Education Specialist and Marriage Counsellor, Remmy Mukonka, has expressed concern over arranged marriages, stating that they place undue pressure on individuals, particularly when one or both parties have little or no say in choosing their life partner.
Dr. Mukonka warned that arranged marriages can potentially lead to long-term challenges such as resentment, lack of trust, and mismatched expectations, which often strain marital relationships.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News, Dr. Mukonka emphasized that personal choice, mutual understanding, and consent are essential for building a strong and loving marriage.
“Arranged marriages often impose roles and expectations on couples that may not align with their personal desires or values,” said Dr. Mukonka.
He further noted that the longevity and health of a marriage are often compromised when individuals feel excluded from the decision-making process in selecting a life partner.
Meanwhile, during the same interview, Marriage Counsellor Mrs. Irene Mukonka urged parents to invest in educating and nurturing their children especially boys, who are often neglected on the importance of personal choice in marriage.
Mrs. Mukonka stressed that families must prioritize instilling values that contribute to building stronger homes.
“Active involvement in children’s lives will help reduce cases of divorce and gender-based violence by preparing them to make informed personal choices when selecting a life partner in the future,” said Mrs. Mukonka.
By Betty Kakoma