The Speaker of Parliament finally granted permission for the proposed marriage bill, by state minister of mineral development of Uganda, Sarah Opendi to be presented to the floor today.
In the absence of Opendi,she was represented by Docus Achen who is the woman representative of Alebtong.
The marriage bill has the following conditions;
1. If a man is not sure of the paternity of his children, he shall only conduct a DNA test on them after court grants him permission to do so.
2. A couple can get married legally, before traditional marriage(kukyala/Kwanjula/kuhingira).
3. A groom is not allowed to ask for refund for bride price, and will be imprisoned if he does so.
4. Divorce shall be granted within the first year of marriage to prevent rich men from being scammed by women, who marry for money and property.
5. A wedding shall be conducted anywhere else apart from the church,in the presence of responsible people.
6. A married couple is required to make a reception party,as long as it is from 9:00 am to 5:00pm.
7. The use of portraits during traditional marriage has been prohibited.
8. A woman has a right to reject a man’s name after the wedding, though not allowed to keep his name after divorce.
9. One shall not get married to someone else while they’re still married.
10. There shall be sharing of responsibilities like paying for school fees.
11. A man’s name shall only be taken by a woman after the wedding.
12. Forcing a relationship with someone who has no interest shall lead to imprisonment.
However, members of Parliament especially men have rejected the bill saying that it has to be revised by religious leaders, and other more important people.
#ktvupdates
