culture 1 August 2026 Nile Post
Museveni Decries Commercialization of Marriage, Urges Simpler Weddings
President Yoweri Museveni has strongly advised the Banyankole community against the excessive bride price and extravagant wedding celebrations that are increasingly commercializing the traditional Okuhingira ceremony. He warned that these practices are deterring young people from marriage and burdening them with debt. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/360655/museveni-urges-banyankole-to-end-excessive-bride-price-extravagant-weddings
President Yoweri Museveni has voiced concerns over the escalating trend of commercialization within the Banyankole community’s traditional marriage customs, specifically the Okuhingira ceremony. During the ceremony for Kisha Isabel Byanjeru Kaboyo, daughter of State Minister Alice Kaboyo, in Kiruhura District, Museveni urged a return to the cultural essence of the event, decrying the excessive bride price demands and lavish weddings.
“Why are you selling your children?” Museveni questioned, highlighting how demanding large sums of money and livestock as bride price discourages young couples and forces them into debt before starting their lives together. He pointed out that the Okuhingira ceremony, which traditionally symbolizes the union of families and blessings, is losing its cultural significance by becoming a financial transaction.
Furthermore, the President advocated for simpler wedding ceremonies, sharing his own experience of a modest wedding with the First Lady, Janet Museveni, which had only a few guests. He emphasized that costly celebrations place undue financial strain on families and urged religious leaders to address this issue through their teachings.
Museveni’s presence at the ceremony was noted as an exception to his usual absence from private functions, attributed to Minister Alice Kaboyo’s long-standing loyalty and service to the NRM since 1979, including her role in concealing early preparations for the liberation struggle.
Beyond marriage customs, President Museveni also praised the shift towards settled dairy farming in the cattle corridor, noting its positive impact on household incomes. He advised farmers to prepare for dry seasons by conserving pasture and encouraged the protection of water sources and expansion of irrigation infrastructure.