Justice Lawrance Gidudu the Resident High Court Judge of Jinja has resolved a 14-year-old marriage after the wife admitted on oath that she has been in marriage because she lacked accommodation and food and not for love.
According to court documents, Claudine Uwineza got married to Igwongolo Kataswa in May 2011 at Jinja Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s witnesses and during their marriage, they have birthed three children; Jeremiah Kataswa, Shelemiah Kataswa and Nehemiah Kataswa
However, in 2018, the wife deserted the home of the petitioner and started living independently in her home in Jinja town after she was accused of committing acts of adultery and as a result sired a child who is currently three years with another man.
After waiting for her, the man alleges that she decided to file a petition seeking a court declaration to dissolve their marriage on grounds of desertion and adultery.
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The wife was served with court documents but she declined to file her defence until she was served with the hearing notice.
She appeared in court in her personal capacity and when she was given the opportunity to address the court, she supported the prayer to dissolve their marriage.
“The respondent was served with the petition on 14/7 /2022. She did not file a reply. Later on 6/6/2025, she was served with a hearing notice. She appeared at the hearing. She admitted the acts of desertion and adultery contending that she never loved the man but entered into the union because she lacked accommodation and sustenance,” Court documents read.
She explained to court that since she deserted the man, she has been living independently and has a home where she runs her business of selling vegetables and charcoal to survive without any man even though she produced a child out of their official marriage.
After listening to both parties, the presiding judge dissolved their marriage without order for costs. The man was directed to be the custodian of their three children and take care of their needs at all times.
The woman was also given the visitation opportunity to have a chance of seeing her children and living with them during school holidays but she should not exceed three weeks with them and should make sure that the time she stays with children, there should be no other man in her house.
