Marriage Process in Rukiga

 In Rukiga language we do not use the word 'kukyala'. Those 'murdering' Rukiga, please let me correct and guide you at no fee.

The words are:

1. Okugamb'obugyenyi - announcing the intention to marry

2. Okujugyisa - lady's family visit the man's family to decide on which fatty cows to pick

3. okuret'ente - the man's side deliver the fatty cows to the lady's family

4. Okuhingira - the lady is handed to the father-in-law (not the husband to be). Most important ceremony as this makes the 2 families one. Marriage being between families NOT just lady and man. The lady from now on is considered traditionally married and can choose to go with her husband

5. Church wedding - optional because not every Mukiga is religious. There are some who still worship the traditional gods. 

6. Okuzimuura - the man goes back to the in-laws to demand for his cows (either the woman has left him because of his bad behaviour or she does not meet his expectations). Very rarely happens but I know a man who claimed his cows back. 

7. Okwaarama - period bride stays indoors without seeing the sun

8. Okutwar'ebitenga - bride's family take presents to her new home

9. Okwaruka - ending the 'okwaraara' period in 7. Lots of feasting. The bride is given a hoe and seeds to start digging and planting. All village eyes are on her checking to ensure she has conceived. If not, the gossip begins.

10. Okutur'ebitenga - dropping the basket

Thank God for Jesus!! We are empowered women who stand no nonsense. 

Roles and responsibilities:

1. Kyiriima - the go-between

2. Katerarume - the one who clears the path (orume means dew), Katerarume walks infront of the groom clearing the village path

3. Abeisi bobugyenyi - the spoilers, spies & rumour mongers

4. Abaroreezi - uninvited guests who turn up anyway and must get fed. Usually their department is announced last

5. Abagooyi b'oburo - millet department

6. Ababagyi - meat section

6. Abagabuzi - servers 

7. Abatezi b'engoma - drummers who announce the arrival of groom's party

8. Eb'enku - firewood section

9. Ab'ameizi - water 

10. Ob'omubumba - green bananas steam cooked in banana leaves

11. Abashendekyereza - youths who escort the bride to her husband's home

12. Abeshongozi/ abatagurizi/abazini - singers and dancers

13. Omutezi w'ebyoma - DJ

14. Omuburizi - vicar/preacher/imam

15. Ishenkazi - aunt (sister to father of bride)

16. abashwezi - groom party

17. Abatweerezi - those who contribute food/money/cows/goats towards the marriage ceremony. The word 'okutwereera' means to 'donate'

18. Omwamuzi- Rain maker; usually hired to make sure that rain does not spoil the function by raining.