THE INFLUENCE OF TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE TO CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE: BALANCING BRIDE PRICE DEMANDS IN HOLY MATRIMONY IN HOIMA ARCHDEACONRY BUNYORO KITARA DIOCESE

Abstract

The study aims at navigating the influence of traditional marriage to Christian marriage: balancing bride price demands in holy matrimony in Hoima Archdeaconry, Bunyoro Kitara Diocese. The study was guided by objectives which are; examining the influence of traditional bride price demands on financial stability within Christian marriages, analyzing the societal and ethical implications of bride price demands on marital dynamics among Christian couples and exploring how the Church can intervene to promote a balanced integration of traditional marriage customs and Christian marriages within Hoima Archdeaconry. The study was carried out using a case study research design where qualitative research approach was also used. The data was collected using interview and focus group discussion guides and during the data collection, where both simple random and purposive sampling methods were used. A sample size of 46 respondents who include; married couples (40) from the different churches in the different parishes in Hoima Archdeaconry and key informants (06) was used in the study. The study findings revealed that exorbitant bride price demands in Hoima Archdeaconry negatively affect the financial stability, marital harmony, and ethical dynamics of Christian marriages, often leading to debt, delays in church weddings, and gender inequality. Such customs have turned from symbolic to commoditized, fostering power inequalities and societal pressure. The Church is called upon to act proactively through pre-marital counseling, community sensitization, and collaboration with cultural leaders to reform bride price customs, promote affordability, and uphold Christian values of love, unity, and dignity. Finally, the study recommended that the Hoima Archdeaconry Church conduct culturally rooted premarital counseling, community sensitization, and collaboration with cultural leaders to reverse the negative impact of runaway bride price. It further suggests collaborative marriage preparation committees and re-educating elders to re-ignite bride price to its symbolic role and uphold Christian principles of love, unity, and dignity in wedding ceremonies.