FALSE: Photo does not show the drought situation in Embolioi, Kajiado County, in October 2022
Admin A man in Uganda on Wednesday took his daughter away from her matrimonial home after his son in law failed to pay the earlier agreed bride price on time, and left the man stranded with five children to fend for.
Mr Geoffrey Kakona — a resident of Kirima Village, Bushuura parish in Kanungu District — reportedly reclaimed his daughter and had no mercy for 29 year old Laban Sabiti, calling him ‘a bride price defaulter’.
Sabiti, a retail businessman in Bishayu Village was left stranded with five children who include a 13-month toddler.
“It is true I delayed paying the bride price but I was planning to pay it in December this year. I was surprised when my father in-law came and took my wife even after explaining to him that I was willing to fulfil my traditional obligation,” Mr Sabiti, who has filed a case of child neglect with the police, said.
The eldest of Mr Sabiti’s children is aged 10, while the youngest — a 13-month toddler — was still enjoying the bonding experience of breastfeeding.
The issue however has not gone unnoticed, as administrators have now come out to lament about it.
According to the Daily Monitor, Mbarara District senior probation officer, Mr Steven Tumwiine, weighed in on the debate, claiming bride price was outlawed by the government.
Mr Tumwiine said: “According to the laws of Uganda, dowry or bride price was abolished and any person aged 18 years and above has a right to marry a man or woman of her or his choice. So, the old man [Ms Twikirize’s father] is infringing on the rights of his daughter. The old man is also infringing on the rights of his grandchildren by denying them a chance to have parents.”
The case, a typical African tradition in most African communities, has now raised eyebrows and put Uganda trending on social media as human rights activists sympathize with Sabiti’s children.
By Shadrack Andenga Odinga
Source: Daily Monitor
