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Uganda - Some ways forward
Festive days
In Uganda, it is difficult for husbands and wives to have time of sharing with one another. Both men and women are always busy in the garden. Besides, women shoulder household responsibilities, collecting firewood and in some cases travelling up to five kilometres or more to fetch water. They also have to prepare meals for the family. By evening, the couples are tired and have little time for communicating with each other.
Mary’s Day is celebrated every year on March 25th in Uganda. A tradition has been developed in many churches of making this a festive and memorable day. Mothers’ Union members usually participate in the service in which new members are enrolled. After the service, the women take their husbands out for lunch, followed by discussion sessions. This gives them the opportunity to share life and to enjoy each other’s company. Topics discussed include:
- Ingredients of marriage
- How to handle in-laws
- How to handle finances
- How to write a will.
Guest speakers are often invited to lead the discussions. Participants are then divided into small groups to explore the topics in depth. These sessions are often quite enriching. The highlight of the day is usually the presentation of gifts by the women to their husbands. The gifts range from a handkerchief to a shirt and sometimes more expensive items such as a suit.
Likewise, St Peter’s Day is often celebrated in June. This is another festive occasion. Men take their wives out for lunch followed by discussion and presentation of gifts to the wives.
This kind of sharing helps to bring couples closer to each other and to strengthen marital ties. Marriages that are weak or stale are stabilised and relationships deepened. Each year, the Mothers’ Union and Fathers’ Union members look forward to St Mary’s and St Peter’s day with excitement.
The Mothers’ Union needs to continue exploring new opportunities where couples can come together from time to time to celebrate the joy of marriage and renew ties. We also need to extend this kind of experience to our children.
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