The mixed marriages and their effect on Christian-Muslim relations in Bulo Sub-County Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of mixed marriages on Christian-Muslim Relations in Bulo Sub-County, Uganda. The study aims at establishing an understanding of marriage and mixed marriages among Christians and Muslims in Bulo Sub-County. It assesses the impact of challenges in mixed marriages on Christian-Muslim Relations and finally identifies solutions to mixed marriage challenges in Bulo Sub-County. The study used a descriptive survey design that combined quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect data. The sampling technique employed was the non-probability sampling technique, while the instruments for data collection were interviews and questionnaires using simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The data was analysed using thematic methods. Marriage in Christianity is a lifelong monogamous covenant between a man and a woman, whereas Islamic marriage is a contract between a woman and a man called nikah. The mixed marriage challenges like differences in religious beliefs and practices such as dress code, dowry (mahr) payment and remittance, maintenance, threats of violence, discrimination and religious sanctions will lead to poor Christian-Muslim relations unless massive capacity building on freedom of religion and beliefs is done or establishment of interfaith dialogue centres in Bulo Sub–County to address marriage and family issues before the problem ruptures to the community.