Dowry is an essential part of our culture

Similarly, among the Banyankole, some cows have to be given to the parents of the girl before she is taken as a wife. All this is done in consensus.

I am dismayed by the clause in the Marriage and Divorce Bill that proposes dowry should be optional. I feel this would undermine some cultural beliefs.

In Buganda, for example, it is very difficult for the parents to give away their daughters before the groom brings ‘Omutwaalo’ (a consensual bride price).

Similarly, among the Banyankole, some cows have to be given to the parents of the girl before she is taken as a wife. All this is done in consensus. It is also a sign of respect and appreciation to both parties.

This proposal, should first be discussed with cultural leaders before it is passed into law.

Arthur Matsiko,

marthur448@gmail.com