A police officer in Mukono has triggered nationwide discussion after explaining that consensual sexual relationships between adults, even when one or both parties are married, do not amount to a criminal offence under Ugandan law, challenging widespread public assumptions.The remarks were delivered during a community sensitisation meeting held at a school in Mukono Municipality under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme, where education stakeholders had gathered to learn about safeguarding against sexual exploitation linked to development projects.
Addressing headteachers, teachers, and local leaders, the Officer in Charge of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence at Mukono Police Station, Simon Tukamuhebwa stated that Ugandan criminal law only recognises offences arising from non-consensual acts or other related violations, not consensual affairs between adults.He further noted that while adultery may carry serious cultural, emotional, and family consequences, it is not treated as a criminal matter unless it involves additional offences such as trespassing, harassment, or forced entry into private premises.
The clarification drew visible shock from some participants, including teachers and community representatives, who expressed that many people in society assume that a man involved with another man’s wife can be arrested and charged under the law.Mukono Municipality officials, including Olivia Bulya and sports officer Silas Semuhara, attended the session aimed at strengthening awareness on gender-based violence and protecting communities from exploitation linked to infrastructure projects.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Mwogeza cautioned residents not to misinterpret the legal explanation as approval of extramarital relationships, warning that such situations often fuel conflict and can escalate into violence within families and communities.His remarks were reinforced by references to past incidents of fatal domestic confrontations linked to suspected infidelity, with police spokesperson Racheal Kawala previously noting that many homicide cases in Uganda stem from personal disputes, jealousy, and relationship-related violence rather than strictly criminal intent under adultery laws.
