The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has presented its response to the proposed Marriage Bill 2024, raising key concerns before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Legal Affairs, Thursday Feb 13th 2025. The delegation, led by Hon. Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, Deputy Secretary in charge of Administration & Finance, represented Hon. Haji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General. The session was chaired by Hon. Haj Asuman Basalirwa, MP for Bugiri Municipality, who sat in for the Chairperson, Hon. Stephen Mugabi Baka, MP for Bukooli County North.
During the presentation, UMSC emphasized the need for Parliament to enact the Administration of Muslim Personal Law Bill (2008) to operationalize Article 129(1)(d) of the Uganda Constitution.
The delegation argued that this law is essential for the establishment of Qadhi courts to handle matters related to Islamic family law, ensuring that Muslim marriages, divorce, and inheritance are governed in accordance with Islamic principles.
The response, read by Counsel Siraje Mukasa Katantazi, also pointed out contradictions between certain clauses in the Marriage Bill 2024 and Islamic teachings. UMSC proposed amendments to align the bill with Islamic tenets, particularly in recognizing key aspects of Muslim marriage. The delegation stressed the importance of recognizing Mahr, the special marriage gift required in Islamic unions, and ensuring that the term Nikah, which refers to marriage in Islam, is reflected appropriately in legal definitions.
They further highlighted the significance of the Wali, the bride’s lawful guardian, and the role of the Imam, a Muslim cleric authorized to conduct Islamic marriages, calling for their recognition within the law.
In addition to these concerns, UMSC called for greater respect for religious and cultural autonomy, arguing that Muslims should have the right to regulate marriage according to their religious beliefs without unnecessary interference.
The delegation also underscored the need for clarification on matters of divorce and family dispute resolution, proposing that these issues be addressed within Islamic legal frameworks under the jurisdiction of Qadhi courts. Furthermore, they urged Parliament to legally recognize Islamic marriage contracts and ensure they carry the same legal weight as civil and customary marriages.
Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, speaking on behalf of the Legal & Parliamentary Affairs Committee, welcomed the presentation and assured the delegation that their concerns would be carefully reviewed during the legislative process.
Other members of the UMSC delegation included Dr. Sheikh Ziyadi Swaleh Lubanga, Director of Sharia; Sheikh Salim Bbosa, Deputy Director of Sharia; Hon. Kenyangi Sophia Safina from the National Muslim Women Council; Sheikhat Raddiyyah Namakula, Secretary for Women & Children’s Affairs; Mr. Kagiiko Shaffi, Secretary for Social Services; Counsel Wanjui Zakia Badru; Counsel Sewaya Muhamud; Sheikh Twaib Ali Mpaso, Registrar; and Haj Sulaiman Musana Kawanguzi, Protocol Officer.
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