Parents know that raising children can be costly. From supplies for school to clothing, snacks, and toys, the expenses never seem to cease! Whether it’s books or shoes – nurturing a child involves an expenditure of cash. Investing in our little ones is something we are all willing to do because their future depends on us providing them with everything they need during this formative period of life.
While it’s certainly true that children are the greatest blessing, it’s important to remember that this sentiment originates from an American point of view. A typical family in America typically has only two or three kids. But what about families with dozens of children? The cost for such a large brood can be staggering and require immense financial resources!
In Uganda, where polygamy is accepted by law, one man has fully taken advantage of this privilege. He isn’t content with just two or three wives – he currently enjoys the company of 12 different women!
In Uganda, birth control is seen as a sign of loose morals and therefore many couples refrain from using it. This was the case for Musa Hasahya who ended up having 102 children ranging in age from 6 to 51 and 568 grandchildren! Unsurprisingly all of these births happened without any form of contraception being used.
Up until recently, none of Hasahya’s wives had been on birth control – but that is about to change. He firmly believes he does not want any more children and his rationale for this is far from your typical reasoning. It isn’t due to 102 being a sufficient amount for him; rather, it’s because the cost of living has become too much for him to bear another child in his household.
Hasahya said, “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.”
Zulaika, the youngest of Hasahya’s wives, is two decades younger than his oldest child. She has given birth to 11 of his offspring – and now wishes to cease having any further children. She said, “I’m not having any more children. I’ve seen the bad financial situation and am now taking the birth control pill.”
Hasahya is a farmer who shares his humble abode with three of his children, as well as both of his beloved wives. A single house serves to accommodate their close-knit family unit. Hasahya said, “All my wives live together in the same house. It’s easy for me to monitor them and also stop them eloping with other men in this village.”
Hasahya’s wealth has dwindled due to his ill health, exacerbating the already drastic effects of inflation on his expansive family. Reportedly, two of Hasahya’s wives are no longer with him because the financial struggles have become too much for them to bear.
Money issues are not the only troubles associated with being part of a large family. Hasahya even admits that he can’t remember all his children’s names!
Can you even imagine having to provide for 102 children?
