What the masses say about extravagance at kwanjula

May 01, 2008

THESE days there is no respect for in-laws. Traditionally, it was abominable for a man to raise his voice let alone legs before his father-in-law. But these days, the groom-to-be dances infront of his father-in-law.

Rita Kankunda, a tailor

THESE days there is no respect for in-laws. Traditionally, it was abominable for a man to raise his voice let alone legs before his father-in-law. But these days, the groom-to-be dances infront of his father-in-law. Sometimes, people in the groom’s entourage even wear clothes with long slits. It is such lack of respect that is increasing the divorce rates today.


Mark Sebunnya, marketing executive
It is absolutely alright for a man to give many gifts to his in-laws. The kanzus, gomesis and money will buy the man loyalty and respect from the woman’s relatives. Even if your wife left you and went back home, her relatives would convince her to come back to you. Besides, by giving them kanzus and gomesi, you are actually telling them off your wife and your home.

Richard Kalungi, 35, music systems salesperson
I have never been through the ceremony myself because all the kwanjula ceremonies I have attended were such expensive affairs. With my meagre resources, I fear to go through a kwanjula because I will end up a laughing stock. I am cohabiting with the mother of my children but we shall kwanjula and wed when we have enough money to splash on a kwanjula where we shall be respected.

Aziiza Mikidaadi
Since I came to Uganda, I have been surprised at the glamour and extravagance that Baganda exhibit at introduction ceremonies. In our culture (Bahaya), the makutano (introduction ceremony) is no big deal. The suitor goes to his father-in-law’s home just like a visitor and he takes a jerrycan of paraffin, a sack of rice and a jerrycan of oil. The father-in-law distributes the things among his relatives. The noise and dancing is reserved for the wedding.

Olive Lumonya, assistant
communications manager, NSSF

Kwanjula has become a testimony that we are merging into a global village. These days, you find kwanjula of Basoga where the lady wears Umshanana (Rwandan traditional wear). Many societies have also copied from the western culture.

They now cut a cake and exchange rings. These days you cannot find a kwanjula that restricts itself to the practices of one tribe. In fact, kwanjula no longer exists. What we see is a hotchpotch of many cultures meant to celebrate a man’s meeting his in-laws.

Joseph Mayenga, boda-boda cyclist
If a man can afford to splash money on gifts for his in-laws, then why not? My problem is with people who cannot afford, but want to show off, so they end up stressing themselves. For example, why should a man transport his relatives from Rakai to the city just for a kwanjula?

At the end of the day, you find the old men and women stranded, with nowhere to sleep. I have come across many unfortunate people who have ended up sleeping in the taxi park because they could not get transport back to the countryside.

It does not matter how much you spend on your kwanjula. What matters is how well your guests are catered for.

Phillip Mukisa, client relations officer, Cham Towers Shopping Arcade
I have done the kukyala and I am about to go for the kwanjula. However, even if my friends and relatives insist, I will not take sofa sets, a refrigerator or a television set to my father-in-law.

Taking such things might make my father-in-law think that I despise what he has. I can only take them if my father-in-law asks for them.

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