President Museveni Warns Against Costly Weddings

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on the Banyankole community to uphold the cultural values of the Okuhingira (traditional introduction) ceremony by discouraging excessive bride price demands and lavish weddings.

The Head of State appealed to elders and parents to play a leading role in protecting the institution of marriage, warning that the increasing commercialization of weddings is making it difficult for many young people to marry and start families.

According to Museveni, the growing trend of demanding exorbitant bride price and organizing extravagant ceremonies is placing unnecessary financial pressure on couples and could have long-term consequences if left unchecked.

He cautioned that if the practice continues, it could discourage marriage altogether, creating a worrying precedent for future generations.

“I urge the Banyankole community to preserve the values of the Okuhingira ceremony by discouraging excessive bride price and extravagant weddings. The growing commercialization of marriage is discouraging many young people from starting families,” Museveni said.

The President’s remarks add to the ongoing national conversation about the rising cost of marriage and the need to preserve cultural traditions while making them more accessible to younger generations.