Uganda’s religious leaders push for law to criminalise cohabitation
Religious leaders in Uganda want the government to introduce a law that makes cohabitation a crime.
According to them, young people are living together without marriage, and this is harming families and society.
The leaders, under the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU), spoke to Members of Parliament about the issue.
They told MPs that cohabitation should not only be punished but also properly regulated.
They argued that a new law is needed, separate from the current Marriage Bill, to protect people in cohabiting relationships, especially when it comes to children and property.
Dr. Joseph Sserwada, co-chair of the IRCU Council of Presidents, said Uganda could learn from the UK, where cohabiting couples can have legal agreements to protect their rights.
He added, "While we push for criminalising 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."
The Marriage Bill 2024, introduced by MP Sarah Opendi, already includes a punishment for cohabiting couples.
Clause 89 of the Bill proposes a fine of 10 million Ugandan shillings or a three-year jail sentence for anyone found "holding out" as husband and wife without being legally married.
Opendi explained that "holding out" means living together, owning property as a couple, having children together, or a woman taking her partner’s surname.
The religious leaders also criticised other parts of the Bill, saying it could weaken marriage instead of strengthening it.
They opposed clauses that recognise polygamy, allow prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and introduce no-fault divorce.
They argued that these provisions treat marriage like a simple contract instead of a sacred commitment.
Dr. Sserwada warned that the Bill could lead to new problems.
"This new law will automatically presume that a man was married to the mother of his child as far as the child's maintenance and property rights are concerned. This threatens foundations of marriage," he said.
The legal committee in Parliament, led by MP Stephen Baka Mugabi, is still reviewing the Bill. They have asked for more time to study it before making a final decision.
Meanwhile, Muslim representatives at the meeting stated that their marriage rules should not be forced on other religions.
