The domestic relations legislations’ debates in Uganda: towards a 69 perspective

Abstract

The article sets out to explore the historical controversies that have shrouded Uganda’s Domestic Relations legislations. It posits that the controversies are due to differing ideological standpoints between the proponents and the opponents in the legislative debates, all aiming at protecting the Ugandan-African family. Whereas the proponents’ approach is influenced by the contemporary liberal and emancipation doctrines, the opponents’ views are hinged on the Afro-cultural and religious standpoints. The article employs the analogue of 6 or 9 and 69 to illustrate challenges and prospects of positionalities and perspectives in the legislation debates. The article uses document analysis methodology, and is informed by symbolic interaction theoretical frameworks. In its conclusion, the article advocates for a 69 perspective, as the tete e tete positionality if meaningful legislation on Domestic Relations is to be achieved. The 69 perspective is a fresh perspective resulting from interactions and negotiations between the proponents’ and opponents’ worldviews hence creating a meaningful and harmonious standpoint.