The Mixed Marriages and its Effects on Christian Muslim Relations in Bulo Sub-County, Uganda

Abstract

The study on the mixed marriages and its effect on Christian Muslim relations in Bulo Sub- county, aims at establishing the understanding of marriage and mixed marriages among Christians and Muslims in Bulo assessed the challenges experienced in mixed marriages between Christian and Muslims and finally identified solutions to the challenges experienced in mixed marriages in Bulo Sub-county. It embraces a mixed research approach where by the researcher utilized a descriptive survey design comprising both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data. Probability sampling technique was employed, while the instruments for data collection were interviews and questionnaires using Simple Random Sampling and Purposive sampling technique. The data was analyzed using thematic methods. The findings were based on the objectives as follows: Marriage in Christianity is 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 marriages challenges like differences in religious beliefs and practices such as dressing code, dowry (mahr) payment and remittance, maintenance, threats of violence, discrimination and religious sanctions lead to poor Christian Muslim relations, unless massive capacity building on freedom of religion and beliefs is done, the challenges in mixed marriages between Christians and Muslims will always be experienced.