In recent years, there has been a growing trend of young girls marrying older men, with the most recent marriage between Kampala businessman Frank Gashumba and Malaika Patience Mutoni sparking widespread debate and concern. This phenomenon is complex and multifaceted, driven by various factors.
According to Prisca Kemigisha, a businesswoman in Kikubo, Kampala city, one primary reason young girls are drawn to older men is the promise of economic security and stability.
Older men often have established careers, financial resources, and social standing, which provide a sense of comfort and protection. In some cases, young girls feel pressure from their families or societal expectations to secure a stable future through marriage.
“Girls get attracted to older men because these men are ‘already made.’ They have homes and are financially stable, so these girls do not have to toil hard. These older men are looked at as people whose future is already secured. They put up businesses for these girls; hence, there is no need for them to suffer looking for jobs.
According to social media, Malaika had already received a car from Gashumba on Valentine’s Day. You see, at her age she is already cruising in a beautiful car. This is what many young girls want,” Kemigisha said.
The power imbalance in age-gap relationships also plays a significant role. Older men possess more life experience, social influence, and emotional maturity, which is attractive to young girls seeking guidance and support. However, this power dynamic may also lead to unequal relationships, where the older partner holds more control and decision-making authority.
Sarah Nakirijja, a local councillor in Nansana municipality, said that young girls may also be drawn to older men due to psychological and emotional factors, such as a desire for validation, love, and acceptance.
“Older men often treat young women with respect and care. Having had various past relationships, by the time they choose to settle down, they are usually more experienced and emotionally prepared for commitment,” Nakirijja said.
“They treat them with tenderness and allow them their space, often viewing them as youthful and full of life, bringing a sense of vitality and renewed energy into their lives.”
To better understand this trend, young women themselves must be heard. A 21-year-old university student who preferred anonymity stated, “I know many girls who go for older men because they want quick comfort. Rent is paid, tuition is sorted, and they get pampered. It is not always about love. It is survival.”
Experts argue that the socioeconomic context plays a critical role. Uganda’s youth unemployment rate remains high, and with limited opportunities, some young women turn to relationships as a means of economic advancement.
Dr. Helen Kafeero, a sociologist at Makerere University, said, “Many of these relationships are transactional in nature. They are shaped by the economic desperation of youth and the cultural expectations placed on women to secure a future through marriage.”
Legal experts, too, weigh in. According to Uganda’s Marriage Act, the legal age of marriage is 18. While the relationship between Malaika and Gashumba may be legal, the concern lies in the ethical and psychological implications of such unions, particularly where large age differences and financial dependencies are involved.
Frank Gashumba has remained largely silent on the matter, but in a previous interview about relationships, he stated, “I believe in partnership and mutual respect. Age is just a number, as long as there is understanding.”
While some view such relationships as consensual and potentially fulfilling, it’s essential to critically examine the power dynamics and potential risks involved. Psychological dependency, loss of autonomy, and limited personal development are concerns that arise when financial security outweighs emotional maturity or genuine compatibility.
The trend of young girls marrying older men is a complex issue, influenced by a range of social, economic, and psychological factors.
By understanding the underlying dynamics and amplifying the voices of those directly involved, society can begin to foster more informed, autonomous decision-making for young women, ensuring their choices are free from coercion or desperation.
