By Annet Nakanwagi,
NATIONAL
The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has thrown its support behind a proposal to criminalize cohabitation in Uganda, a move that could see couples in such relationships face up to three years in jail or pay a fine of 10 million shillings. The proposal is part of the Marriage Bill 2024, currently under review by Parliament.
Speaking before the Joint Committee on Legal and Gender Affairs, Joseph Serwadda, Co-Chairperson of the Inter-Religious Council of Presidents, emphasized the need to criminalize cohabitation while also ensuring the protection of rights for those involved, including children and property acquired in such unions.
“While we push for the criminalization of cohabitation under the Bill, we observe that there is a need to offer adequate protection of rights for parties, children, and property acquired in cohabitation relationships. Therefore, given the magnitude of the many relationships founded on cohabitation, the IRCU recommends that the government enact an exclusive Bill separate from the Marriage Bill 2024 to regulate relationships between cohabiting persons,” Serwadda stated.
Religious leaders also weighed in on other marriage-related concerns. Pastor Martin Ssempa pointed out that while Christian marriage laws recognize only monogamy, some devoted Christians are in polygamous unions. He further called for Parliament to legislate against the denial of conjugal rights, arguing that it contributes to domestic violence and marital breakdown.
“Couples should be required to fulfill their conjugal obligations at least three times a week,” he proposed.
The debate over the Marriage Bill 2024 continues, with lawmakers and the public reacting to the controversial proposals. It remains to be seen how Parliament will navigate these issues and their broader impact on Uganda’s legal and social framework.
