Minister of Gender and Culture  -Ms. Peace Mutuzo while giving remarks at a cultural day in Kween District in Sebei region made a pronouncement to start a campaign against the paying of Bride price in the country, which caused a clash with the elders of Kween district.

“I am starting a campaign against paying dowry (bride price) and I encourage everyone to join me because it works for everyone,” she said.

The minister suggested that the paying of bride price is one of the bad practices that go against the rights of women. According to Ms. Mutuzo, The bride price items like; cows, foodstuffs among others turn women into property at the mercy of their husbands.

She also blamed the increasing cases of domestic violence in the country and particularly Sebei region to the paying of bride price in marriage which gives men a sense of ownership.

Mr. Michael Chelimo, an elder and parent of six girls, said the minister should instead launch campaigns against bad Western cultural practices.
“The minister is going to start a war she will not win. Let her concentrate on important issues like fighting poverty,” he said.

Ms. Rose Chemutai, an FGM activist in Kween District, however, said bride price leaves women vulnerable in a household.

courtesy photo.