Museveni Calls on Banyankole to Lower Bride Price, Embrace Simpler Weddings

President Yoweri Museveni believes soaring bride prices and extravagant weddings are making many young Ugandans think twice about tying the knot.

The President shared the concern on Saturday while attending the Okuhingira ceremony of Kisha Isabel Byanjeru Kaboyo, daughter of State Minister for Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Region Alice Kaboyo, in Kiruhura District.

Museveni urged the Banyankole community to preserve the cultural value of the traditional Okuhingira ceremony, arguing that it should unite families rather than burden young couples with overwhelming financial demands.

He questioned the growing practice of asking for large sums of money and dozens of cattle as bride price, warning that many couples now begin married life weighed down by debt.

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.

Bride price, however, was only part of Museveni’s concern.

He also criticised lavish weddings, saying costly celebrations place unnecessary financial pressure on families and discourage many young people from taking the next step into marriage.

To illustrate his point, Museveni reflected on his own marriage to First Lady Janet Museveni, saying they celebrated the occasion with only a handful of guests instead of organising an extravagant ceremony.

I have 15 grandchildren. I wedded Maama Janet abroad with only eight guests at a luncheon. These extravagant weddings are going to disturb people. I urge religious leaders to address this issue through their preaching.

Museveni called on cultural and religious leaders to help restore moderation to marriage ceremonies by encouraging simpler weddings and discouraging excessive bride price demands.

He argued that traditions like Okuhingira should preserve culture, strengthen families and help young people build stable homes instead of making marriage feel financially out of reach.