By Esther Bridget Nakalya
Not long ago, interracial marriages were discouraged in most places. Now that the law is no longer against marrying people from other races, interracial marriages are on the rise. Couples from different cultures are getting together to celebrate their love.
The real question is, why have people become eager to intermarry? Are there any particular factors responsible for intermarriage?
Esther and Timothy
Esther Nansubuga is a Muganda from Kitende, Entebbe Road. She introduced Timothy Edward Light from the United Kingdom on March 24, 2016.
Timothy says he had always loved the cultural practices of the Baganda and since he loves adventure, he looked forward to kwanjula (introduction ceremony).
“I had never attended any cultural ceremony and was surprised by most of the requirements listed. However, since I was madly in love with Esther, I was happy to abide and buy all the requirements,” he says.
Timothy could not personally pick out the requirements which prompted him to give all the required money to his fiancé to do the shopping.
“I gladly selected gomesis (traditional dress) and kanzus (traditional robe for men) plus other gifts, including the bride price. This allowed for me to make individual tastes and choices for my family members something I found easy since I knew their preferences,” Esther says.
His only discomfort at the ceremony was his urge to smoke a cigarette, which was unacceptable for a Muko (son-in-law) especially in the presence of cultural elders and family, unlike in the United Kingdom.
With a better understanding of her fiancé’s needs, Esther improvised some whiskey which Timothy kept sipping in order to relax and be comfortable.
On March 26, 2016, the couple tied the knot in a simple but elegant ceremony at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala presided over by a court lawyer.
“Timothy was not interested in a church wedding which I was okay with. Since I had been raised by a family from Norway, where this is common, I easily found his suggestion of a civil wedding acceptable,” Esther shares.
Faith and Robert
Faith Osire, an Itesot from Tororo Town in eastern Uganda, welcomed her fiancé Robert Tusiime to her family home for their introduction ceremony on December 11, 2021. On the day, Robert, a Mutoro, put into great consideration the requirements and expectations from Faith’s culture.
To start, someone was appointed by Faith’s family to pick the sticks from the guests on arrival which were to be returned back to them at end of the visit. According to Faith, this symbolised that they have been identified as visitors and are welcome.
“I showed up with a map and photo of the Teso king, ajono (a local brew), and straws as required by Faith’s family,” Robert says. Click to read more…
