The Supreme Court has ruled that there are no grounds for prohibiting or abolishing the payment of bride price.
Six of the seven judges of the Supreme Court led by the Chief Justice Bart Katureebe decided to uphold an earlier ruling by the constitutional Court.
They say it is voluntary for the groom to give gifts to the family of the bride.
However, they ruled that it is unconstitutional to demand a refund of the bride price in case of divorce.
Justice Esther Kisakye was the only judge who wanted bride price abolished.
Six of the seven judges said that the direct link between the bride price and domestic violence had not been proved.
However, they did say that using the phrase “bride price” was wrong as it made it look like the woman was purchased.
The ruling follows an appeal filed by the women’s rights advocacy body Mifumi, challenging the constitutional court ruling which upheld the payment of bride price.
In April 2010 the Constitutional Court held that whereas it is true bride price is a key factor in domestic violence it was no justification for the court to make a blanket prohibition of the practice.
