Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has ignited widespread debate after criticizing the practice of men kneeling while proposing marriage to women.
In a series of posts on the social media platform X, the general described the act as foreign to African traditions, referring to it as “Kizungu nonsense,” a phrase commonly used to describe Western cultural practices.
He argued that kneeling to propose marriage does not reflect traditional Ugandan values and jokingly suggested that men who engage in the practice could face arrest.
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“We shall start arresting men who kneel down to propose,” he wrote, adding humorously that those involved might avoid punishment if they claimed to be from another nationality.
Beyond proposals, the military chief also criticized modern celebrations such as Valentine’s Day.
He suggested that the occasion should instead reflect African customs and proposed renaming it “Eizooba rye Ente,” meaning “Cow Day,” where people would exchange cows rather than flowers as gifts.
His comments quickly triggered mixed reactions online.
Some supporters applauded his stance, arguing that African societies should preserve their cultural identity and traditions, particularly in matters of marriage where family involvement and bride price are often emphasized.
However, critics dismissed the remarks as unnecessary or symbolic, suggesting that national conversations should focus more on pressing issues such as governance, economic development, and public welfare.
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The comments reflect Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s reputation for making bold and provocative statements that often spark national and regional debate.