MP Basalirwa proposes law to formalise Islamic justice system
These courts are established under Article 129(1)(d) of the Ugandan Constitution, which mandates the establishment of subordinate courts, including Khadi courts, by Parliament.
Bugiri Municipality MP, Asuman Basalirwa said the Bill seeks to officially operationalise these courts, which he says are efficient, accessible, and effective in resolving family and civil disputes. (File photo)
By Cissy Namugerwa
Journalists @New Vision
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Parliament has granted leave to Bugiri Municipality MP, Asuman Basalirwa, to introduce the Kadhi Courts Bill, a private member’s Bill aimed at formalising an Islamic justice system in Uganda.
Khadi Courts, aka Qadhi's Courts, are specialised courts within the Ugandan judicial system that handle matters of Muslim personal law, specifically those related to marriage, divorce, inheritance and guardianship.
These courts are established under Article 129(1)(d) of the Ugandan Constitution, which mandates the establishment of subordinate courts, including Khadi courts, by Parliament.
Seconded by MPs Karim Masaba and Aisha Kabanda, Basalirwa argued that Kadhi courts already operate informally, handling matters like marriage, divorce and inheritance, especially within the Muslim community.
He noted that the Bill seeks to officially operationalise these courts, which he says are efficient, accessible, and effective in resolving family and civil disputes.
Several Muslim MPs justified the need to operationalise the law on the creation of Kadhi courts in Uganda.
Industry state minister David Bahati informed Parliament that the Government has already initiated efforts to operationalise Kadhi courts and pledged to collaborate with private Members of Parliament on the Bill.