Bukenya wife grabbing case set for hearing
Prof Gilbert Bukenya
What you need to know:
The trial judge at the High Court Family Division, Justice Percy Tuhaise, asked the two parties to file a scheduling memorandum before the hearing.
KAMPALA- The case in which former Vice President Prof Gilbert Bukenya is accused of sleeping with the wife of his former political mobiliser, has been set for hearing on June 17.
The woman’s husband, Mr Emmanuel Nyabayango, accuses Prof Bukenya of seducing his wife and fathering a child with her.
The trial judge at the High Court Family Division, Justice Percy Tuhaise, asked the two parties to file a scheduling memorandum before the hearing.
“Both parties were supposed to file a scheduling memorandum long time ago, which has not been done. This shows lack of seriousness from both parties,” Justice Tuhaise said.
On July 17, 2012, Mr Nyabayango took his former wife, Margaret Kabasinguzi and Prof Bukenya to the Family Division of the High Court, alleging that the latter seduced his wife out of their matrimonial home.
He contends that Prof Bukenya’s action is “unconstitutional, barbaric, inhuman and unlawful.” He further alleges that Prof Bukenya built for her a house in Fort Portal in Kabarole, her home district.
Prof Bukenya denies ever having any love or sexual relationship with Ms Kabasinguzi. Prof Bukenya is represented by Tumusiime, Kabega and Company Advocates.
In his defence, Prof Bukenya says Ms Kabasinguzi was his campaign agent and all interactions with her were strictly related to his political mobilisation. Prof Bukenya agrees that there were times when he gave money to Ms Kabasinguzi but insists it was in “consideration for her services rendered as campaign agent or mobiliser.”
He also denies constructing a house for her or fathering a child with her as alleged by Mr Nyabayango.
The child in question is aged six years. Prof Bukenya’s lawyers asked court to dismiss the case, saying it has no merit.
Mr Nyabayango asked court to order Prof Bukenya to compensate him for destabilising his marriage and to pay him general and punitive damages and costs of the suit. Mr Nyabayango has lined up 30 witnesses against Prof Bukenya, among them is the Minister of State for Economic Monitoring Henry Banyenzaki and Ms Grace Akello, former Principal Private Secretary to President Museveni.
