URSB holds first marriage registration conference on Valentine's Day

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) marked Valentine's Day, February 14, 2024, with a pioneering Marriage Registration Conference in Kampala, under the theme "Relevance of Marriage Registration in Uganda."

This conference aimed to illuminate the critical role of marriage registration in enhancing societal welfare and individual rights, setting a precedent for future discussions on this vital issue.

The event, a collaborative effort with the Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS), officials said was meant to address the complexities and benefits associated with marriage registration in Uganda.

The gathering attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders—government representatives, religious figures, legal experts, and more.

Ambassador Francis Butagira, URSB Board Chairman, emphasized the event's foundational aim: to establish a secure, accurate, and reliable marriage registry.

Such a registry, he pointed out, is indispensable for national planning and the enforcement of rights and responsibilities. The discussions ventured into various dimensions, from the legal framework and data accuracy to the potential of technology to streamline registration processes.

Sam Wairagala, the Deputy Senior Technical Advisor, JLOS Secretariat said documentation of marriages was vital for data build-up needed for planning purposes.

“URSB has made great strides in digitizing processes. Accurate and up-to-date data on registered marriages allows policymakers to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and implement targeted interventions to address societal needs,” he added.

A standout revelation from the conference was the increasing preference for civil marriages, as noted by Mercy K. Kainobwisho, the Registrar General.

With over 60 civil marriages solemnized weekly, more couples are seeking the legal legitimacy and protections afforded by formal registration.

This trend, she said, reflects a broader recognition of the vital legal identity that marriage registration confers, safeguarding rights ranging from inheritance to social security.

“By registering their marriages, couples establish a legally binding union, which grants them certain rights and protections under the law. This includes inheritance rights, access to social security benefits, and the ability to resolve disputes through legal channels.” The Registrar General said

The conference also provided a platform for experts from diverse fields to share their perspectives and shed light on the importance of proper registration. Topics discussed included the state of marriage registration in Uganda, legal framework of marriage and divorce, succession and administration of estates in the context of marriage registration, among others.

One of the key values emphasized by the panelists was the legal recognition that marriage registration provides. “Registered marriages provide couples with legal protection. Moreover, marriage registration contributes to the prevention of child marriages and helps in the fight against gender-based violence” Vincent Katutsi, the Director Civil Registration at URSB said.

The conference also emphasized the need for increased public awareness about the importance of marriage registration. Through robust discussions and the sharing of best practices, the conference set the stage for future improvements in marriage registration processes, ensuring that all individuals in Uganda can enjoy the full benefits and protections that come with legally recognized marriages.