In a notable departure from traditional customs, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has publicly acknowledged his practice of paying dowry for all his daughters, while rejecting the notion of accepting dowry from any son-in-law.

During his Women’s Day address, the 79-year-old leader elucidated the rationale behind his decision, citing its significance in combating gender-based violence and promoting women’s empowerment.

President Museveni emphasized his rejection of conventional dowry practices as a means to instigate societal transformation.

By personally shouldering the responsibility of paying dowry for his daughters, he aims to set a precedent for Ugandan families to embrace modern marriage norms that prioritize equality and mutual respect.

Drawing from recent observations in his region, President Museveni noted a growing acceptance of his approach to marriage customs.

He recounted an anecdote from a minister's wedding, where the bride's family declined the groom's gifts and instead requested a specific number of cows as dowry. This departure from tradition resulted in the groom's family presenting an impressive 90 cows—an illustration of the economic empowerment stemming from evolving societal norms.

President Museveni proudly declared, "All my girls are married, and I am a big grandfather. But I am the one who pays the bride price for them when they get married."

He disclosed that he personally accompanies his daughters with cows as part of the dowry payment process, underscoring his unwavering commitment to upholding this tradition.

Furthermore, the President's wife, Janet Kataaha, has previously revealed that their daughters entered marriage as virgins—a testament to their commitment to abstinence until their wedding nights, symbolized by the presentation of "true love waits" cards to their spouses during the commemoration of the Day of the Girl Child.