2/8/2026
Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni on Saturday reminisced about State Minister for Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Region Alice Kaboyo’s role during the formative years of the National Resistance Army (NRA) liberation struggle, saying her loyalty and personal sacrifices over nearly five decades compelled him to attend her daughter’s traditional marriage ceremony despite his policy of rarely attending private functions.
Museveni made the remarks during the Okuhingira ceremony of Kisha Isabel Byanjeru Kaboyo, who was formally handed over to Aaron Mwiije Kafureeka at Kakyeera in Kiruhura District.
The President said he normally avoids private social events because presidential movements involve significant logistical costs but made an exception for Kaboyo because of her longstanding service to him and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Museveni recalled that Kaboyo joined his family in 1979 while still a student and became part of efforts that concealed preparations for the liberation struggle following the disputed 1980 general election.
As he publicly projected interest in settling into civilian life, including negotiating to acquire land in Kanoni, Kaboyo frequently accompanied him, helping create the impression that he had abandoned politics while preparations for the armed struggle continued in secret.
According to the President, the strategy successfully diverted attention from plans that culminated in the launch of the bush war in February 1981.
He further revealed that after completing her studies, Kaboyo joined First Lady Janet Museveni in Nairobi, where she helped care for the Museveni family before later moving with them to Sweden.
Museveni said Kaboyo’s unwavering commitment over the years, coupled with the personal losses she had suffered, including the deaths of her husband and father, made it impossible for him to decline the invitation.
I said, for this case, I must come,” Museveni remarked.
The President also used the ceremony to caution the Banyankole community against turning marriage into a commercial venture through excessive bride price demands.
“You, the Banyankole, are damaging the population with this thing of Okujugusa (paying bride price).
Why ask for 15 cows and millions of shillings? Why are you selling your children? You make young people fear marriage and, unfortunately, some begin their lives together in debt,” the President said.
He urged families to preserve the cultural significance of the Okuhingira ceremony, saying it should symbolize the union of families rather than a commercial transaction.
Museveni also criticized lavish wedding celebrations, arguing that they place unnecessary financial burdens on families and discourage young couples.
