By Robert Segawa
The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has revealed that 64 additional churches have been registered and licensed to conduct legal church marriages in Uganda.
This development follows NIRA’s takeover of all marriage registration services from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) on October 1, 2023, as part of the government’s agency rationalization initiative.
According to Charles Nsimbi, the Commissioner of Registration at NIRA, the latest licensing brings the total number of churches legally permitted to conduct marriages to 3,782 across the country. He warned the public against marrying in unlicensed churches, emphasizing that such unions are considered illegal under the law.
Nsimbi also shared that NIRA has conducted over 1,500 civil marriages since assuming responsibility for marriage registration. The monthly breakdown of registered civil marriages includes:
- October: 130 couples
- November: 247
- December: 195
- January: 278
- February: 220
- March: 180
- April: 207
He encouraged Ugandans, especially young professionals, to consider civil marriages due to their simplicity, affordability, and legal validity. A civil marriage only requires the couple, two witnesses, proof of identity, and a fee of UGX 260,000. All parties must be over 18 years old.
NIRA is now responsible for registering all types of marriages in Uganda, including civil, Christian, Islamic, and Hindu unions. Nsimbi noted that civil marriages are increasingly popular due to their cost-effectiveness and international recognition.
