NWOYA – Pomp and celebration marked a colourful traditional introduction ceremony as Innocensia, the younger sister of Richard Todwong, the NRM Secretary General, introduced her husband Jacob from Denmark to her family and the people of Nwoya District.
Hundreds of dignitaries, cultural leaders, party officials and invited guests attended the ceremony held on Saturday, turning the quiet district into a hub of festivity, dance and cultural display.
Uganda and Denmark enjoy cordial diplomatic ties, but Saturday’s ceremony symbolically deepened those relations at a cultural and family level, as an Acholi daughter formally welcomed a Danish son-in-law.
In his remarks, Todwong thanked guests for sparing two days to attend what he described as an elaborate function, noting that many of them were accustomed to much shorter official engagements.
“I know this is not the kind of function you normally attend. Yours are usually two hours and you are gone. But this time you have stayed with us for two days. We are grateful,” he said.
He paid tribute to leaders from Nwoya District led by the NRM District Chairperson, and appreciated his wife for mobilising members of the Women’s League to attend the ceremony.
In a moving moment, Todwong recognised 'members of his family' who had travelled from Karamoja, as well as his mother, whom he said had surprised him by arriving at his home early in the morning without his knowledge.
Addressing the Danish visitors, Todwong highlighted the richness of Ugandan culture, particularly from Karamoja and Acholi, saying such ceremonies reflect the deep values attached to marriage.
He explained that in Acholi tradition, marriage is a careful process involving family consultations and due diligence to ensure harmony between clans. “Marriage is not rushed. Families investigate and agree before arrangements are made,” he said.
Describing Innocensia as his younger sister who had long followed in his footsteps, Todwong said the ceremony fulfilled their mother’s long-held wish to see her settled in a good home.
In a light-hearted but firm message to the groom, he added: “We are a sensitive community. If you mistreat our daughter, we can even come to Denmark and get you. But we know she is in safe hands.”
The ceremony ended in jubilant celebration, with traditional dances and blessings for the couple as they prepare to continue their marriage festivities in the coming days.