Father of 102: Why This Ugandan Patriarch Says He’s Done Having Kids

By boom Last updated Nov 17, 2024

Musa Hasahya’s story is one of cultural tradition, family, and the challenges of modern-day financial realities. At 68 years old, the Ugandan farmer has fathered an extraordinary 102 children with his 12 wives, resulting in a family that spans generations, with 568 grandchildren. While large families are often celebrated in his culture, Hasahya recently announced that he is finished having children, citing overwhelming financial and personal challenges as his reasons.

A Life Rooted in Tradition

In Uganda, polygamy is legally and culturally accepted, with large families often seen as a source of pride and strength. Hasahya fully embraced these traditions, starting his family-building journey in the 1970s. Over the years, his household grew rapidly, as each of his wives bore him several children.

Hasahya’s family now includes children ranging in age from 6 to 51 years old. Living in a rural area, he relied on farming to provide for his ever-expanding family, working tirelessly to meet their needs. In his community, the size of one’s family is often a reflection of wealth and success, and for decades, Hasahya appeared to embody this ideal.

Cultural Attitudes Toward Family Planning

One of the key factors contributing to Hasahya’s large family is the cultural attitude toward birth control. In many parts of Uganda, contraceptives are stigmatized, with some communities associating them with promiscuity or a lack of moral discipline. This perspective played a significant role in Hasahya’s household. None of his wives used birth control, leading to the natural growth of his family over the decades.

However, as Hasahya’s financial situation became increasingly strained, the conversation around family planning began to shift within his household. Recognizing the difficulties of managing such a large family, he started to advocate for birth control among his wives, marking a significant departure from his earlier beliefs.

The Financial Strain of a Large Family

At its core, Hasahya’s decision to stop having children stems from financial reality. For much of his life, he relied on farming to sustain his family, but rising living costs and dwindling income have made it nearly impossible to provide for everyone. As he put it, “My income has become lower and lower over the years due to the rising cost of living, and my family has become bigger and bigger.”

Today, approximately one-third of his children live with him on his farm, along with his remaining wives. The entire household resides in a single house, highlighting the limited resources available to support such a large group. The financial pressures have also taken a toll on his relationships, with two of his wives leaving due to the inability to meet their needs.

Challenges of Managing a Large Family

Managing a family of this size comes with unique logistical and emotional challenges. Hasahya admitted that he doesn’t know all of his children’s names, a reality that underscores the complexities of his situation. As a patriarch, he has had to balance his responsibilities as a provider, father, and husband across an immense household.

Health issues have further complicated matters. With his advancing age, Hasahya is no longer able to work on the farm as he once did. This has placed an even greater strain on the family’s resources and has forced him to rely on his older children and wives for support.

A Turning Point: The Role of Birth Control

In light of these challenges, Hasahya has become a vocal advocate for birth control within his household. His youngest wife, Zulaika, who is about 20 years younger than his oldest child, has been particularly receptive to this shift. She has given birth to 11 of his children but has now decided to stop. “I’ve seen the bad financial situation and am now taking the birth control pill,” she said.

This decision marks a significant turning point for the family, as it reflects a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable family sizes. While cultural traditions have long favored large families, economic pressures and changing societal norms are encouraging more Ugandans to consider family planning as a practical necessity.

Broader Implications for Ugandan Society

Hasahya’s story is not just about one family—it also reflects broader trends and challenges in Uganda. With a rapidly growing population, the country faces significant pressures on its resources, infrastructure, and economy. Advocating for accessible and culturally sensitive family planning resources could help families like Hasahya’s manage their size and improve their quality of life.

Educational initiatives and increased access to healthcare are critical in changing perceptions about birth control and addressing misconceptions that hinder its use. For families struggling to balance tradition with practicality, such resources could be transformative.

The Emotional Weight of Change

For Hasahya, the decision to stop having children is not just a financial one—it’s deeply emotional. He has built his life around the concept of family, and stepping back from this role represents a significant shift in his identity. Yet, he recognizes that this change is necessary for the well-being of his children and grandchildren.

Despite the challenges, Hasahya remains a respected figure in his community. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of balancing tradition, personal beliefs, and modern realities.

Conclusion: A Family Legacy

Musa Hasahya’s journey is a powerful illustration of the intersection between culture, economics, and family life. While his decision to stop having children marks the end of an era for his household, it also signals the beginning of a more sustainable future for his family. By embracing change and advocating for family planning, Hasahya is not only addressing his immediate challenges but also paving the way for a new narrative in his community.

His story reminds us of the importance of adapting to life’s circumstances while honoring the values that define us. It’s a lesson in resilience, responsibility, and the enduring significance of family.