Museveni Warns Against High Bride Price at Kiruhura Okuhingira Ceremony

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a passionate appeal to the Banyankole community to preserve the sanctity of cultural marriage traditions by putting an end to excessive bride price demands (Okujugusa) and lavish wedding celebrations.  

Speaking during the traditional giveaway (Okuhingira) ceremony of Kisha Isabel Byanjeru Kaboyo and Aaron Mwiije Kafureeka at Kakyeera in Kiruhura District on Saturday, August 1, 2026, the President warned that the growing commercialization of marriage is pricing young people out of family life and plunging new couples into heavy debt.  

The bride, Kisha Isabel, is the daughter of State Minister for Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, Hon. Alice Kaboyo.  

Stop Selling Your Children: Museveni Criticizes “Okujugusa”

Addressing dignitaries and cultural leaders, President Museveni expressed deep concern over families demanding exorbitant wealth, such as dozens of cows and millions of shillings before granting permission for marriage. He emphasized that Okuhingira was historically intended as a sacred cultural ceremony to unite families, offer blessings, and honor heritage, rather than a commercial transaction.  

The President questioned why families are turning traditional customs into commercial sales, noting that demanding fifteen cows and huge cash sums forces young men to fear marriage altogether or begin their matrimonial journey burdened by financial obligations.  

Calling for simplicity in wedding preparations, Museveni shared a personal story from his own wedding to First Lady Janet Museveni. He recalled that despite his political stature, their wedding abroad was a modest affair attended by only eight guests at a small luncheon.

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He noted that extravagance in modern weddings creates unnecessary financial strain, urging religious leaders to use their pulpits to preach against wasteful spending during marriage celebrations.  

Although President Museveni rarely attends private social functions due to the extensive logistical and security arrangements associated with presidential movements, he explained that he made a special exception for Hon. Alice Kaboyo because of her deep history and unwavering loyalty to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

In a touching tribute, the President revealed historic details from the late 1970s and 1980s:

 The Cover Story (1979–1980): Kaboyo joined the Museveni family as a student in 1979. Following the disputed 1980 General Election, as Museveni quietly laid the groundwork for the bush war, Kaboyo frequently accompanied him on public trips—such as negotiating land acquisition in Kanoni. Her presence helped project an image of a man settling into normal civilian life, successfully diverting state intelligence away from preparations for the armed struggle launched in February 1981.  

 Exile in Nairobi & Sweden: After completing her studies, Kaboyo joined First Lady Janet Museveni in Nairobi to care for the young Museveni children, later relocating with them to Sweden during the insurgency.  

 Personal Resilience: Museveni noted that Kaboyo’s steadfast dedication through decades of struggle, combined with personal losses including the deaths of her husband and father, made his presence at her daughter’s ceremony non-negotiable.  

Turning to economic development, President Museveni commended the cattle corridor communities for abandoning nomadic pastoralism in favor of settled, commercial dairy farming, which has significantly elevated household incomes across the region.  

However, he urged livestock farmers to adopt modern farm management techniques—specifically planting, conserving, and storing pasture to cushion herds against prolonged dry seasons rather than relying purely on natural grazing.  

To protect agricultural sustainability, the President issued a direct directive to the Minister of Water and Environment, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, to urgently convene key regional stakeholders. The meeting will focus on establishing strict environmental protection measures for the vital Lake Kakyeera and River Rwizi water ecosystems, alongside expanding rural irrigation infrastructure across Western Uganda.  

The ceremonial union brought together senior government officials, military commanders, and clergy. Vice President Jessica Alupo congratulated Kisha and Aaron, thanking Hon. Alice Kaboyo for hosting an event that celebrated both family and heritage.  

Opening with prayers, Bishop Emeritus of North Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Stephen Namanya, praised President Museveni for his ongoing anti-corruption stance and his reappointment of Hon. Kaboyo as minister. In his pastoral message, the prelate counseled the young couple to anchor their marriage on patience, forgiveness, and mutual understanding, noting that hurdles are a natural part of married life.  

Hon. Alice Kaboyo expressed profound gratitude to the President for honoring her invitation, describing the occasion as a divine blessing for her family. The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa alongside various cabinet ministers and cultural leaders.