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 weddings, warning that the commercialisation of marriage is making it increasingly difficult for young people to start families.
The President made the remarks on Saturday during the ‘Okuhingira’ (giveaway) ceremony of Ms Kisha Isabel Byanjeru Kaboyo, daughter of the Minister of State for Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, 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 marriage.
Addressing guests, President Museveni emphasised that “Okuhingira” should remain a celebration of family unity, cultural identity and blessings for the couple rather than an avenue for financial gain.
Expressing concern over rising bride price demands, he said some families were placing unnecessary financial burdens on young couples.
“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,” the President said.
He also urged religious and cultural leaders to encourage simpler wedding ceremonies, arguing that lavish celebrations often leave families under financial strain.
Recalling his own marriage, President Museveni noted that he and the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, celebrated a modest wedding attended by only a few guests.
“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,” he said.
The President explained that although he rarely attends private social functions because of the logistical demands associated with presidential security, he chose to attend Hon. Kaboyo’s family ceremony in recognition of her longstanding loyalty and contribution to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
He recounted that Kaboyo joined his family in 1979 while still a student and became part of efforts that concealed preparations for the liberation struggle following the disputed 1980 General Election.
According to the President, her frequent travels with him as he publicly pursued civilian activities, including negotiations to acquire land in Kanoni, helped reinforce the impression that he had abandoned political ambitions, while preparations for the armed struggle continued discreetly.
President Museveni further revealed that after completing her studies, Hon. Kaboyo joined the First Lady in Nairobi, where she helped care for the Museveni family before later relocating with them to Sweden.
He said Kaboyo’s years of dedication, coupled with the personal hardships she had endured, including the loss of her husband and father, made it important for him to attend the ceremony personally.
“I said, for this case, I must come,” he remarked.
Beyond the marriage celebrations, the President commended communities in Uganda’s cattle corridor for embracing settled dairy farming, saying the shift from nomadic pastoralism had significantly improved household incomes.
He encouraged livestock farmers to prepare for prolonged dry seasons by growing and conserving pasture instead of relying solely on natural grazing, and emphasised the need to protect water sources and expand irrigation infrastructure.
President Museveni said he would direct the Minister of Water and Environment, Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, to convene stakeholders to discuss measures for protecting the Kakyeera and River Rwizi water systems, which are critical to livelihoods and agricultural production in western Uganda.
Vice President Jessica Alupo congratulated the couple and thanked Hon. Kaboyo and her family for hosting the ceremony, wishing Kisha and Aaron a peaceful, prosperous and enduring marriage.
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 and guests from across the country who attended the traditional ceremony.
The celebrations opened with prayers led by the 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 also commended President Museveni for his continued fight against corruption and for reappointing Hon. Kaboyo as Minister.
Among the guests were the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, senior government officials, military officers and cultural leaders.