news 23 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Marriage breakdown linked to communication failure, says Justice Chibita
Supreme Court Judge Justice Mike Chibita highlighted that a marriage lacking communication is effectively over. The Bible Society of Uganda is training religious leaders to address rising marital issues nationwide. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/marriage-where-communication-breaks-down-is-as-good-as-dead-justice-chibita-5471024
Marriages where communication ceases to exist are essentially defunct, according to Supreme Court Judge Justice Mike Chibita. He made these remarks during a marriage conference organized by the Bible Society of Uganda, an initiative aimed at equipping religious leaders to serve as family counselors.
The Bible Society is launching a national outreach to combat the increasing number of marriage breakdowns and the myriad challenges couples face. Justice Chibita noted that prevalent misconceptions about the institution of marriage are leaving many couples confused and vulnerable, often leading to separation, property disputes, and spousal abandonment.
“Because we can’t reach every single family in the country, we are training church leaders to reach out to families where we cannot,” Justice Chibita explained. The conferences, which have already taken place in several districts, cover crucial aspects such as legalities, finances, counseling, and communication within marriage.
Justice Chibita specifically addresses the legal framework of marriage, as many individuals cohabit without formal marriage or harbor legal uncertainties. He emphasized the critical role of communication, stating, “Experts tell us that a marriage where communication has broken down is as good as dead.”
These sessions have also uncovered significant issues among church leaders themselves, including poor property management and familial conflicts. Justice Chibita urged couples to consider writing wills to preempt property battles after death and to clarify burial wishes, especially for wives.
Bishop Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe of South Ankole Diocese underscored the necessity of such training, describing modern marriage as often fraught with difficulties. The Bible Society reports that a substantial percentage of marriages in Uganda dissolve within five years, with many more existing in name only.