Museveni Warns Banyankole Against Excessive Bride Price Demands
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has publicly criticized the Banyankole community for excessive bride price demands and extravagant wedding ceremonies. He argued that these practices create financial burdens for young couples and discourage marriage.
Why it matters
The statement highlights a tension between traditional cultural practices and modern economic realities in East Africa, reflecting broader concerns about the commercialization of social customs.
KIRUHURA, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has urged the Banyankole community to abandon what he described as excessive bride price demands and extravagant weddings, warning that the commercialization of marriage is discouraging young people from starting families and undermining the cultural significance of the traditional Okuhingira ceremony.
Speaking on Saturday during the Okuhingira ceremony of Kisha Isabel Byanjeru Kaboyo, daughter of State Minister for Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Region Alice Kaboyo, at Kakyeera in Kiruhura District, Museveni said the practice of demanding large sums of money and livestock as bride price was turning marriage into a financial burden.
“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.
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