A Shilluk wedding in Juba. (Soniya Media).

The paramount chief of Collo Community in Central Equatoria State said the recurrent weddings seen in the capital Juba among Collo sons and daughters is due to the cheap cost of dowry in their culture.

James Amum Adwok said the Collo community continues to preserve its cultural heritage that dates back to centuries.

He said they believe marriage is not about acquiring wealth, but rather it is based on culture, respect, understanding, and good behaviors among others.

“Marriage for us in Collo, there is only some money for introduction and three goats, that’s only for us as Collo, marriage among Collo only, not with other tribes,” Amum told Eye Radio’s Dawn Show.

The chief said for them, three goats and ten cows are the major requirements marriages.

Sultan Amum said the ten cows are not mandatory to be paid at once.

“Three goats and money like 3 or 2 million [SSP], based on your ability, and if you don’t have, you marry based on what you can afford, we accept whatever you have.”

“Marriage between Collo and Collo, you give 10 cows [for dowry], about 30 goats, then we will ask you to come home, bring fish for people to eat, celebrate, and it will officially be announced that the daughter of this family has been married to the son of that family.”

“That is the official marriage, that’s what you always see at playgrounds in Juba, everybody goes to the playground to see and celebrate, people also contribute.”