Bill No. 19 Marriage And Divorce Bill 2009 A BILL for an Act ENTITLED THE MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE ACT, 2009 An act to reform and consolidate the law relating to civil, Christian, Hindu, Bahai and customary marriages; to provide for the types of recognized marriages, marital rights and duties; recognition of cohabitation in relation to property rights; separation and divorce, and the consequences of separation and divorce; and for related matters. BE IT ENACTED by Parliament as follows: PART I—PRELIMINARY 1. Commencement This Act shall come into force on a date appointed by the Minister by statutory instrument. 2. Application (1) This Act applies, unless otherwise provided, to all persons domiciled in Uganda who celebrate a civil, Christian, Hindu, Bahai or customary marriage or institute matrimonial proceedings. (2) This Act does not bar parties who profess the Muslim faith from proceeding under it. 3. Interpretation In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires— 9