By Reagan Nabutele

KIRUHURA, Uganda – Saturday, August 1
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on the Banyankole community to preserve the cultural significance of the traditional Okuhingira ceremony by discouraging excessive bride price demands and extravagant wedding celebrations, saying the growing commercialization of marriage is making it difficult for many young people to start families.

The President made the appeal on Saturday, August 1, during the Okuhingira ceremony of Kisha Isabel Byanjeru Kaboyo, daughter of the Minister of State for Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, at Kakyeera in Kiruhura District. The ceremony formally united the families of the bride and groom ahead of the couple’s wedding.

Addressing guests, President Museveni said the Banyankole cultural tradition of Okuhingira should remain a symbol of family unity, blessings and heritage rather than becoming a financial burden for couples.

He expressed concern over what he described as the increasing trend of demanding large amounts of money and livestock as bride price, arguing that such practices discourage many young people from marrying and often leave newlyweds beginning their lives in debt.

The President also criticized lavish wedding ceremonies, saying expensive celebrations place unnecessary financial pressure on families. Reflecting on his own marriage to First Lady Janet Museveni, he noted that their wedding was a simple event attended by only a few guests, demonstrating that successful marriages are built on commitment rather than costly ceremonies.

Museveni urged religious and cultural leaders to educate communities on the importance of moderation during marriage ceremonies and to discourage practices that turn marriage into a commercial transaction.

The President explained that although he rarely attends private social functions due to the extensive logistical arrangements involved in presidential travel, he chose to attend Hon. Alice Kaboyo’s family celebration because of her longstanding loyalty and contribution to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

He recalled Kaboyo’s close association with his family dating back to 1979, describing how she became part of efforts that helped conceal preparations for the liberation struggle following the disputed 1980 General Election. Museveni said her dedication continued after completing her studies when she supported the First Lady and the family while they were in Nairobi before later relocating with them to Sweden.

He said her years of service and the personal hardships she had endured, including the loss of close family members, made it important for him to honour her invitation.

Beyond the marriage celebrations, President Museveni encouraged communities in Uganda’s cattle corridor to continue embracing modern dairy farming, saying the shift from nomadic pastoralism to settled livestock production has significantly improved household incomes.

He urged farmers to prepare for prolonged dry seasons by investing in pasture production and conservation while protecting water sources and expanding irrigation systems to sustain agricultural productivity. The President also pledged to engage the Ministry of Water and Environment on measures to safeguard the Kakyeera and River Rwizi water systems, which are vital to communities across western Uganda.

Vice President Jessica Alupo congratulated the newly united couple and commended Hon. Kaboyo for organizing a successful cultural ceremony that celebrated Uganda’s traditions while bringing together families and leaders from across the country.

Hon. Alice Kaboyo described the occasion as a blessing and thanked President Museveni for attending despite his busy schedule. She also expressed appreciation to relatives, friends and invited guests who travelled from different parts of Uganda to witness the ceremony.

The event began 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. He reminded them that enduring relationships require commitment and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

The colourful Okuhingira ceremony attracted senior government officials, Members of Parliament, military leaders, religious figures and other invited guests, highlighting the continued importance of cultural traditions in strengthening family values and community unity in Uganda.