Policy brief by Julaina A. Obika and Hanne O. Mogensen

Executive summary:
Despite media reports and public debates on the challenges faced by Ugandan domestic workers in the Middle East, there is a rising trend in youth migration due to factors like population growth, youth unemployment, and demand for labour. This policy brief focuses on female domestic workers, exploring how working in the Middle East shapes their lives and expectations of the future. The research emphasises both economic and non-economic motives. Findings reveal that migration offers opportunities for financial independence, challenges traditional gender roles, and addresses the needs of femaleheaded households. Recommendations include intensifying efforts to prevent illegal migration, enhancing pre-departure training, strengthening bilateral agreements, and recognizing migrants' skills and experiences. Addressing gender conflicts and acknowledging women's roles as providers in households are crucial for fostering positive change.

Policy brief by Mary Ejang, Jimmy Otim and Lotte Meinert

Executive summary:
Bridewealth – in different forms of gifts and services – constitutes social and economic exchange and cohesion between families and generations that can serve to express, confirm and acknowledge partners’ and generations’ mutual respect. Yet, bridewealth is sometimes (mis)conceived as ‘payment’. Consequently, amounts of bridewealth have escalated over time and many now cannot ‘afford’ marriage. A Marriage Bill has been formulated but not yet been passed, due to political disagreements. Bridewealth in public debates is often considered from male and older generations’ perspectives and seldom from women’s and children’s. Families, cultural leaders and politicians all have roles to play in creating transformations. Parents can lower their expectations and use expressions such as ‘gifts’ rather than ‘payment’, and cultural leaders and politicians can suggest ceilings on bridewealth. Refund of bridewealth in case of divorce is prohibited, and we recommend further enforcement of this prohibition.

Policy brief by Nanna Schneidermann and Stephen Langole

Executive summary:
The wedding industry in Northern Uganda reflects a dynamic intersection of tradition, capitalism and globalization. Entrepreneurs navigate social and economic challenges through social networks, exhibiting adaptability and resilience. This growing sector holds promise for economic growth and security but requires careful cultivation to ensure stability and sustainability. The research suggests that community standards for services and payments, accessible education and public debates on changing economies of marriage could support this development.

Policy brief by Susan Whyte and Rose Atim

Executive Summary:
According to Ugandan law, both parents shall have parental responsibility for their biological children. In patrilineal societies, children are said to ‘belong’ to their fathers’ families and sons claim land through their fathers. Yet in northern and eastern Uganda today, many children stay with their mothers and maternal relatives, while their paternal links are frail.
Single mothers try to mobilize recognition and support from the fathers of their children, but in rural areas, they do not bring legal cases for child maintenance. For mothers who have had children from multiple relationships, juggling for support among the partners is an additional challenge. When fathers say they are too poor to help, mothers do not press. They shoulder the responsibility in the hope that fathers and paternal families will play a stronger role in future. However, mothers hesitate to send children to stay with their fathers, if there is no woman in his home who is capable and willing to care for the children. Lack of resources is an underlying problem, exacerbated in many areas by a high fertility rate.
The problem of ‘frail fatherhood’ should be brought to attention through schools, faith organizations and public media. Fathers and paternal families must be encouraged to show concern for their children even if they cannot provide much material support. Many pregnancies are unplanned and better access to, and adoption of, contraception would alleviate the heavy burden of child support.