President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the Banyankole community to preserve the cultural values of the traditional Okuhingira ceremony by discouraging excessive bride price demands and extravagant weddings, warning that the growing commercialization of marriage is discouraging many young people from starting families.
The President made the remarks on Saturday 1st August, 2026 during the Okuhingira 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 the couple’s marriage.
The Okuhingira ceremony, one of the Banyankole’s most treasured cultural traditions, formally signifies the giving away of a bride by her family to the groom’s family. It symbolizes the union of families, blessings for the couple and the preservation of cultural heritage, rather than serving as a commercial transaction.
Addressing guests, President Museveni expressed concern over the increasing practice of demanding large sums of money and livestock as bride price.
“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 called for simpler wedding ceremonies, saying costly celebrations place unnecessary financial pressure on families.
Drawing from his own experience, President Museveni recalled that he and the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, celebrated a modest wedding attended by only a handful of 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 costs associated with presidential movements, he made an exception for Hon. Kaboyo because of her long-standing service and loyalty to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
He recounted that Kaboyo joined his family in 1979 while still a student and unknowingly became part of efforts that concealed preparations for the liberation struggle following the disputed 1980 General Election.
President Museveni said that as he publicly projected interest in settling into civilian life, including negotiating to acquire land in Kanoni, Kaboyo frequently accompanied him, helping reinforce the impression that he had abandoned political activities.
According to the President, the strategy successfully diverted attention from preparations for the armed struggle that officially began in February 1981.
He 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 moving with them to Sweden.
The President said Kaboyo’s dedication over the years, coupled with the personal losses she had endured, including the deaths of her husband and father, made it important for him to personally attend the ceremony.
“I said, for this case, I must come,” President Museveni remarked.
Beyond the marriage celebrations, the President commended communities in the cattle corridor for embracing settled dairy farming, saying the transition 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.
President Museveni also stressed the importance of protecting water sources and expanding irrigation infrastructure to sustain agricultural production.
He said he would direct the Minister of Water and Environment, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, to convene stakeholders to discuss measures to protect the Kakyeera and River Rwizi water systems, which are vital to western Uganda.
Earlier, Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo congratulated the couple and thanked Hon. Kaboyo and her family for hosting the ceremony.
She wished Kisha and Aaron a peaceful, prosperous and enduring marriage, noting that guests were privileged to witness the important cultural milestone.
In her remarks, Hon. Kaboyo described the occasion as a special blessing from God and expressed gratitude to President Museveni for honouring her invitation despite his demanding schedule.
She also welcomed relatives, friends and other guests who had travelled from different parts of the country to witness her daughter’s Okuhingira ceremony.
The colourful cultural event began with prayers led by the Bishop Emeritus of North Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Stephen Namanya, who thanked President Museveni for his continued fight against corruption and for reappointing Hon. Kaboyo as Minister.
Bishop Namanya encouraged the couple to build their marriage on patience, forgiveness and understanding, reminding them that challenges are a normal part of married life.
The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, senior government officials, military officers, among other invited guests.
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