIDS.?

Pascal Karinijana runs a shop in Nyamirambo.

?Lots of men, and their partners, prefer the appearance of their penis after circumcision, it is odour-free and feels cleaner after the foreskin is removed, and they enjoy better sex. It is also believed that being aware of a good body image is a very important factor in building self confidence.?

Karim Mundere, representative of Motor Taxis in Nyarugenge district.

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