President Yoweri Museveni has called on the Banyankole community to preserve the true meaning of the traditional Okuhingira ceremony by rejecting excessive bride price demands and costly wedding celebrations, saying the growing commercialisation of marriage is discouraging young people from starting families.
Speaking at the Okuhingira ceremony of Kisha Isabel Byanjeru Kaboyo, daughter of the Minister of State for Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, Alice Kaboyo, in Kiruhura District on Saturday, Museveni said the tradition should unite families and celebrate culture, not become a financial burden.
The President criticised the practice of demanding large amounts of money and livestock as bride price, arguing that it forces many young people to postpone or avoid marriage altogether.
“You, the Banyankole, are damaging the population with this thing of Okujugusa (paying bride price). Why ask for 15 cows and millions of shillings? Why are you selling your children? You make young people fear marriage and, unfortunately, some begin their lives together in debt,” Museveni said.
He also urged families to avoid extravagant wedding ceremonies, saying lavish celebrations place unnecessary financial pressure on couples and their relatives.
Using his own marriage as an example, Museveni revealed that he and the First Lady, Janet Museveni, had a simple wedding attended by only eight guests.
“I have 15 grandchildren. I wedded Maama Janet abroad with only eight guests at a luncheon. These extravagant weddings are going to disturb people. I urge religious leaders to address this issue through their preaching,” he said.
Museveni stressed that Okuhingira is a cultural ceremony intended to unite two families, bless a couple and preserve the Banyankole heritage, rather than serve as a commercial transaction driven by high bride price demands.
