Why Ugandan President Museveni Pays Dowry for His Daughters
Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, openly admitted to providing dowry for each of his daughters but has declined to receive dowry from any of his sons-in-law.
During his Women’s Day address, the 79-year-old leader explained the reasoning behind his decision, highlighting its importance in tackling gender-based violence and promoting the empowerment of women.
President Museveni emphasized his refusal to adhere to conventional dowry customs as a method to promote societal transformation.
He stressed the importance of providing dowry for his daughters as a means to encourage Ugandan families to adopt contemporary marriage customs that prioritize equality and mutual respect.
President Museveni asserted that in his own region, an increasing number of families are embracing the marriage customs he advocates, using it as an illustrative example.
He shared a story about a recent wedding attended by one of his ministers, in which the bride’s family declined the gifts presented by the groom and instead insisted on a specific number of cows as dowry.
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The groom’s family, surprised by this break from conventional practices, came back with 90 cows, illustrating the economic empowerment that can arise from changing societal expectations.
President Museveni proudly declared:
“All my girls are married, and I am a big grandfather. But I am the one who pays the bride price for them when they get married.”
He disclosed that he personally ensures the inclusion of cows when accompanying his daughters during the dowry payment process, emphasizing his dedication to preserving this cultural practice.
Janet Kataaha, the wife of the President, has previously revealed that their daughters got married as virgins. She made this statement while commemorating the Day of the Girl Child.
She revealed that her daughters pledged abstinence until their wedding nights, symbolized by signing “true love waits” cards, which they presented to their spouses on that special occasion.
Why Ugandan President Museveni Pays Dowry for His Daughters