This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-33800840

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Uganda bride price refund outlawed Uganda bride price refund outlawed by top judges
(about 2 hours later)
Uganda's Supreme Court has ruled that the practice of refunding the bride price, or dowry, on the dissolution of a customary marriage is unconstitutional and should be banned. Uganda's Supreme Court has ruled that the practice of refunding a bride price, or dowry, on the dissolution of a customary marriage is unconstitutional and should be banned.
The judges said it suggested that women were in a market place, and infringed on their right to divorce.The judges said it suggested that women were in a market place, and infringed on their right to divorce.
But they rejected the argument that the bride price itself was unconstitutional.But they rejected the argument that the bride price itself was unconstitutional.
Campaigners said that the dowry turns a woman into the husband's property.Campaigners said that the dowry turns a woman into the husband's property.
Should a marriage end in Uganda, the wife had been expected to refund the bride price - often paid in livestock.Should a marriage end in Uganda, the wife had been expected to refund the bride price - often paid in livestock.
But it was argued that as women tend to have less wealth than their husbands, many became trapped in an unhappy relationship. But it was argued that as women tend to have less wealth than their husbands, many became trapped in unhappy relationships.
The case was brought by the women's rights organisation Mifumi, who said that bride price encourages domestic violence. 'Momentous occasion'
There was a gasp in the court-room when the first justice ruled against the refunding of bride price, reports the BBC's Catherine Byaruhanga from the capital, Kampala.
The women's rights organisation Mifumi, which brought the case, welcomed the ruling, despite not getting everything it campaigned for.
"This is a momentous occasion... and this ruling will aid the fight against women and girls' rights abuses," spokesperson Evelyn Schiller told the BBC outside the court.
The BBC's Patience Atuhaire in Uganda says that traditionally the bride price is seen as an honour and a sign that the couple are entering into a respectful marriage.
Mifumi said that bride price encouraged domestic violence and could lead a man to think that he had paid for his wife's "sexual and reproductive capacity".
Six of the seven judges said that the direct link between the bride price and domestic violence had not been proved.
However, they did say that using the phrase "bride price" was wrong as it made it look like the woman was purchased.
The only dissenting opinion came from Justice Esther Kisakye, who said that while the constitution supports culture "it [only] validates customs that respect the rights of all Ugandans".