NIRA Celebrates Love by Formalizing 14 Civil Marriages in Uganda

As Valentine’s Day approaches, love was in the air for 14 couples in Uganda, who officially tied the knot through a civil marriage ceremony organized by NIRA (National Identification and Registration Authority). The couples received on-the-spot marriage certificates, making their unions legally recognized under Ugandan law.

The event aimed to not only celebrate love but also encourage more couples to formalize their relationships through NIRA’s modern civil marriage registration process, which includes online applications and simplified approval procedures. According to Vincent Katutsi, Commissioner for Civil Registration, the initiative shows that obtaining a civil marriage certificate has become accessible, convenient, and reliable. “We want all couples to know that acquiring a civil marriage certificate is seamless. The process has been improved and now allows applications to be submitted online from anywhere in Uganda,” said Mr. Katutsi.

Simplified Civil Marriage Registration in Uganda

Couples can submit applications online, and once approved, the ceremony takes place physically in the district of submission. At the district level, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) preside over ceremonies, while in Kampala, the Executive Director of NIRA (Registrar General) oversees the process.

This modernization ensures that civil marriage registration is efficient, transparent, and legally binding, giving couples access to a wide range of matrimonial benefits recognized by Ugandan law.

Legal Recognition of Civil Marriage

Civil marriage is one of several legally recognized marriage types in Uganda, alongside Islamic, customary, church, and Hindu marriages. Licensed agencies, including churches and mosques, are required to submit marriage returns to NIRA, ensuring all unions are officially recorded.

Encouraging Couples to Legalize Their Relationships

The Valentine’s Day ceremony highlights the importance of civil registration. By formalizing their unions, couples gain legal protections, inheritance rights, and official recognition, benefits unavailable to informal relationships.

NIRA’s initiative demonstrates that love and law can go hand-in-hand, making civil marriage accessible, structured, and celebratory while embracing modern registration methods.