Written By | Peter Luzinda
By September 16, the savings group was demanding Shs1.25 million, including Shs750,000 in accumulated interest, according to local leaders.
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LIRA
A Shs500,000 loan taken by a couple in Ogur Sub-County, Lira District, to finance their wedding has reportedly grown into a Shs1.25 million debt, forcing the husband to leave home and his wife to return to her family.
Leo borrowed the money in March from Note En Teko, a village savings and loan association (VSLA) in Teyao Village, Alwala Parish.
He reportedly agreed to repay the Shs500,000 principal with Shs150,000 interest after one month, using customary land as security.
The couple held their wedding that month, but the loan was not repaid as agreed.
By September 16, the savings group was demanding Shs1.25 million, including Shs750,000 in accumulated interest, according to local leaders.
The debt has since destabilised the couple's home.
Leo reportedly left in May, fearing arrest over the unpaid money, while Hellen returned to her parents in neighbouring Alyec Village in July.
When members of the VSLA moved to recover the land that had been pledged as security, they reportedly found that Leo had already rented it out.
Local leaders said Leo is now staying in a remote area of Lamwo District, near the South Sudan border.
Savings group that gave Leo a loan
Michael Odongo, the LC3 Chairperson of Ogur Sub-County and Hellen's brother, said the debt had taken a heavy toll on the family.
"The debt wrecked his life," Mr Odongo said.
The LC1 Chairperson of Teyao Village, who is also named Michael Odongo, confirmed that the couple had left their home.
The case is not isolated, according to local leaders. They said at least three men in Ogur Sub-County have fled their homes this year over similar debts, with some marriages also collapsing as a result.
Financial experts have cautioned borrowers against taking money from savings groups and other lending institutions for expenses that do not generate income.
Abdallah Aziz Epalat of Pearl Bank said borrowers should have a clear repayment plan before taking loans and should avoid diverting money meant for productive activities to weddings and other consumption expenses.
He said failure to repay even a relatively small loan can affect a borrower's credibility when they later need larger amounts for business purposes.
The experience of the Ogur couple also comes amid wider concerns about the financial pressure associated with weddings in Uganda, with financial advisers and other commentators repeatedly urging couples to plan ceremonies according to what they can afford.
For Leo and Hellen, however, the wedding loan has gone beyond a financial obligation, leaving their home deserted and their marriage under strain.
