The High Court in Jinja has dissolved the marriage between Kawongolo Kataswa and Claudine Uwineza after the wife admitted she married purely for survival rather than love.The couple, who tied the knot on May 14, 2011, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Jinja, shared three children: Jeremiah (13), Nehemiah (11), and Shelemiah (9).
What began as a seemingly strong union slowly crumbled after Uwineza abandoned the family home in December 2018.Kawongolo filed for divorce in 2022, citing desertion and adultery. During court proceedings, Uwineza did not contest these accusations.
Instead, she shocked the courtroom when she confessed that she had never loved her husband and only stayed in the marriage to secure accommodation and meet her daily needs.She went further to reveal that she even had a child with another man while still legally married to Kawongolo.
Presiding judge Justice Lawrence Gidudu emphasized the importance of honesty and trust in marriage as he delivered his ruling on July 14, 2025.He granted Kawongolo full custody of the children, citing their welfare as a top priority. Uwineza was allowed visitation rights but only under the condition that she is not cohabiting with another man when hosting them during school holidays.
Interestingly, the judge did not order any spousal support for Uwineza, noting that Kawongolo had committed to providing for his children’s needs.He also refrained from awarding legal costs to either party, calling it a deeply personal matter that did not warrant financial punishment.Uwineza, who now survives by selling vegetables and charcoal, expressed her financial hardships but acknowledged that her choices had led to the court’s decision.
This case has triggered heated discussions on social media and talk shows, with many Ugandans debating the motivations behind marriage today.Critics argue that economic struggles push some individuals into relationships without genuine affection, while others believe that such revelations damage the sanctity of marriage.
Justice Gidudu concluded by urging couples to build relationships on foundations of love, trust, and commitment, warning that marriages built on convenience alone are bound to collapse.
