Justice Chibita tips Christians on  marriage

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Christians planning to formalise their unions have been urged to ensure that their marriages comply with Uganda’s legal requirements in order to avoid future disputes over property, inheritance and family rights.

According to Justice Mike Chibita, many couples mistakenly believe that a church ceremony alone is sufficient, yet marriage in Uganda is both a religious commitment and a legal contract governed by national laws.

“Marriage is not only a spiritual covenant but also a legal institution,” Justice Chibita said. “Christians must ensure that their unions are conducted by authorised ministers and properly registered under the law so that their rights and obligations are recognised,” he said on Friday (March 13) while addressing the Marriage Conference at Africana Hotel.

Justice Chibita, who serves on the Supreme Court of Uganda after previously serving as Director of Public Prosecutions, explained that the country’s marriage framework requires compliance with the provisions of the Marriage Act (Uganda) and related statutes that regulate civil, church and customary marriages.

Under the law, a marriage may only be celebrated in a registrar’s office or a licensed place of worship by a recognised minister or registrar, and the union must be properly documented and entered into the official marriage register.

Failure to comply with these requirements, Justice Chibita warned, can create complications later, especially in matters involving inheritance, separation, or the welfare of children.

“If the marriage is not properly recorded, it becomes difficult for courts to determine rights when disputes arise. Documentation protects both spouses and the family,” he said.

He also warned couples against entering new unions without legally dissolving previous marriages, noting that Ugandan law does not allow a person in a monogamous marriage to contract another marriage while the first one still exists.

Legal practitioner Winnie Mary N. Fernandes, an advocate, echoed the judge’s advice and encouraged couples to treat marriage with both legal awareness and mutual respect.

Fernandes urged couples to respect and love each other, "be respectful and patient with one another, and approach marriage with a spirit of commitment and understanding."

“Marriage is not only about signing documents or holding a ceremony. It is about building a life together based on mutual respect, trust and love,” Fernandes said.

She added that many couples focus heavily on wedding celebrations but overlook the legal procedures required to secure their union.

“Ensuring that the marriage certificate is issued and properly filed is essential because it becomes the key legal proof of the union,” Fernandes said.

Uganda recognises several forms of marriage, including civil, church, Muslim and customary unions, but all must comply with registration requirements to be fully recognised in law. In recent reforms, authorities have also moved to digitise marriage registration and strengthen record-keeping to reduce fraud and improve legal recognition of marriages across the country.

Justice Chibita encouraged churches and religious leaders to work closely with civil authorities to guide couples through the legal process.

“When faith institutions and the legal system work together, families are better protected and society benefits,” he said.