Richard Kisamaddu (BSPW/FABIO-Coordinator) heiratete am 27
Januar 2001 Rose Kisamaddu. Wir gratulieren.
Sie nutzten ein Fahrrad als Hochzeitskutscher. Den folgenden
Artikel haben wir der Tageszeitung "The New Vision"
vom 6 Februar, 2001, entnommen.
Couple uses bike as their bridal car
Many Ugandans begin their married lives burdened with debt.
But there is another way. By Moses Nampala
When Richard Kisamaddu exchanged marital vows with Rose Kisamaddu
on Suturday January 27, the couple broke down the barriers of
spending lavishly, notably in these dusky days of limousines.
Hundreds of residents in Jinja town jammed the pavements
of Main Street, amidst ululation. They craned their necks to
capture a glimpse of a couple, seated on a two-wheeled cart drawn
by a bicycle, as it rolled away at a snail`s pace.
A lean towering man dressed in a navy blue shirt, complete with
necktie and black trousers, arched his back as ha pedalled away.
Hands tightly interlocked, the groom, a middle aged man, looked
elegant. The charming bride in her late 20s was clothed in flowing
satin, and clutched a small bouquet of flowers. She wore a blissful
smile and waved to onlookers.
The groom, Kisamaddu, has a long history with bikes. He is one
of the country coordinators of First African Bicycle Information
Office (FABIO) in Jinja.
He says going for a Victorian (eighteenth century) mode of transport
was not a decision dictated by meagre funds. Rather, it was by
choice.
"I wanted to educate the public on the realities of life,
especially people who fall into the category of low income earners.
They can fully enjoy the greatest moments in their lives, while
using non-motorised mobility," he says.
Kisamaddu says many people with a limited income fail to appreciate
their status. Failure to operate within the limits of their pockets
has ruined the livehood of many couples, he says.
Rose Kisamaddu, the bride, says she enjoyed the ride. "I
was excited by the mammoth crowd that stood by the road, fightin
to see us share our greatest moment in life." She says the
big crowd suggests people are interested in simple, low-cost
functions, but lack the courage to organise them.
Birabwa Madina is interested. A married mother of four, she looks
forward to legalising her marriage soon, regardless of whether
the couple has the money to meet the cost or not.
"I have always wanted to walk down the aisle with Dick Mukisa,
who is the father of my children, but our efforts have been thwarted,
by lack of money to meet the endless list of requirements on
the budget," she says. "I have now learned that, even
people who can not afford, a fleet of vehicles to grace there
wedding parties, can still enjoy wedding bells."
Patrick Lamwoka, says he would appreciate such a humble setting
for his wedding function, if only he can chance upon a good-natured
bride.
George Kakaire, a youth in his mid thirties, however, dismisses
such an undertaking. He says no educated woman would allow herself
to be exposed in a two-wheeled cart for the sake of a wedding.
" I really think this is being far too economical than is
necessary. Why should I deny my loved one a chance to enjoy a
lavish life? We are all aware we are not permanent on this earth.
It is only a cheap bride who can go in for such primitive arrangements,"
he says.
Patricia Nakaziba, a senior six student, says she would rather
cohabit with her husband rather than shame herself on a miserable
bicycle cart.
"A husband who suggest such a wedding to his wife is a miser,
and I would advise such a woman to prepare herself for a boring
marriage."
However, Patricia Kayemba, the assistant Coordinator of FABIO,
disagrees. Most wedding funcions, leave the couple penniless,
he says.
"The groom endures the burden of paying back his debts,
amounting to colosal sums of money."
Couples often fail to cope with normal life, as debts incurred
during their wedding keep them financially handicapped.
We are trying to empower the public, especially the low-income
earners, to always learn how to utilise the few resources within
their reach.
They should learn how to budget the little money they have and
allocate the biggest percentage of their earning to produce activities.
This is one of the factors that has ruined afforts aimed at empowering
communities, particularly the poor. Utilising resources viably
is the key to self-sustainability and development.
Patrick Kayemba, who volunteered to give the couple a ride, after
they had tied a knot, maintains that the function was symbolic.
"People should stop the habit of craving for too many luxuries,
and wasting money on unproduktive functions. They should analyse
their situation to improve on their domestic incomes through
knowing how and when they should allocate their resources."
FABIO is a non governmental organisation linked to a bicycle
sponsorship projekt, affiliated to Jugendhilfe Ostafrica, based
in Germany.
According to Kayemba, the project operates in 17 districts including
Jinja, Kamuli, Iganga, Mukono, Mbale, Busia, Bugiri, Bushenyi,
Tororo, Soroti, Fort Portal, Katakwi and Kabale.
"I am proud to say that through this project we have initiated
non-motorised ambulances, especially in rural areas, where the
roads are hilly or impassable."
The project targets rural folk, who often cannot transport their
patients to distant health centres or hospitals.
Kisamaddu laments the fact that bicycles have remained unaffordable
to the rural poor, mainly due to Government taxes. Over 40% of
the total cost of a new bicycle is tax. "We are appealing
to the government to review policies on bicycle importation,
to accommodate the demands of the less privileged people who
are the majority." he says.
