Wakiso Woman Representative Betty Naluyima has called on the leadership of Uganda Parliamentary Women Association (UWOPA) to actively engage all Members of Parliament, local leaders and the communities on roles of the Marriage Bill 2024 in order to protect the marriage and family institution.
The Marriage Bill recently tabled before parliament emphasizes equal property rights,protection of minors and provides for recognized marriages in the country.
Speaking during a training session for journalists on the provisions of the bill in Kampala organized by (UW0PA) in partnership with Stand for Her land Campaign—a global initiativ , Naluyima also UWOPA Member expressed her concern that widespread misunderstandings about the legislation could lead to fears that it threatens marriages or undermines cultural practices, particularly regarding polygamous relationships.
She emphasized the need for proactive communication to promote a positive understanding of the bill. “It is our responsibility, as UWOPA and parliamentarians, to popularize this bill and ensure that the public comprehends its objectives,” she stated.
Ritah Kemigisa, Advocacy and Communication Associate for Stand for Her land Campaign—a global campaign that seeks to strengthen Women Land Fights by closing the implementation gap between law and practice—said they advocating for the passing of the bill as a step in right direction towards gender equity in property rights for women during marriage and upon divorce.
Kemigisa pointed out that Uganda’s cultural context often marginalizes women’s issues, making advocacy for this legislation especially vital. “We are a highly patriarchal society and women full enjoyment of land property rights is usually hinged on the good relationships they have with male relations. We have seen women get abused and stripped of their rights on land and property when these relations get sour. The beauty about this bill is that it is providing very many solutions to the many problems both men and women have faced in marriage. It clearly proposes how matrimonial property shall be owned and most importantly it encourages people to legalise marriages which is the greatest safe guard for vulnerable women ” she said.
Additionally, Kemigisa highlighted the crucial role of the training for the journalists who report parliamentary proceedings” when the bill was ta led, it caused a lot of debate but its because people usually do not read to understand what the bill proposes, we are carrying out this training to help journalists understand the clauses of the bill so that they are not only informed but also be able to objectively report about the bill in a more simplified manner for the society since we know the media sets the agenda which inturn informs public discourse” she further explained.
The Bill proposed by Tororo District Woman Representative, Hon. Sarah Opendi was tabled on her behalf on Thursday, 03 October 2024 by Alebtong District Woman MP, Hon. Dorcus Acen.
The Bill has since been sent to the committee level for further consultations
