See the Uganda tribe where bride’s aunt tests future husband’s sexual prowess before marriage

• The Banyankole, also called Nkole people, are a Bantu ethnic group from southwestern Uganda’s Ankole region.

• Viral claims about a bride’s aunt conducting a “potency test” during marriage ceremonies have sparked online debate.

• The role of the aunt (senga) is traditionally linked to guidance and counselling before marriage in many East African cultures.

• Most Banyankole people today practise Christianity, with Anglican and Roman Catholic denominations being the dominant faiths.

A marriage tradition linked to Uganda’s Banyankole people has sparked online conversations after claims about the role of a bride’s aunt during weddings resurfaced.

The Banyankole, also known as the Nkole people, are a Bantu ethnic group from the Ankole region of southwestern Uganda. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, cattle-keeping traditions and the importance they place on family roles during major life events, including marriage.

A post online have claimed that, in some versions of Banyankole marriage customs, the bride’s aunt was involved in a “potency test” for the groom and played a role in confirming the bride’s readiness for marriage.

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Some versions of the story claim the aunt would have sexual relations with the groom before the wedding was completed, while others say her role was simply to observe or guide the couple. However, these claims are debated, and there is limited evidence that such practices were a widespread or current tradition among the Banyankole.

What is better documented is the importance of the paternal aunt, commonly known in many East African cultures as senga, in guiding young women before marriage. Traditionally, the aunt’s role involved offering advice about relationships, family responsibilities and married life.

The Banyankole are mainly found in Uganda’s southwestern region, especially areas that were historically part of the Ankole Kingdom.

They are closely related to other Bantu-speaking communities, including the Nyoro, Kiga, Toro and Hema peoples.

Traditionally, cattle have played a major role in Banyankole society, with cows representing wealth, identity and social status.

Today, most Banyankole people practise Christianity, with many belonging to the Roman Catholic and Anglican (Church of Uganda) denominations.

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According to Uganda’s 2002 Census, about 52.6 per cent of Banyankole identified as Anglican, while 34.8 per cent identified as Roman Catholic. Smaller groups include Muslims and Pentecostal Christians.

Like many African societies, Banyankole traditions have changed over time as modern lifestyles, religion and changing views on marriage have influenced cultural practices.

The Banyankole are also known by several names, including Ankole, Ankori, Banyankore, Nkoles, Nkore, Nyankole, Runyankole and Runyankore.

While stories about unusual marriage customs often attract attention online, cultural experts note that traditions can vary between communities and generations, and viral claims do not always represent the full reality of a people's way of life.