The church was against a provision that sought to recognize cohabitation after a given period, while the Muslim community didn’t want their marriage issues ‘mixed up’ with other marriage rites of other religions.
KAMPALA – Government Chief Whip, Ruth Nankabirwa has allayed fears that the Executive is intent on letting the marriage and divorce Bill gather dust on Parliament’s shelves for eternity.
Meeting journalists Wednesday at Parliament, Nankabirwa revealed that the contentious piece of legislation is one that the Executive intends to push through Parliament on account of its importance.
Nankabirwa’s meeting with journalists under the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) was part of her office’s quarterly interaction with pressmen/women who cover parliament.
“This is one of the Bills pending before the House. It’s a Bill that is so central to the institution of marriage and we have to handle it with care,” Nankibirwa said in response to questions about the Bill.
Close to 10 years ago, the Government withdrew the contentious piece of legislation to afford consultations with different stakeholders.
The piece of legislation had spawned a heated debate, with the church and Muslim community faulting it over different provisions.
The church was against a provision that sought to recognize cohabitation after a given period, while the Muslim community didn’t want their marriage issues ‘mixed up’ with other marriage rites of other religions.
But the government, despite demand by activists, has been reluctant to reintroduce the Bill.
Currently, there are four different pieces of legislation – each handling different types of marriages.
These include the Marriage Act for Christian and Civil marriages, the Hindu Marriage Act, the Marriage and Divorce of Mohammedans Act, and the customary marriage registration Act.
The Marriage and Divorce Bill seeks to have one piece of legislation handling the different aspects of marriage and divorce in Uganda.
