Bridewealth Revisited: The Practice of Oku Jeza among the Lugbara Christian Community in the Diocese of Ma’di-West Nile

Abstract

This study addresses the tension between the customary Lugbara practice of oku jeza and bridewealth and its perceived negative impact on participation in church marriage within the Diocese of Ma’di-West Nile. Utilizing the hospitality, conversation, and critical faithfulness; theological approach advanced by Swinton, the study identified bridewealth as a social practice of theological interest. Data was obtained using qualitative theological research methods and was subjected to the authority of the bible and the critical faithfulness of the researcher as a practical theologian. From the target population, the researcher interviewed 10 participants, conducted two focus group discussions with 8 and 7 participants respectively, and observed three oku jeza ceremonies. The study has established that the Lugbara Christians in the Diocese of Ma’di-West Nile consider oku jeza and bridewealth as a core process in accessing church marriage. It has been found that the church would not proceed with arrangements for church marriage before receiving permission from the bride’s family which usually is tied up to the customary requirements of oku jeza: the bridewealth. This study has discovered that the present practice of bridewealth harms church marriage in that very few Christians sign up for church marriage, resorting to cohabitation because bridewealth is increasingly becoming commercialized. The study concludes that instead of abolishing bridewealth for the Lugbara Christians in the Diocese, bridewealth should be re-oriented to Love Gift while serving its intended role among the Lugbara Christians without hurting church marriage. The study recommends that the Diocese of Ma’di-West Nile should consider divorcing church marriage from bridewealth and focus on the banns of marriage other than relying on parental permission which is tied up on the customary requirements of oku jeza.