Muslim law scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Bifamengo, has warned men against giving out property out of love excitement and later on go into regrets. Sheikh Bifamengo who was speaking at roundtable dialogue on women’s land rights and Islam said sometimes men give out property because of love and afterwards want to claim it back.
“Once a woman presents proof that you actually gave her property such as land when you’re in love, she will definitely take that property. You cannot say you didn’t give it to her when there are witnesses or even written proof,” Sheikh Bifamengo said.
The dialogue was organized by Twahirah Islamic Charity Organisation supported by Uganda Community Based Association for Women and Children Welfare (UCOBAC). The dialogue attracted Islam law scholars, and women land rights activists who also called for sensitization of women on land ownership.
Caroline Kayanja, UCOBAC’s Senior Program Officer Women’s Land and Property Rights, said culture and religion issues influence women land access. “Culture and religion play a significance roles in shaping gender roles in families. Be it Islamic or Catholic, it shapes the position of men and women in families. The roles of Faith Based Organisation (FBO) cannot be over emphasized in the role of gender equalities. The discussion should be beyond laws and policies,” Kayanja said.
Sheikh Bifamengo reminded Ugandans that Article 32, of the Constitution, talks about avoiding any acts and practices that demean and mistreat vulnerable people. “When you give property to women or man out of love, know you have completely given out. If a spouse presents proof that it was given to him or her, court will honor that gift. Dependents have also a right to have some share provided it has bequeathed to them,” Bifamengo said.
Sheikat Zainabu Nakabugo said the women need to be sensitized on how to acquire land because they often tend to believe that once they are married, they lose right to make independent financial and property ownership decisions.
“The laws exist but they are implemented discriminately. It is now who gives how much to those wielding means power. Ugandan laws are expensive. Women are ignorant about their land rights. Men need to be sensitized about ensuring that women have land rights,” Sheikat Nakabugo said.
Participants said there is also a challenge of men having access to property left by their spouses because society frames such a scenario as awkward. The added that the public always frames ideas of men demanding for property from departed spouses as abnormal.