The Role of Uganda's Customary Law in Shaping Gender Norms and its Impacts on Women's Rights in Kampala
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Date
2025-05-28
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
This research looks at how Uganda’s customary law shapes ideas about gender and affects women’s rights in Kampala, a lively city where old traditions meet modern laws. Even though the 1995 Constitution and other laws push for equal treatment of men and women, traditional practices like bride price, polygamy, and inheritance rules that favor men keep male-centered ideas strong. These customs make it hard for women to get justice, earn their own money, make their own choices, and stay safe from gender-based violence. The mix of customary and modern laws, resistance to change, weak law enforcement, and women not knowing their rights make these problems worse, especially in Kampala’s outer areas. Using ideas like legal pluralism, feminist legal theory, and social constructivism, the study shows the conflict between traditional customs and the Constitution’s promises. Groups like FIDA-Uganda, new laws, and community education efforts are helping create change. The study suggests steps like better law enforcement, updating laws such as the Marriage and Divorce Bill, teaching communities about equality, supporting women’s groups, blending traditional and modern legal systems, and investing in education and jobs to make customary law fairer. Kampala’s special mix of old and new ways offers both challenges and chances to build a fairer society for women.
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Uganda's customary laws in shaping women's rights