Neglecting marriage values drives men into polygamy – Namyalo tells wives at Polygamy Dialogue

Kampala, Uganda: The Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC) Manager, Hajat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has urged women to uphold discipline, patience, and self-respect in their marriages, warning that moral decay and neglecting their values are fueling the growing wave of irresponsible polygamous unions.

Hajat Namyalo made the remarks while speaking to hundreds of Muslims at the 2nd Edition of the Polygamy Dialogue on Saturday, October 18, at Hotel Africana in Kampala. The dialogue was organized by Hajat Shania Kigozi, the Country Director for One Ummah Uganda, and CEO of Jilbab House (Mother of Orphans).

In her blistering remarks, Hajat Namyalo challenged women to remain steadfast and preserve the values that once held their marriages together.

“Many women relax on marital values after a few years in marriage. Some stop caring for their homes or even for their husbands’ happiness, forgetting that men are exposed to temptations every day,” Namyalo said, urging wives to restore affection, patience, and self-respect in their families, even if it means dressing seductively, especially in moments where there are no children to interfere.

The Chief Muzzukulu also called on single women not to settle for less by becoming second or third wives out of desperation but to fight to be “on top” and wait for the right partners. “Do not compromise your dignity. Patience pays,” she urged.

What does Islam say: While polygamy remains a permissible marital arrangement in Islam, its ethical implementation requires strict adherence to Qur’anic principles, particularly the command to practice justice or to limit oneself to one wife if fairness cannot be ensured (Surah An-Nisa 4:3).

Men Warned Against Irresponsible Polygamy

Several Muslim clerics who spoke at the dialogue echoed Namyalo’s sentiments, emphasizing that polygamy should never be abused or commercialized. Sheikh Hussein Ali Bulafu explained that Islamic polygamy is a conditional act guided by fairness, justice, and financial ability, not a tool for pleasure or irresponsibility.

“Polygamy is not a must. It’s a conditional practice meant to protect women’s rights—not to give men liberty to marry beyond their means,” Sheikh Bulafu remarked.

Similarly, Sheikh Burhan Muhsin Kiti, a renowned cleric popular for his satirical Islamic teachings, blamed some women for contributing to polygamous marriages through disrespect, nagging, or negligence. He, however, stressed that no man should enter polygamy without the physical, emotional, and financial strength to support all wives equally.

Minister Namuganza Backs Dialogue Expansion

Hon. Persis Namuganza, the State Minister for Housing, who officiated as Chief Guest, praised Hajat Shania Kigozi for pioneering the Polygamy Dialogue as a space for open discussion on marriage challenges and alignment with religious virtues.

She reiterated that marriage is ideally a union between one man and one woman, but called for realistic approaches to handle existing polygamous families with fairness and harmony to ensure all parties are treated equally. “Men must be responsible and treat their wives with equal love and dignity. Inequality and jealousy destroy homes,” Namuganza noted.

The Minister further urged organizers to extend the dialogue to rural communities where women face similar challenges and pledged to facilitate a meeting between the Polygamy Dialogue team and President Museveni for further engagement on strengthening family stability in Uganda.

The dialogue was proudly sponsored by Salam TV, Weli Travel, Ayyah Motors, Kema Skills Hub, Palm Professional Counselors Ltd, and Jilbab House, among others.