Marriage is the voluntary union for life of a man and a woman to the exclusion of others.

The constitution of Uganda provides that men and women of the age of 18 years and above have a right to marry and form a family and are entitled to equal rights before, during and after the marriage has been dissolved.

It is important to know that only those who are married have rights to inherit each other’s’ property. Those who do not fall under the categories of marriage recognised by the laws of Uganda do not benefit from the estate of a deceased person as a wife (widow) or husband (widower) unless specially written in a will.

• The marriage is entered into by an offer and an acceptance, which is reached through the mutual consent of the husband or his representative and the guardian or representative of the bride in the presence of two witnesses, usually in a ceremonial gathering.
• The man and woman’s “wali” (a male trustee) and at least two witnesses must be present at the ceremony.
• The ceremony is usually performed before a “mwalimu” either at home or in a mosque.