Polygamy has long been practised in many African societies, as it is not uncommon for a man to have multiple wives.
Unlike in other African countries, Rwanda has taken a legal stance against polygamy. The country recognises only monogamous marriages under its civil law, meaning that a person cannot legally marry more than one spouse, and anyone who attempts or does so could face serious legal consequences.
The law concerning marriage is clear in Rwanda: a union is between two people, one man and one woman. In the country, once a person is legally married, they cannot get married to someone else unless the first marriage has been dissolved either through divorce or death. 
A Criminal Offence
Practising polygamy in Rwanda falls under the crime of bigamy, which is the act of marrying someone while still legally married to another person.
In Rwanda, you are not legally married in the eyes of the government if you just get married in a traditional ceremony. Thus, it is not a dual or double decker marriage where you can get married to more than one woman under the traditional custom.
Only a civil monogamous marriage performed in front of a Civil Registrar (at the Sector office) is legally recognised, according to the Rwandan Constitution and the 2024 Law Governing Persons and Family.
Anyone found guilty of bigamy either gets punished by paying a fine or getting a prison sentence under the Rwandan law. The country’s law has been designed in such a way as to discourage the practice and ensure that marriages remain a union between two people.
Because civil marriages are officially registered, it is difficult for someone to secretly marry multiple partners without facing legal consequences in the country.
Why Polygamy Is Banned in Rwanda
The country’s strict view on polygamy is tied to policies that aim to promote gender equality.
To ensure this, the government has over the years introduced several measures aimed at strengthening women’s rights and ensuring equality within families and society.
The first step is by banning polygamy. This way, the legal system protects couples, particularly women, from the complications and inequalities that arise in polygamous households.
Rwanda is used as a yardstick for other African countries because of its strong commitment to gender equality.
The country has one of the highest rates of female political representation in the world. This reputation for promoting women’s rights also influences policies related to marriage, family law, and inheritance.
Conclusion
Although polygamy is illegal in Rwanda, the practice is still permitted in several other African countries, either under customary or religious law (like Islam).
This contrast makes Rwanda stand out on the continent.
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