Virginity was venerated by the Bukusu people during dowry negotiations.

Some people call it ‘women purchase’, some call it an appreciation and to others it is bride price. This should be dowry. Most African communities embrace it as a way of appreciation for the family of the lady. It’s a gift and a man who pays it fully as expected is respected.

Last year a civil society group in Uganda moved to the court seeking to declare dowry payment unconstitutional among other cultural rites.