He noted that the increasing financial burden associated with marriage is forcing many young people to postpone or avoid marriage altogether, contrary to the cultural values the ceremony was meant to uphold.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has criticized the growing commercialization of marriage, warning that excessive bride price demands and lavish wedding ceremonies are discouraging many young people from getting married and starting families.
The President made the remarks on Saturday during the traditional Okuhingira ceremony of Ms. Kisha Isabel Byanjeru Kaboyo, daughter of the Minister of State for Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, held at Kakyeera in Kiruhura District. During the ceremony, Kisha was formally handed over to Mr. Aaron Mwiije Kafureeka, marking the traditional union of the two families ahead of their church wedding.
Addressing guests at the colourful ceremony, Museveni urged the Banyankole community to preserve the cultural significance of Okuhingira by rejecting what he described as excessive bride price demands that have turned marriage into a commercial transaction.
“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 noted that the increasing financial burden associated with marriage is forcing many young people to postpone or avoid marriage altogether, contrary to the cultural values the ceremony was meant to uphold.
The President also called for simpler wedding celebrations, saying extravagant ceremonies have become an unnecessary expense for families. Recalling his own wedding to First Lady Maama Janet Museveni, he said only eight guests attended the event.
“These extravagant weddings are going to disturb people. I urge religious leaders to address this issue through their preaching,” he said.
Museveni explained that he rarely attends private social functions because of the security and logistical demands associated with presidential movements. However, he said he accepted Hon. Alice Kaboyo’s invitation in recognition of her loyalty and long service to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The President recalled that Kaboyo joined his family in 1979 while still a student and became part of efforts surrounding preparations for the liberation struggle after the disputed 1980 General Election. He said she later worked with the First Lady in Nairobi before relocating with the family to Sweden, describing her commitment and sacrifices as the reason he chose to personally attend the ceremony.
Beyond the marriage celebrations, Museveni commended communities in Uganda’s cattle corridor for embracing settled dairy farming, saying the transition from nomadic pastoralism had significantly improved household incomes. He encouraged farmers to conserve pasture for prolonged dry seasons and emphasized the need to protect water sources while expanding irrigation infrastructure.
He also revealed that he would direct the Minister of Water and Environment, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, to convene stakeholders to discuss measures to safeguard the Kakyeera and River Rwizi water systems, which he described as critical to western Uganda.
Vice President Jessica Alupo congratulated the couple and wished them a peaceful, prosperous and lasting marriage. She also thanked Hon. Kaboyo and her family for hosting the ceremony.
Hon. Kaboyo described the occasion as a blessing from God and expressed gratitude to President Museveni for honouring her invitation despite his demanding schedule. She also welcomed relatives, friends and guests who travelled from different parts of the country to witness her daughter’s Okuhingira ceremony.
The ceremony opened with prayers led by Bishop Emeritus of North Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Stephen Namanya, who encouraged the couple to build their marriage on patience, forgiveness and mutual understanding.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, senior government officials, military officers and other invited guests.
