The questions, answers and views across the different cultures in Uganda on bride price were always predetermined and well defined. However, most of those lines have since become a blur and extremely very subjective.
I have seen parents marry off their children without asking for anything in return in the name of “bride price”. Most of these justify this with the simple reason; “we are not selling our daughter.”
“We are just putting her under your care. Love and respect her, treat her well knowing that if you don’t, our home is always open for her. We will welcome her back with open arms.”
Just recently, the media was awash with news of an American businessman based in Uganda who paid bride price of UGX. 210 million for his Karimojong wife, in a dramatic traditional marriage ceremony that lasted five days in Napak District. The 210m was the equivalent of 200 bulls or 300 cows and 100 goats as per the negotiating team.
And in the wake of that news, the Acholi Cultural leaders have come out and passed a by-law on high bride price.
Under the new arrangement one is required to pay bride price not exceeding five million Uganda shillings.
The bigger question for debate though among most millennial remains;
Should bride price continue to be paid in this modern day and age? And in this particular case, should it be pre-determined by culture?