In Uganda, individuals without a National Identification Number (NIN) will no longer be able to enter legally recognized marriages.
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), the government body responsible for civil registrations, made this mandatory requirement known in early August.
The directive was communicated to places of worship and other institutions licensed to solemnize marriages on behalf of the government.
New Requirements for Marriage Registration
Mr. Denis Nabende, the URSB public relations manager, confirmed that all forms of marriage, including customary, church, and civil marriages, will now require a national ID.
The NIN is a unique 11-digit identifier assigned to individuals after successfully enrolling with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
In the past, certain churches, like the Catholic Church, would accept alternative identification such as baptism cards.
However, the new law will no longer recognize these forms of ID. Mr. Nabende emphasized the need to know who is getting married in order to properly register them in the National Marriage Register.
Catholic Church’s Response to the New Directive
In response to the announcement, the Uganda Catholic Secretariat sent out an official letter to its churches on August 28.
The letter outlined the new requirements for a valid church marriage and requested all parishes to comply with the Civil Law requirements.
Msgr. John B. Kauta, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat, clarified that the church is simply adhering to national laws.
He explained that this is not an initiation of the Church but rather compliance with government directives. He assured that marriages entered before the new requirement remains valid.
Implications of the New Law
According to Mr. Nabende, the inclusion of the NIN in the marriage registration process aims to make the register more credible and compliant with legal standards.
The process itself is simple: couples only need to submit a copy of their national ID along with the usual documents when registering a marriage.
The transition of marriage registration responsibilities from URSB to NIRA is in progress, though not yet fully in effect.
NIRA, which also handles the issuance of national IDs, will eventually take on the full responsibility for marriage registrations.
Concerns from Religious Leaders and Legal Experts
The new requirement has caused concern, especially regarding how it might impact individuals who do not have a national ID.
The Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Mr. Balaam Muheebwa, acknowledged that the Anglican Church had not yet received formal communication on the new directive but anticipated it soon.
He expressed concerns about how the church would handle weddings for immigrants and individuals without IDs.
Lawyer and former Uganda Law Society president, Ms. Pheona Nabasa Wall, supported the new requirement, stating that it would help curb identity theft and simplify the enforcement of various laws.
She pointed out that marriage in Uganda can confer citizenship rights and other benefits, making proper identification crucial.
The new marriage registration requirement, which mandates the use of a national ID, marks a significant shift in Uganda’s legal landscape.
While it aims to improve the credibility of the marriage register, it also raises questions about inclusivity and the practicalities of implementation.
Religious leaders and legal experts are now navigating the new legal framework, ensuring compliance while addressing potential challenges for those without identification documents.
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