The Family Division of the High Court has handed down a ruling that would make even a village matchmaker raise an eyebrow. A man found guilty of having an affair with a married woman has been ordered to pay a mere 10 million shillings (about $2,900) in damages to the wronged husband.
The court’s ruling, delivered on July 25 by Justice Alice Komuhangi, confirmed that Joel Papi Opio, in a scandal that might sound like something out of a local drama, committed adultery with Grace Sarah Kateme. Kateme is the wife of Grace Kyobe, the owner of Kyobe Medical Centre.
Justice Komuhangi decided that the 70 million shillings originally requested was too much—like asking for the entire village’s harvest for a single goat. Instead, she settled for 10 million shillings, a sum that barely covers the cost of a few good days of Nyama Choma and beer at a local joint.
Opio, who now has to cough up this princely sum, will be paying interest at a rate of 6% per annum until the amount is fully settled. That’s right, folks, just like paying off a boda boda loan, but with a lot more drama.
The judge also took the step of dissolving the marriage between Kateme and Kyobe, citing reasons that include adultery and what she described as Kyobe’s cruelty and desertion. It’s like a scene from a local romantic drama where the plot twists just keep coming. The couple, who had tied the knot on February 2, 2013, have been ordered to split their assets. Kateme gets 30% of their properties, Kyobe keeps the Kyobe Medical Centre, and the land in Zion estate is to be shared equally. As for the matrimonial home and the Kibuli house, it’s a game of musical chairs—with Kateme getting her share and Kyobe left to pick up the pieces.
Regarding the children, the court decided that both parents should contribute equally to their upbringing, a fair move likened to splitting the bill after a meal at a local eatery. Kyobe will handle school fees and medical care, while Kateme will cover school supplies and clothing. It’s a classic case of “you pay for this, I’ll handle that.”
The judge criticized Kyobe for abandoning his home under the guise of personal danger, likening his excuse to an old Kinyankore proverb about fleeing from a mosquito in a lion’s den. Despite Kyobe’s claims of strange phone calls, the judge found his departure to be nothing more than an excuse.
The drama unfolded further when Kyobe, acting on a tip-off, found Opio and Kateme together at their home. This led to a police intervention and subsequent charges against Opio for criminal trespass. Kyobe’s move to file for divorce, citing adultery, was met with a counter-claim from Kateme on grounds of cruelty and desertion. The family saga would make even the most riveting local folktale seem tame.
Martin Sempa, a senior pastor at Makerere Community Church, welcomed the court’s decision, commenting that it’s a step in the right direction. He added that perhaps Uganda needs a special minister for such family matters, given the frequency of these dramas.
Lawyer Luyimbazi Nalukoola also praised the ruling, noting that it sends a strong message against extramarital affairs. “At least now people know that love affairs come with a price tag,” he quipped.
Pheona Wall Nabasa, former president of the Uganda Law Society, said the ruling was appropriate and in line with legal remedies for adultery. “It’s good to see the law addressing such matters,” she added.
