By Jamila Kemigisa
Bunyangabu County Member of Parliament, Hon. Davis Kamukama, finds himself at the center of a legal battle over the custody and maintenance of his two-and-a-half-year-old child. His ex-wife, Christine Kasande, has taken legal action, petitioning the Chief Magistrate’s Court of Nakawa for joint custody and financial support for the child.
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The case, which is set for hearing on February 14, 2025, at noon, has put the MP under intense scrutiny, further adding to a series of controversies that have followed him throughout his political career. The court has issued summons requiring Kamukama to appear in person or through legal representation. Should he fail to do so, the hearing will proceed in his absence, and a ruling will be made based on the available evidence.
Kasande’s application is grounded in Uganda’s Children (Amendment) Act, the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, all of which emphasize the fundamental rights of children, including access to both parents and financial support for their well-being. These laws advocate for the best interests of the child, ensuring that custody and maintenance decisions promote their physical, emotional, and psychological welfare.
In her petition, Kasande argues that Hon. Kamukama has neglected his parental responsibilities, failing to provide sufficient financial and emotional support. Also, she accuses the ex husband of violating the child’s fundamental rights, including the right to be cared for by both parents.
She asserts that despite Kamukama’s financial capacity, he has not adequately contributed to the child’s maintenance. She is demanding a court order for joint custody and regular financial support, arguing that the child, who is ready for school, has been neglected.
Kamukama, however, dismisses these claims, stating that he already provides Shs 300,000 per month for the child’s upkeep and has paid for medical insurance through AAR. He further argues that the child is still too young to start school, accusing Kasande of using the legal system to extort money for personal gain.
This custody battle raises critical issues regarding parental responsibility, child welfare, and the obligations of public figures to their families. As a Member of Parliament, Kamukama’s conduct in personal matters inevitably comes under public scrutiny, with many questioning whether his actions align with his duty to serve the people.
The court’s ruling will not only determine the future of this specific custody arrangement but could also set a precedent for similar cases involving influential individuals. The case highlights the challenges many single parents face in seeking legal redress for child custody and maintenance, particularly when the other party holds significant political or financial power.
Now, as the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on the Nakawa Family and Children’s Court to see whether Christine Kasande’s plea for justice will be granted or if Kamukama will successfully defend his position.
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