Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has called on families to avoid extravagant wedding ceremonies and excessive bride price demands, citing the financial burden they place on young couples.
Speaking during the Okuhingira ceremony in Kiruhura District, Museveni highlighted how costly weddings often push newlyweds into debt, potentially discouraging them from starting families. He urged religious leaders to preach simplicity in marriage celebrations that focus on the union's values rather than lavish spending.
"These extravagant weddings are going to disturb people. I urge religious leaders to address this issue through their preaching," Museveni stated.
He contrasted the current trend with his own marriage to Janet Museveni, which was a modest affair abroad attended by only eight guests. The President, who affectionately refers to himself as "Jajja" (grandfather), shared that he has 15 grandchildren despite the simple wedding.
Museveni also criticized the practice of demanding large bride prices, particularly among the Banyankole community. He questioned why parents insist on receiving numerous cows and large sums of money, warning that such expectations treat children as commodities and undermine population growth.
"You the Banyankole are really damaging the population. Parents, why are you selling children? What's the problem? Sixteen cows, I don't know how many cows. Why do you have to get wealth through your children? Why can't you work for yourself?" he asked.
The President emphasized that these financial demands could deter young people from marrying or saddle them with heavy obligations early in their marriages. He encouraged communities to preserve cultural marriage practices while avoiding turning ceremonies into contests of wealth and status.
Okuhingira is a traditional marriage ceremony among the Banyankole, Bahima, and Bakiga communities in western Uganda, where the groom is formally introduced and cows are traditionally presented to the bride's family as part of the marriage arrangement.
