Pastor Martin Ssempa has clarified his previous statements regarding polygamy, stating, “I did not intend to make the comments that went viral on various platforms. I do not support polygamy, as the Bible does not promote it.” Pastor Ssempa, of Makerere Community Church, made this clarification during a recent public hearing on the Marriage Bill, which has faced challenges in Parliament for several decades.
During a press briefing in Bugolobi, Pastor Ssempa emphasized, “I do not practice or promote polygamy, and I urge the public not to embrace it, as it is associated with significant problems.” He reaffirmed that his personal beliefs align with Christian teachings, which prohibit polygamy, and he advocates for God’s plan for a monogamous marriage.
Bishop Richard Magongo, the National Public Relations Officer, joined in the discussion, stating, “The Old Testament is not an authority for men to marry more than one woman, and even in Genesis, it does not promote polygamy.”
Bishop Mark Wamala, the Secretary-General, added that they do not endorse cohabitation. He encouraged those living together outside of marriage to come to church and sanctify their relationship through holy matrimony, allowing them to live in peace.
In contrast, Pastor Solomon Male, Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Homosexuality and Sexual Abuses (ARCH), urged Parliament to legalize Christian polygamy instead of prohibiting bigamy. He made these remarks during a session before the joint committees of Parliament discussing the Marriage Bill and sexual offenses, arguing that legalizing polygamy could help address the needs of many single women and widows seeking marriage partners.
**Key Issues Regarding the Marriage Bill:**
The Marriage Bill was initially presented by MP Sarah Opendi in the 10th Parliament but was rejected by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who requested amendments to align the clauses with the Ugandan constitution. Originally introduced as the Marriage and Divorce Bill in December 2009, it aimed to modernize Uganda’s marriage laws.
On October 3, 2024, the latest version of the Marriage Bill, 2024, was introduced in Uganda’s Parliament. This Bill proposes significant reforms, including prohibiting cohabitation, with penalties of a fine of 10 million Ugandan Shillings or imprisonment for up to three years for those convicted of violating the law.
Chipo Brenda
