Government asks court to protect polygamy

According to Mr Kibuuka, the law governing marriage in Uganda recognises four types: customary marriage, church and civil marriage, Muslim marriage and Hindu marriage. Ugandans of consenting age had the option of choosing any of them.

She said the Marriage Act, the Marriage and Divorce of Mohammedans Act and other marriage laws in Uganda discriminated against women and therefore Parliament should amend them.

A Mr Patrick Ndira also swore an affidavit in support of the petition stating all laws in Uganda relating to marriage were discriminatory against women.

It is his contention that polygamy was a burden to women and children because it tended to divide them, unlike monogamy where there was unity.