Uganda: Museveni Calls for Regulation of Bride Price

What the report says

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for moderation in the payment of bride price, saying excessive demands are turning marriage into a financial transaction and discouraging young people from forming families. He made the comments in Kiruhura District on Saturday during the traditional Okuhingira ceremony for Kisha Isabel Byanjeru Kaboyo, daughter of Minister of State Alice Kaboyo.

According to The Independent in Kampala, Museveni urged the Banyankole community to preserve the cultural meaning of Okuhingira rather than making it a source of heavy costs. He criticized the practice of asking for large numbers of cows and large sums of money, and also cautioned against lavish weddings that can leave couples and families under strain. He said religious leaders should help promote simpler ceremonies.

Museveni said the ceremony is meant to symbolize the joining of families, the blessing of a couple and the protection of cultural heritage. He also noted that he rarely attends private functions because of the expense of presidential travel, but made an exception for Kaboyo because of her long service and loyalty to the ruling National Resistance Movement. Vice President Jessica Alupo congratulated the couple, while Alice Kaboyo thanked the president for attending.

The event also included prayers from the North Ankole Diocese bishop emeritus, who urged the couple to build their marriage on patience, forgiveness and understanding. Beyond the ceremony, Museveni used the occasion to praise settled dairy farming in Uganda’s cattle corridor and to call for efforts to protect the Kakyeera and River Rwizi water systems.