The High Court in Jinja has officially dissolved the 14-year marriage between Kawongolo Kataswa and Claudine Uwineza, following startling admissions that the union was never rooted in genuine affection but rather in a desperate struggle for survival.
Presiding over the case, Justice Lawrence Gidudu delivered the ruling on Monday after Kawongolo filed for divorce in 2022. The couple had wedded on May 14, 2011, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Jinja and had three children together—Jeremiah (13), Nehemiah (11), and Shelemiah (9).
According to court documents, the marriage began to deteriorate in December 2018 when Uwineza abruptly abandoned the family home. During the proceedings, she admitted to desertion and adultery, openly telling the court that she had never loved her husband. Instead, she confessed that her decision to marry Kawongolo stemmed from dire need—she lacked shelter and basic necessities at the time.
In a further revelation, Uwineza disclosed that she had conceived and given birth to a child with another man while still legally married, providing solid grounds for the dissolution of the union.
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In his ruling, Justice Gidudu found no evidence of reconciliation or collusion between the parties. He granted a decree nisi, effectively ending the marriage. Full custody of the three children was awarded to Kawongolo, while Uwineza was granted visitation rights—on the condition that she is not cohabiting with another man during those visits.
The judge declined to award spousal maintenance, citing Kawongolo’s willingness to fully support the children. He also refrained from awarding legal costs, reasoning that family-related litigation should not place additional financial strain on either party.
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Uwineza, in her defence, explained that she currently earns a modest living by selling vegetables and charcoal and resides alone. While her economic challenges were acknowledged, they did not influence the final decision.
Justice Gidudu concluded the proceedings with a cautionary message on the significance of honesty and emotional commitment in marital relationships. He emphasized the court’s ongoing duty to protect the best interests of children in all divorce matters.