The influence of colonialism on marriage practices among the Baganda (1894-1962): A case of Nangabo Subcounty

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of the British colonialism on the marriage institution of Buganda, taking Nangabo sub-county in Kyadondo county as the case study from 1894-1962. The purpose of the study was to trace the historical impact of British colonialism on the institution of marriage among the Baganda in NangaboSub County. The specific objectives were to trace the main features of the indigenous marriage in Buganda, explore the British political and economic interventions that affected the marriage institution of Buganda as well as the challenges encountered by the British in their attempt to support the Christian monogamous marriages in Buganda. The study employed a historical research design and a qualitative research approach. Multiple data collection methods were used. They included oral historical sources like myths, proverbs, key informants’ interviews, in-depth interviews, review of archival data, documentary sources and participant observation. Research tools used included an interview guide and observation checklist. The findings suggest that although colonialism contributed to significant changes to traditional marriage practices such as, ring marriages and marriage ordinances within the marriage system among the Baganda, it did not entirely eradicate the traditional marriage practices. Some aspects of the indigenous marriage system in Buganda such as polygamy, and the payment of bridewealth, among others remained. It was reavealed that the changes in the marriage system of the Baganda are due to several other external as well as internal factors like the influence of islam and the impact of the reigning king respectively.