{UAH} BRIDE PRICE CEILING IN ACHOLI
|
2:05 AM |
No comments |
BRIDE PRICE CEILING IN ACHOLI
Recently, the 'Ker Kal Kwaro' of Acholi passed a by-law setting bride price payable for marriage in Acholi between Three Million (3,000,000/=) and Five Million shillings (5,000,000/=) as bride price to be paid during marriage in Acholi on top of other requirements like a lamp, paraffin, soap, a matchbox, a big saucepan, a stool for the father-in law, a 'gomesi' for the mother-in-law, a suit for the father-in-law, cigarettes, a goat for the uncle, a goat for the paternal aunt, a fee for the bride to open up (layap dog nyako), and one goat for preparing the marital home (ogwa ot). Others include facilitation for the marriage committee (obal tic), six goats (dyegi Akumu), and six cows (dyangi Akumu).
Traditionally, the amount of bride price payable is set by the bride's family and is concluded following negotiations with the groom's family. However, of late, the most bride's families have been seeing asking for tens of millions of shillings as part of bride price to the detriment of prospective grooms from humble backgrounds.
Naturally, the decision by the Acholi's cultural institution has generated mixed reactions from various people with some applauding it for stopping the exploitation of men. At the same time, some people think the decision is radical. But before we all get excited and all it is important to clearly understand the legality of this by-law and its enforceability in the country.
The Constitution permits all citizens to practice and promote their culture in community with others. This is why customary marriage is one of the recognised types of marriage. In a diverse country like Uganda, each ethnic group has its own requirements. As a practice, in a customary marriage, the culture of the bride is applicable and is used to formalise the relationship. The 'Ker Kal Kwaro' as a cultural institution had the mandate to guide the culture in Acholi using procedures agreed upon within their institution.
While this move is commendable, quite obviously, a number of challenges might be encountered. For example, what should a groom whose in-laws have demanded more money do? Should he report his in-laws to the cultural institution? Besides, does the institution have the infrastructure to monitor compliance in the entire sub-region? These are some of the emerging issues that might arise moving forward.
--
-- Recently, the 'Ker Kal Kwaro' of Acholi passed a by-law setting bride price payable for marriage in Acholi between Three Million (3,000,000/=) and Five Million shillings (5,000,000/=) as bride price to be paid during marriage in Acholi on top of other requirements like a lamp, paraffin, soap, a matchbox, a big saucepan, a stool for the father-in law, a 'gomesi' for the mother-in-law, a suit for the father-in-law, cigarettes, a goat for the uncle, a goat for the paternal aunt, a fee for the bride to open up (layap dog nyako), and one goat for preparing the marital home (ogwa ot). Others include facilitation for the marriage committee (obal tic), six goats (dyegi Akumu), and six cows (dyangi Akumu).
Traditionally, the amount of bride price payable is set by the bride's family and is concluded following negotiations with the groom's family. However, of late, the most bride's families have been seeing asking for tens of millions of shillings as part of bride price to the detriment of prospective grooms from humble backgrounds.
Naturally, the decision by the Acholi's cultural institution has generated mixed reactions from various people with some applauding it for stopping the exploitation of men. At the same time, some people think the decision is radical. But before we all get excited and all it is important to clearly understand the legality of this by-law and its enforceability in the country.
The Constitution permits all citizens to practice and promote their culture in community with others. This is why customary marriage is one of the recognised types of marriage. In a diverse country like Uganda, each ethnic group has its own requirements. As a practice, in a customary marriage, the culture of the bride is applicable and is used to formalise the relationship. The 'Ker Kal Kwaro' as a cultural institution had the mandate to guide the culture in Acholi using procedures agreed upon within their institution.
While this move is commendable, quite obviously, a number of challenges might be encountered. For example, what should a groom whose in-laws have demanded more money do? Should he report his in-laws to the cultural institution? Besides, does the institution have the infrastructure to monitor compliance in the entire sub-region? These are some of the emerging issues that might arise moving forward.
--
"When a man is stung by a bee, he doesn't set off to destroy all beehives"
Disclaimer:Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Ugandans at Heart (UAH) Community" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ugandans-at-heart/CAFxDTfoi4uMOjw6bjdZ%2BOkJHbR87kRhOaPmNsoD0FhsEKDzcNQ%40mail.gmail.com.
0 comments:
Post a Comment