Entebbe Chief Magistrate’s Court has summoned Pastor Aloysious Bujjingo of House of Prayer Ministries International to answer to charges of allegedly getting into a second marriage illegally.
Pastor Bujjingo is accused of having a customary marriage with his new lover, Ms Suzan Makula Nantaba, yet he is still married to his first wife, Ms Teddy Naluswa Bujjingo. Presiding Grade One Magistrate Stella Okwang Pacular on Wednesday set January 21 for Pastor Bujjingo and his new lover to appear for plea taking.
According to the court documents filed on December 8, Pr Bujjingo faces charges of contracting marriage by customary law when he is already married under the Marriage Act.
He faces up to five years imprisonment if convicted.
Lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi privately instituted the criminal charges.
Ms Okwang’s decision was based on a confirmed letter by, Mr Joseph Amoit, the chairperson of Bwerenga Village, where the alleged second marriage took place.
Mr Amoit states that on December 6, he saw many cars and lorries carrying gifts, among other items, for the function.
He adds that neighbours told him that Pastor Bujjingo was to be introduced at Mr Thembo Nyombi’s home the following day.
Offences
The particulars of the offence state that Pastor Bujjingo on December 7 at Kawuku, Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, contracted marriage under the Marriage Act with Teddy Naluswa Bujjingo, and during the continuance of that marriage, contracted a marriage in accordance with customary law with Suzan Makula Nantaba.
Ms Makula has also been charged, and faces the offence of marriage with a person previously married.
Section 42 of the Marriage Act, which forbids marriage with a person previously married states: “Any person who, being unmarried, goes through the ceremony of marriage with a person whom he or she knows to be married to another person, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years.”
Likewise, Section 50 forbids contracting marriage by customary law when already married under the Act.
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