BUSIA DISTRICT REVIVES CIVIL MARRIAGES: ANEW CHAPTER FOR ACCESSIBLE UNIONS

On Monday, 2nd March 2026, at the District headquarters, Principal Assistant Secretary (PAS) Mr. Kayira Muhamud addressed a gathering of heads of department on a transformative update on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer. "Busia is set to resume conducting civil marriages," he announced firmly, echoing the district's commitment to inclusive services. The game-changer comes from the recent opening of a dedicated account with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) Uganda, streamlining registrations and eliminating previous bureaucratic hurdles.

According to the PAS, this revival promises significant advantages for residents. Civil marriages, registered solely with the state, offer legal recognition without religious prerequisites ideal for interfaith couples, those preferring secular ceremonies, or anyone seeking simplicity and affordability. Costs are notably lower than elaborate religious weddings, often under UGX 200,000 including fees, compared to traditional rites that can exceed millions. Moreover, they provide swift legal protections like spousal rights, inheritance security, and easier divorce proceedings under Uganda's Marriage Act. For Busia’s diverse communities, including cross-border families near Kenya, this means faster access to national IDs for spouses and children, boosting mobility and administrative ease.

Mr. Kayira urged department heads to publicize the news widely through radio, community notices, and social media. "Encourage all who feel uncomfortable with religious marriages to opt for civil ones," he emphasized. "This is about choice, legality, and progress."

In conducting the civil marriages, the district will adhere to the Uganda's civil marriage procedure which is straightforward and governed by the Marriage Act Cap 251.