A 29-year-old retail business owner, Laban Sabiti, is speaking out against his father-in-law, Geoffrey Kakona, who allegedly kidnapped his daughter, Prize Twikirize, after failing to pay the required bride price.
Sabiti claims he was already planning to settle the debt of Shs6m, totaling approximately $1,500 USD, which he owes Kakona.
Kakona, a resident of Kanungu District, had been demanding the payment of the bride price, despite having five children with his wife.
Sabiti expressed sh0ck and disappointment at the father-in-law’s actions, citing that he had explained his financial constraints and intention to pay the dowry in December of this year.
ALSO READ: World’s most expensive c0nd0m made from animal intestines fetches $500 at auction
In response to the alleged kidnapping, Sabiti has filed a case of child neglect against Kakona and his daughter with the police.
Reports indicate that Kakona took his 10-year-old grandson and his 6-month-old granddaughter with him, leaving them without parental figures.
Mbarara District senior probation officer, Steven Tumwiine, has come to Sabiti’s defense, stating that Kakona’s actions are unlawful.
Tumwiine explained that the government had abolished the payment of bride price in Uganda, making it a requirement by law for individuals above the age of 18 to choose their own partners.
“Kakona is infringing on his daughter’s fundamental rights by insisting on payment of the dowry.
Additionally, he is denying his grandchildren the chance to grow up with both parents, which is their right under the law,” Tumwiine emphasized.
