By Shivan Ayebare
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has fulfilled a Shs50 million pledge to Rev. Dr. Narcisio Bagumisiriza, author of African Customary and Christian Marriages Compared.
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi delivered the money on Saturday. Musasizi represented the President at the launch of the book in April 2024.
Musasizi said the pledge followed a commitment made by the President to Fr. Bagumisiriza, who supported and mobilised for the National Resistance Movement during its early years.
He said Fr. Bagumisiriza was among those who welcomed Museveni and the Uganda Patriotic Movement during the 1980 election period.
“This is a reminder that President Museveni does not forget his historical people. Fr. Bagumisiriza is one of those who spread the good news of the NRM. Many years later, the President has rewarded him,” Musasizi said.
The minister said President Museveni recently gave him the Shs50 million to deliver to Fr. Bagumisiriza.
Fr. Bagumisiriza said the idea for the book came while he was pursuing his PhD studies in Rome.
The book compares African customary marriage with Christian marriage and examines how the two traditions relate, particularly within African Christian communities.
Fr. Bagumisiriza said he also hopes the book will encourage more people to formalise their marriages.
“Christian marriage addresses a number of uncertainties because Jesus Christ is at the centre,” he said.
Musasizi asked Fr. Bagumisiriza to use the money to support the social and economic wellbeing of people around him. He also urged him to encourage communities to take part in government programmes aimed at increasing household incomes.
Fr. Bagumisiriza thanked President Museveni for fulfilling the pledge and for sending Musasizi to represent him at the book launch.
African Customary and Christian Marriages Compared was launched at Christ the King Parish in Kampala. It sells at Shs20,000 and is available in several bookshops and at Fr. Bagumisiriza’s office at Katigondo National Major Seminary in Masaka City.
Fr. Bagumisiriza was ordained a priest of Kabale Diocese on April 23, 1978. He holds a Diploma in Philosophy from Makerere University and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
He currently serves as General Spiritual Director and lecturer at Katigondo National Major Seminary.
