Christian advocacy groups are sounding the alarm over a proposed bill in Uganda that seeks to implement a parallel court system based on Sharia law. This move has stirred significant concern due to the potential implications for Christians and other non-Muslims.
According to ADF International’s April 7 release, the Islamic judicial system would oversee matters of marriage, divorce, custody, and other personal law issues for Muslims. Kelsey Zorzi, the director of advocacy for global religious freedom at ADF International, articulated the risks associated with this bill, stating, “Uganda’s proposed Sharia courts bill would subject Christians and other non-Muslims to Islamic law while undermining fundamental rights—especially for women, children, and religious converts.”
Supporters of the bill are pushing for its passage before April 24. Zorzi emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that the bill’s approval would signify an alarming spread of Sharia law into Sub-Saharan Africa, coinciding with a rise in Christian persecution.
The consequences of such a system could be particularly dire for women and girls. Sharia law permits underage marriage and strips women of equal rights compared to men, creating a legal environment that could exacerbate inequalities. Zorzi pointed out that the bill’s “mandatory and exclusive nature” would limit Christians’ ability to resolve family law matters in civil courts if a Muslim is involved, fundamentally challenging the existing legal framework in Uganda.
Currently, Uganda’s court system is based on English Common Law, reflecting its history as a former British protectorate. The religious demographics underscore the potential impact of this proposed law. The U.S. State Department reported in 2023 that 82 percent of Ugandans identify as Christian—comprising Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and Pentecostals. Muslims represent about 14 percent of the population, although the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council claims the figure is closer to 35 percent.
While Uganda’s Christian communities may face less blatant violence compared to neighboring countries like Nigeria, the situation for individual converts is fraught with danger. The Washington Stand highlighted the form of persecution faced by converts, noting that radical Islamists, often incited by local Muslim clerics or terror groups such as al-Shabab and ISIS-affiliates, carry out violent acts against them. Reports of physical mutilation and ambushes against those converting from Islam further illustrate the risks at play.
In essence, the proposed Sharia courts would not only alter the legal landscape for Muslims but could also impose severe restrictions on the Christian population and other non-Muslims within Uganda, raising crucial questions about religious freedom and personal rights in the country.
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