Archbishop Paul Ssemwogerere has questioned why some young men today appear increasingly reluctant to pursue marriage, suggesting that many have lost the confidence to approach women with serious intentions.
The Archbishop of Kampala expressed concern about what he sees as a growing hesitation among men to initiate conversations about settling down, arguing that some now seem content to wait for women to take the lead in relationships.
In remarks that have sparked attention, Ssemwogerere compared modern dating habits with those of previous generations, when men were traditionally expected to take the initiative in pursuing relationships and proposing marriage.
“These days, you fear getting married. You’re no longer bold enough to initiate serious conversations about marriage. You let girls just hang around as if you’re waiting to be married,” he said.
The Archbishop also questioned the growing visibility of men appearing on television programmes designed to connect people looking for marriage partners.
He said he was particularly surprised to see grown men, including those with beards, publicly advertising themselves as potential husbands and sharing their locations and contact numbers in the hope of finding wives.
“That’s why some men nowadays are being married by women. I get surprised when I see men with beards on TV searching for women to marry them, even giving out their locations and contact numbers,” Ssemwogerere remarked.
His comments highlight his concerns about changing expectations around courtship and who should take the first step when pursuing marriage.
While television matchmaking programmes provide a platform for people seeking partners, the Archbishop’s remarks suggest he believes men should be more confident and deliberate about expressing their intentions rather than waiting for women to initiate the process.
Ssemwogerere’s observations have also brought attention to the changing dynamics of relationships, particularly the expectations surrounding commitment, courtship and marriage among younger generations.
However, his remarks reflect his perspective on modern relationships rather than establishing that all young men are afraid of marriage or reluctant to approach women.
For the Archbishop, the message is clear: men should not be afraid to pursue serious relationships and take an active role in the journey towards marriage.