Uganda’s Parliament is currently debating a groundbreaking Marriage Bill that could reshape the nation’s marital laws. One of its most controversial provisions threatens up to three years in prison or a Shs 10 million fine for men who demand the return of marriage gifts, such as bride price, after divorce.
Proposed by Tororo District Woman MP Sarah Opendi, the bill aims to modernize Uganda’s approach to marriage, sparking fierce debate between advocates of gender equality and defenders of cultural tradition.
For generations, bride price—a payment from a groom to a bride’s family—has been central to Ugandan marriage customs. While seen as a symbol of respect and commitment, critics argue it perpetuates gender inequality, treating women as transactional commodities.
In some cases, families pressure husbands to “reclaim” these gifts if a marriage fails, leaving divorced women vulnerable to stigma or financial exploitation.
The bill seeks to overhaul Uganda’s marital set-up in several key ways:
1. Penalizing Bride Price Retrieval: Criminalizing demands for the return of marriage gifts, with violations punishable by imprisonment or fines.
2. Mandatory Marriage Registration: Requiring all unions to be legally documented, ensuring rights to property and inheritance.
3. Clear Property Rights: Protecting spouses (often women) from losing assets during separations.
4. Streamlined Divorce Processes: Simplifying legal pathways to dissolve marriages.
Advocates, including women’s rights groups, hail the bill as a leap toward gender justice. “Bride price retrieval fuels exploitation and domestic abuse,” says activist Gloria Atuhaire. “This law empowers women to leave toxic marriages without fear of financial retaliation.” The focus on property rights and marriage registration also addresses systemic issues, offering legal clarity in a country where many unions are governed by unwritten customs.
Opponents argue the bill undermines Uganda’s cultural fabric. “Bride price is not a transaction—it’s a sacred tradition,” says cultural historian Dr. Robert Mugabe. Some warn the law could discourage marriage altogether, burdening men with irreversible financial risks. Others question enforceability, particularly in rural areas where traditional leaders, not courts, often mediate disputes.
The bill reflects a growing global trend to reform marital laws in line with human rights standards. Neighboring countries like Kenya and Rwanda have similarly restricted bride price practices. However, Uganda’s debate underscores a delicate balance: Can modernity coexist with tradition?
As Parliament deliberates, public discourse intensifies. Lawmakers must weigh grassroots cultural values against constitutional guarantees of equality. For now, the bill’s fate remains uncertain, but its proposals have already ignited a national conversation about love, money, and justice in Ugandan marriages.
