Buganda wedding drama criticised

PIC: In laws carrying gifts to the bride's family as is the norm in Buganda 

Women dressed in flowery gomasi, saris sauntered alongside the men in tunics. The destination was Katikiro (Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister) Charles Mayiga's home.

The occasion was graced by the presence of Nabagereka Sylivia Nagginda and the Vice President Edward Sekandi.

Gabriella Namatta was getting introduced  also known as Kwanjula to her husband to be, Arnold Tumusime, from Bunyoro.  Kwanjula is a traditional marriage ceremony in Buganda.

The Planet and Nadujja entertainers shook the earth with thunderous traditional drum beats as Namatta was baptised "Ateenyi."  

 Ribs were cracked as jokes were cracked about the in-laws from Bunyoro not to starve because there was no Bushera (millet porridge) on the menu.

 "We have other tribes of drinks like: olwendo (water,) gourds of foot wine and bottled beer to compensate," announced the spokesman of the bride's side Steven Sewanonda.  

His counterpart Mukasa Kafero countered that they had seen more "ripe fruits" (pretty brides) waiting to be harvested in the compound.

Mayiga receives a certificate of Buganda kingdom. Photo by Titus Kakembo

"I hope you have appreciated our tall and handsome suitor. Stay informed that we will be back for some more!"                                                           

Vocal Premier Mayiga was this time round speechless but could not help split his face with a smile of satisfaction.  Speaking on his behalf Salongo Sepiriya did not spare the youth of today.

"Namatta you have done us proud introducing your husband to be," stressed Sepiriya. "Especially in this era when cohabiting is the order of the day in a society whose morals are decaying."

Posing for the point to drive home he creased his forehead to stress a point.

 The bride(centre) with her sengas (partenal aunts). Photo by Titus Kakembo

"Showing off has made this occasion unaffordable to people who would love to do it," pointed out Sepiriya. "There are Sengas for hire. I have seen cars, refrigerators and land titles given to the bako (in laws) as gifts only to be collected by the rightful owners the day after!"

To cut things short Sepiriya asked for the specific date of the church wedding and it was given in whispers behind closed doors. At 8:00pm the groom's entourage left and those left behind ululated as they danced themselves lame.

The bars and food serving points started afresh. Music, strictly Luganda, blared from huge speakers as if there was no tomorrow. Chicken luwombo (steamed) was enjoyed by guests.

 The Nabagereka  Sylvia Nagenda ( in a brown gomasi) graced the ceremony.Photo by Titus Kakembo

Namatta was assured that this being a dot com era, being married to a man from Bunyoro does not distance her from her clan's people.

During the occasion her calm and composed Senga (aunt) simply brought her on the floor to greet the guests without becoming "a dancing queen" or comedian as it normally happens.

Naduja and the planets, a traditional dance group entertained the guests. Photo by Titus Kakembo

"Tumusiime you have been accepted in this family as a son," stressed Sewanonda. "You are now a phone call away from issues that matter in this not so small "Mukasa Tribe" (as we refer to ourselves) which traces it's roots so many decades back