Rwanda: Brides to be in dilemma as Government bans Wedding ceremonies following the rise of COVID 19 Cases

Brides who were planning a wedding this weekend say banning wedding ceremonies has put them in a loss while still finding that there could be regulations governing the event in order to prevent COVID 19

Their reactions came after a cabinet meeting on December 14, 2020 decided to cancel the wedding ceremonies until further notice.

Some are saying that they have not yet made up their mind about what to do but still thinking on getting married.

“My husband is a foreigner who came to Rwanda for a wedding and we are going to get married. Now will he go back unmarried, will he come back?” one told a local media

The young man who was supposed to be engaged in legal affairs in Nyagatare sector on Thursday, whom Kigali Today named Mugabo Paul, said he is going to think about what he should do in these circumstances.

“Wedding is money, I prepared everything for the people who provided me with financial support, I can’t give their money back because I used it. I’m going to talk to Fiancé and see what can be done.”

Although there are indications that they have been hampered by these measures, on the other hand it was necessary as the government has taken steps to reduce the severity of Covid-19, as it appears that these days the death toll from it had continued to rise sharply.

Local Government Minister speaks out

Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government, Prof Shyaka Anastase, has reaffirmed that the wedding ceremonies have been suspended these days as part of the implementation of COVID-19 prevention measures, yet some may be assisted for the civil marriage.

He said even if some people can be assisted to go on with the civil marriage no more festivities can be held.

Prof Shyaka explains that the assistance is considered as a service as there are others that are still being provided in governmental offices.

Minister Shyaka cites an example of a man who flew from abroad to Rwanda for a civil marriage adding that in such case the person can be allowed to get service after specifying the nature of his case and the consequences it would cause.

This will be done in the absence of any other option, Shyaka said. “Not to mention the fact that there are times when they may not have any other option, …. but in the absence of any other option, they can approach the local authorities to help them”

He further added that the engagement should be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law that each bride is accompanied by two people.

He added that the issue will not only be considered by the executive secretary of the sector, but also by other agencies.

The Minister concludes by urging those who have a wedding to be patient and do so early next year.