Far above Rubies: The Association between Bride Price and Extramarital Liaisons in Uganda

David Bishai, Johns Hopkins University
George Pariyo, Makerere University
Kenneth Hill, Johns Hopkins University

A survey on HIV related attitudes and behavior was conducted in 1758 households in Uganda in early 2001. We asked all currently married women whether their husband gave her parents any items or monies by way of bride-price. Bride prices were paid for 462 (69.47%) of the married women. The principal determinants of having any bride price were urban residence (O.R. 0.16 S.E. 0.049), current income (O.R. 1.2 S.E. 0.15), and current age (O.R. 1.02 S.E. 0.01). Controlling for rural residence, current age, current income, and highest grade, we found that having had a bride price lowered the odds of sexual intercourse with a partner other than the spouse (O.R. 0.32 SE. 0.14). The payment of bride prices has been a prevalent feature among rural Ugandan women, more so for older cohorts. Women who had participated in this custom were less likely to report extramarital relationships regardless of age.