Hajj Habibu Ssalongo Nsikonnene poses for a photo with his 7 wives on September 10, 2023 before taking them around Mukono District. PHOTO/FRED MUZAALE
Ssalongo Nsikonnene Habib Ssezigu, a traditional healer based in Mukono District who married seven wives on the same day almost two years ago, has sired seven children.
Nsikonnene says he has disproved critics who insisted that his polygamous marriage would not last a year. Each of his seven wives has given birth to one child — four boys and three girls. In September 2023, Mr Nsikonnene, a resident of Namasengere Village in Kyampisi Sub-County, wedded his seven wives, including two sisters, in a traditional Muslim ceremony held at Bugereka Village.
On the wedding day, each wife was driven to the mosque in a separate vehicle. Their husband was also driven alone in his car, forming a motorcade that attracted scores of locals, who lined up on the roads to witness the rare event. Mr Nsikonnene and his wives waved to curious onlookers as the motorcade of 35 vehicles and 40 motorcycles wound its way on the rural murram roads and through trading centres such as Kalagi, Nakifuma, and Naggalama, on the Kayunga-Mukono highway.
During an interview at the weekend, a cheerful Nsikonnene told this publication: “Despite speculation from many that I would not be able to maintain seven wives for even six months, I have disproved the prophets of doom because none of my wives has ever thought of, or plans to, divorce me”.
“These children have increased the size of my family, and I can say this is just the beginning. I intend to have more children, probably every two years,” Mr Nsikonnene boasted before bursting into laughter.
Following his wedding, he had previously stated his ambition to father more than 100 children.
Declining to disclose the total number of children he currently has, the 37-year-old traditional healer revealed that, contrary to common expectations of co-wives engaging in daily fights and quarrels, his seven wives — who have lived together in one house since their wedding day — share a sister-like bond and live harmoniously.
“Some people think that because I am a traditional healer, I bewitched them to live in such harmony, but that is not the case. Polygamy runs in our family. My great-grandfather had eight wives, while my father had five, and they all lived together in one house,” Mr Nsikonnene revealed.
Mr Nsikonnene’s fame has continued to grow since 2023, with many men seeking his advice on how to manage multiple wives without conflict.
“I always tell them that there is no secret to this. For me, managing many wives is simply part of my family lineage,” he explained.
Politics and society
His popularity has even led some residents to urge him to throw his hat in the political ring and contest for the Kyampisi Sub-County chairperson seat. However, Mr Nsikonnene has rejected the idea, stating: “Many people join politics for money and fame, which I already have.”
He added that he dislikes politics because it breeds hatred and causes one to lose their hard-earned wealth.
“When people elect you, they expect you to pay their children’s school fees and take their side in disputes, which is impossible,” he said.
Mr Emmanuel Owere, the chairperson of Namasengere Village, remarked: “When he [Nsikonnene] settled here, we had no idea he would bring such fame to our village. Now, our village’s name is known nationwide and even internationally.” Mr Owere noted that Nsikonnene’s unique marriage has brought him even greater renown, benefiting both his status and his traditional healing practice business.
“Due to his immense popularity, the number of his clients has also increased,” the Mr Owere said with a smile.
