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.

This marriage is potentially polygamous and a man may marry up to four wives provided he can take care and love them equally.

• Notice of 21 days should be given in the form of wedding banns which are read in church for three consecutive weeks before the marriage takes place. The purpose of these banns is to enable whoever may have any reason preventing the two to get married to give it before the marriage takes place.
• The church must be licensed by the minister of public service.
• The priest or pastor must be licensed to wed
• The ceremony must take place between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm
• The church doors should be open for all to see the ceremony
• The marriage must be recorded in the register kept by the minister of the church.
• A marriage certificate must be issued and signed by the priest or minister, the bride, groom and two witnesses who may be the matron and best man.