The High Court in Kabale has ruled in favor of Tadeo Ruzindantaro, awarding him Shs 25 million in general damages after his daughter went missing in 2018 while under the care of Bishop Asili Nursery Day and Boarding Primary School.
In Civil Suit No. 36 of 2022, Ruzindantaro accused the school of releasing his then four-year-old daughter to his estranged wife, Mercy Kirande, without his authorization. He further alleged that the head teacher, Sister Margaret Tusiime, colluded with Kirande to remove the child from the country, allegedly relocating her to South Africa.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Group and Receive Daily News
The issue arose on April 23, 2018, when Ruzindantaro learned that his daughter had been taken without his consent. His current wife, Innocent Tukamushaba, had gone to collect the child’s report card only to find out she had left after sitting only two exams. The school reportedly allowed Kirande to pick up the child with the head teacher’s help.
Although the case was first reported at Kabale Police Station under SD Ref. 57/26/04/2018, police advised Ruzindantaro to seek a civil remedy. During court proceedings, it emerged that the girl had not left Uganda but was living in Kampala with Phionah Rukundo, a close associate of Kirande.
The child was finally reunited with her father in 2023 after five years. A report from Kabale’s senior probation officer, Monica Muhumuza, and the Family and Child Protection Unit alleged that the child had been removed due to financial neglect and mistreatment. However, the girl denied these claims in court, stating she had no issues with her father and was unaware of the relocation plans. She testified that she now lives happily with her father and attends Immaculate Heart Girls School in Rukungiri, fully supported by him.
Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere found that the school had violated both the Children Act Cap 59 and Article 31(4) of the Constitution by failing in its duty of care and allowing an unauthorized individual to take the child. The judge also criticized Rukundo for ignoring court summons, weakening the school’s defense.
The court awarded Ruzindantaro Shs 25 million for emotional distress and ordered the school to pay half of his legal costs.
Attempts to reach school officials, including bursar Godfrey Kalenzi and committee members Oddo Byamugisha and George Nsaba, were unsuccessful. Their lawyer, Justus Muhangi, declined to comment.
However, Ruzindantaro’s legal team, led by Timothy Twikirize and Godwin Masereka, praised the verdict, calling it a landmark case that highlights the importance of safeguarding children’s welfare in schools. Ruzindantaro also claimed the school had tried to damage his reputation through social media during the trial.
Also Read: Amama Mbabazi’s Daughter Wanted Over Unpaid Shs 450m Loan
