Museveni Champions Family Values, Cultural Heritage and Affordable Marriages in Powerful Message to Ugandans

Osmara Digital Media-Kiruhura in Focus

KIRUHURA DISTRICT, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to preserve their rich cultural traditions while promoting affordable marriages and stronger family values, saying culture should unite communities rather than become a financial burden for young people.

Museveni made the remarks on Saturday during the traditional Banyankole Okuhingira ceremony of Ms. Kisha Isabel Byanjeru Kaboyo, daughter of the Minister of State for Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, held at Kakyeera in Kiruhura District.

Addressing relatives, cultural leaders and invited guests, Museveni emphasized that the Okuhingira ceremony is one of Uganda's treasured cultural traditions because it symbolizes the union of families, respect, love and community values. He encouraged Ugandans to preserve such customs while ensuring they remain meaningful and accessible to future generations.

The President expressed concern over the growing commercialization of marriage through excessive bride price demands and expensive wedding celebrations, warning that such practices discourage many young people from marrying and starting families. “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,” President Museveni said.

He also appealed to religious and community leaders to encourage modest weddings that focus on the lifelong commitment of marriage rather than lavish celebrations.

Drawing from his personal experience, Museveni recalled that he and the First Lady, Janet Kataaha Museveni, held a simple wedding with only a few guests, saying successful marriages are built on love, commitment and shared values rather than costly ceremonies. “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.

Beyond family matters, the President used the occasion to highlight the importance of agriculture in transforming rural livelihoods. He commended communities in Uganda's cattle corridor for embracing modern dairy farming, saying the shift from nomadic pastoralism to settled farming has significantly improved household incomes.

Museveni urged livestock farmers to prepare for prolonged dry seasons by growing and conserving pasture while investing in irrigation and sustainable water management. As part of the government's environmental conservation efforts, he pledged to direct the Minister of Water and Environment, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, to convene stakeholders to develop measures aimed at protecting the Kakyeera and River Rwizi water systems, which support agriculture and livelihoods across western Uganda.

The President also explained why he chose to attend the ceremony despite his demanding national schedule. He praised Hon. Alice Kaboyo for her decades of loyalty and service, recalling her long association with his family dating back to 1979 and acknowledging her dedication during some of Uganda's most significant historical moments.

Vice President Jessica Alupo congratulated the couple and wished them a peaceful, prosperous and enduring marriage, describing the Okuhingira ceremony as an important celebration of Uganda's cultural heritage. Hon. Alice Kaboyo thanked President Museveni for honouring her invitation and expressed gratitude to relatives, friends and guests who travelled from different parts of the country to witness her daughter's traditional ceremony.

Prayers were led by Bishop Emeritus Stephen Namanya, who encouraged the newlyweds to build their marriage on patience, forgiveness and mutual understanding while commending President Museveni for his continued leadership and commitment to national development.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, cabinet ministers, senior government officials, military officers, religious leaders and other invited guests, reflecting the significance of the occasion.

President Museveni's message reinforced the importance of balancing respect for Uganda's cultural heritage with practical reforms that promote strong families, empower young people and contribute to the country's long-term social and economic development.