Baganda people’s marriage custom is perhaps the most intriguing of their practices

and by far the most misunderstood. The union of man and woman is one of the oldest
institutions in society and for some, a very memorable moment in their lives. This is
because it is not only a union of love, in the case where the process has not been
manipulated and perverted but  a God-sanctioned blessing for religious folks.

For these reasons, therefore, a great many demands, expectations, and conditions are
made on those who wish to be married. The Buganda marriage process is one of such
complicated processes, with procedures that must be carefully followed to the dot
before the union is deemed successful. The process has witnessed small changes, but
the basics remain.

A great many years ago, girls and boys were not allowed to interact freely without
supervision for obvious reasons, which has changed with people embracing the so-
called modern lifestyle.

Many marriages then were arranged by elders, who chose mates according to how fit
they viewed the candidates, relationship between families, social status, and
recommendations from the candidates’ parents. Sometimes, the opinion of the
candidates was not sought. This process has been criticized as unorthodox and
backward, especially in today’s world. Critiques argue that the union of a man and
woman should be based on mutual consent.

As with the change of times, circumstances are different. Today, partners meet each
other from anywhere and everywhere - school, workplaces, restaurants, bus stations,
etc. They only go through with the cultural marriage to formalize and secure official
recognition for their relationships.

Buganda kingdom has grown to be known for her colourful traditional marriage
ceremonies. Buganda has two traditional marriage ceremonies and that is to say, home
visit (kukyala) and the introduction (kwanjula). Before the grand celebration of the
marriage ceremony, the “husband to be” has to visit the paternal aunt of the girl, the
one she has chosen to be her “senga owe’nsonga”. Senga plays a significant role in
the Buganda marriage ceremony. Her role is respected and many baganda women
yearn to perform the same. Senga is vital in educating and teaching the bride to be her
roles and responsibilities as a wife.
The visitation is an informal introduction of the husband to be to the girl’s paternal aunt. It is in the
'kukyala”, where the man asks for the girl’s hand in marriage. A mini celebration is held at the girl’s
paternal aunt’s home with both her and the Groom’s parents. If the parents approve of the marriage,
then negotiation for bride price is discussed and they agree upon whatever amount and gifts the man
has to bring on the big day.However, the use of bride price is slowly fading out in most of the
communities in Buganda especially in the urban centers and not too much attachment is put to it.
Rather dowry is being considered as a token of appreciation for upbringing and educating the girl.
After the “kukyala” preparations for the official ceremony “Kwanjula” begin. Kwanjula is the most
important celebration of the Buganda marriage ceremony. Among the Buganda “kwanjula”
(introduction) ceremony takes place when an intending husband to be is introduced to the future in-
laws and the community at large. The ceremony is taken as the official marriage and after the suitor is
accepted, he can take his bride home with him as a wife.The “Kwanjula” ceremony involves many
parties like the paternal “senga” (Aunt) and a spokesperson (omwogezi) who have a vital role to play
on the occasion. It is tradition that the ceremony is held at the bride’s parent’s home. A lot of activity
takes place in preparation for the ceremony. Tents are put up, one for the in-laws and the other for
the family members, visitors, friends and community at large. Depending on both the girl and man’s
agreement and their financial standing, usually the whole village is invited to witness and participate
in the ceremony. However in most cases the girl’s parents may dictate on the number of people the
groom should bring. They may say 40-50 people only or even more. On arrival at the bride’s parent’s
home, the in-laws are required to make two lines, one for men and the other for the ladies. The hosts
then clip their visitor’s shirts or dresses with beautiful knots in form a flower or ribbon. This is meant
to easily identify the in-laws from the rest of the visitors. Sometimes before they are ushered to their
tent to sit, the host’s spokesperson may tease the visitors and ask them why they have come? And if
they do not give a “good answer” or even come late for the function, they are fined. Indeed a good
spokesman can make the whole ceremony exciting and memorable. It is at this point that the
spokesperson takes on their roles very seriously.

The very first Baganda followed a very strict set of rules before Kwajula was conducted. For the man,
the girl was not to be given before fulfillment and delivery of the bride price. Failure to deliver the
dictated bride price rendered the courtship unsuccessful, with the parents declaring the man unfit to
take their daughter.The bride price included foodstuffs like salt, sugar, tomatoes, onions, matooke,
beef, and other things such as bark cloth and money. The girl on the other hand had to be a virgin, and
proof of this was acquired on the first night of married life. On that night, bark cloth is used to lay the
matrimonial bed. Proof that the girl is a virgin is presented to the boy’s parents. 
However, much of what has been said above might not hold for today’s society. Some of these
practices have been regarded as unnecessary and therefore, jettisoned. In retrospect, some argue that
some of them were excessive and went a little too far.
For instance, the prescription that the bride must be a virgin is dissed by critics in modern times.
Today’s society has changed dramatically in that regard. It is easier to have sex today, no questions
asked, with a partner of choice and in complete discretion.