Tabi, Julius Izza2026-09-222026-09-222026https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11951/2278This study addresses the tension between the customary Lugbara practices of oku jeza and bridewealth and their perceived negative impact on participation in church marriage within the Diocese of Ma’di-West Nile. Utilizing hospitality, conversation, and critical faithfulness, the theological approach advanced by Swinton, this study identified bridewealth as a social practice of theological interest. Data were obtained using qualitative theological research methods and were subjected to the authority of the Bible and the critical faithfulness of the researcher as a practical theologian. Data were collected through individual interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations. This study 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. This permission is usually issued after the fulfilment of the customary requirements of bridewealth. This study 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 commercialized. The study concludes that bridewealth should be re-oriented to Love Gift, an unsolicited and non-negotiated gift of gratitude and appreciation a groom offers the family of the bride. The study recommends that the Diocese of Ma’di-West Nile should consider separating church marriage from bridewealth and focus on the banns of marriage rather than relying on parental permission, which is tied to the customary requirements of oku jeza.enCC0 1.0 Universalhttp://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/BridewealthOku jezaLugbaraLove GiftThesis