President Yoweri Museveni has called on the Banyankole community to moderate bride price demands, warning that excessive expectations around marriage payments are creating financial pressure and discouraging some young people from getting married.
Museveni made the remarks during an Okuhingira traditional marriage ceremony held in Kakyeera, Kiruhura District, where he addressed guests and community members on the importance of preserving cultural values while adapting to modern economic realities.
The president said bride price remains an important cultural practice because it symbolizes the relationship between families, but argued that it should not be transformed into a costly transaction. He questioned the growing demands for large numbers of cattle and high cash payments, saying such requirements can make marriage difficult for many young Ugandans.
“Culture should unite people, not create barriers,” Museveni said, according to reports from the event. He urged families to consider reasonable expectations that allow young couples to begin their lives together without excessive financial burdens.
Museveni also criticized the rising cost of wedding ceremonies, encouraging Ugandans to embrace simpler celebrations. He pointed to his own wedding experience with First Lady Janet Museveni, saying marriage does not require extravagant spending to be meaningful.
The debate over bride price has continued across Uganda and other parts of Africa, with supporters describing it as a valuable cultural tradition that recognizes the role of families in marriage. Others have raised concerns that high demands can contribute to delayed marriages, financial stress, and inequality between partners.
During the ceremony, Museveni emphasized that cultural traditions should be protected but adjusted when they create challenges for society. He said communities must find a balance between respecting heritage and ensuring that young people can build families without unnecessary economic obstacles.
