In a recent plenary sitting, Sarah Opendi, the State Minister of Mineral Development and Tororo District Women’s Representative, disclosed that the proposed Marriage Bill in does not include provisions for criminalizing marital rape.
During the sitting, Opendi asserted that she does not have the authority to interfere in people’s private lives and their intimate relationships. She encouraged women who have experienced rape by their spouses to report the incidents to the police instead of relying on the proposed bill for protection.
“The Marriage Bill is not intended to criminalize marital rape. Your spouse is your spouse, and whatever happens in your bedroom is not our concern. If your husband rapes you, it is crucial to go to the police and report the crime,” Opendi explained.
Responding to misconceptions circulating about the Marriage Bill, Opendi requested individuals to refrain from making baseless statements about its content, particularly regarding aspects they have not seen or fully understood.
The Marriage Bill of 2022 seeks to reform and consolidate existing laws governing Civil, Christian, Hindu, Bahai, and Customary marriages. It aims to address recognized marriage types, marital rights and duties, separation and divorce, as well as the consequences of relationship dissolution.
