KAMPALA, Uganda — Comedian Anne Kansiime revealed in a recent interview that she took the unconventional step of paying her own dowry to maintain the appearance of a traditional marriage during her past relationship with Skylanta.
Speaking on the Arts4Hearts TV YouTube channel, Kansiime provided a candid look at the collapse of her relationship with the father of her son, Selassie Ataho. She described a partnership built on societal expectations rather than a solid foundation, admitting she once felt the need to convince both the public and her partner that they were officially wed.
I have never become a wife, Kansiime said. I actually accused myself so much, paid my own dowry and convinced the whole world and the man himself that we were married.
The comedian explained that when her partner failed to fulfill the traditional financial obligations requested by her parents, she stepped in to pay the bride price herself to avoid embarrassment and keep the relationship moving forward.
Kansiime said the realization that the relationship was not sustainable hit her on her 30th birthday. She recalled a specific moment of clarity while watching her partner prioritize mundane tasks over their milestone celebration and their future together.
It was a straight up conversation of, ‘I don’t think this is it,’ she said, describing the moment she asked for a separation.
Despite the split, Kansiime said she and Skylanta have developed a functional co-parenting arrangement for their son. Skylanta recently moved from Mbarara to Kampala to be closer to Selassie’s school, and the child spends alternating weeks with each parent.
Kansiime also addressed the challenges of modern parenting, specifically the importance of raising a son with intentionality. She expressed concern over a perceived imbalance in societal mentorship, noting that while many resources are dedicated to empowering girls, the “boy child” is often overlooked.
I want him to grow seeing me be a good human being, a normal human being who fails sometimes, Kansiime said.
Reflecting on her career and personal growth, the comedian said her success and motherhood were results of divine timing rather than strict planning. She noted that her perspective shifted after years of struggling with the pressures of fame and a deep desire to have a child.
Realizing that the same God responsible for my success was going to be responsible for anything, motherhood, anything marriage, made me walk away from a situation, she said.
