Editor,

I have previously written about my belief in the merits of the polygamous marriage.

And the sad events in Kampala, namely the death of the Ugandan former army commander, General James Kazini at the careless hands of one of his many informal relationships, just proved my argument.

The violent and heartrending demise of the man could have been avoided if only he had adopted the dignity of legal polygamy. 

It is important that our men (and their spouses) understand that informal "relationships” constitute a serious danger to their security, far worse than official polygamy.

Polygamy is a reality on the ground in modern Africa: Therefore we need to stop this ‘diplomatic’ silence around the problem and protect the rights of women and children already caught in this web. 

That is why I admire Jacob Zuma, the South African President, for giving both legal and public recognition to his multiple families. 

We have witnessed many high-profile leaders whose "official” marriages could not prevent a plethora of other "wives” turning up at their funerals (and national celebrations). 

Succession law demands that every wife must prove spousal attachment to the deceased’s property.

It is important the younger African generation recognize these negative consequences before they find themselves pushed to the knife’s edge like Ms. Draru was.

Maringa, Margaret
Margaret.Maringa@carefirst.com