Justice Mike Chibita has called for changes in Uganda’s marriage and divorce laws to require mandatory counselling for married couples seeking DNA tests.
Chibita, who also serves as president of the Bible Society of Uganda, made the remarks while addressing the fourth edition of the Church Marriage Conference.
“We must have a clause in the marriage and divorce law making it mandatory for any person demanding a DNA test within a marriage to first undergo a counselling process before the test is conducted,” he said.
Chibita explained that DNA results can have life changing consequences for couples and families if they are not handled carefully.
“Many people have suffered depression and stress after the results of DNA tests are released. Some have even reached the extent of committing suicide,” he said.
He said the counselling process should become standard practice, similar to what is done during HIV testing where individuals first receive guidance and emotional preparation before and after the test.
During the conference, he emphasized the importance of understanding the legal dimension of marriage, saying the state has a direct interest in how marriages function.
“The state has a stake in marriage. When things go wrong, such as domestic violence or divorce, both parties become answerable to the state because the state must ensure there is law and order,” Chibita said.
Religious leaders at the conference also stressed the importance of faith institutions in strengthening marriages.
Pastor Patrick Byekwaso of Lugogo Baptist Church said the church continues to play a crucial role in shaping couples through premarital counselling and ongoing guidance.
He noted that divorce and cases of family abuse are increasingly becoming common.
“Nowadays cases of divorce are high among couples, and abuse within families is also increasing. It is upon us as church leaders to step up our responsibility to ensure marriages in the country are strengthened,” Byekwaso said.
Meanwhile, Winnie Fernandez Nakatto, the “Nabafumbo” coordinator for the Kampala Archdiocese, said strong marriages must be built on spiritual values rather than material interests.
“A strong marriage is built on God’s principles. A marriage founded on beauty, money, or other material things will never be strong because it can break up at any time,” Nakatto said.
She urged couples to nurture love in their relationships through honesty, transparency, and communication.
“I appeal to couples to love each other by being honest, being transparent, listening to one another, and showing their partners the love they deserve,” she said.
