KAMPALA, Uganda — A High Court in Kampala has granted joint custody of three children to businessman Andrew Kananura and his estranged wife, Shiela Taratibu, concluding a contentious divorce case that included claims of domestic violence, drug use and child welfare concerns.
Justice John Eudes Keitirima recently ruled that both parents must share responsibility for their children: Joselyne Amara Bridges Kananura, Estella Hills Amaani Kananura and Titian Andrews Aine Kananura. The ruling came despite bitter disputes between the parents.
The couple, who married Dec. 30, 2014, agreed to dissolve their marriage on grounds of cruelty, which Kananura, the petitioner, admitted. Under a partial consent judgment, Kananura also agreed to cover the children’s school fees, medical bills and other needs. However, the parents could not agree on custody, prompting the court’s intervention.
Kananura, who testified he imports cars and aircraft and earns rental income, told the court he had not seen his children in nine months. He alleged Taratibu took them from school and relocated them to her sister’s residence. He denied abusing his children or their mother and refuted claims of drug addiction and illegal firearm possession. He sought access to his children four days a month.
Taratibu, conversely, alleged verbal abuse, emotional manipulation and physical harm. She testified that one child reported being kicked and denied food because of her resemblance to Taratibu. She also accused Kananura of drug use and maintaining an unsafe home environment. Taratibu opposed sleepovers at Kananura’s residence, fearing he might take the children abroad since he holds their passports and his mother lives in the United Kingdom. She sought sole custody but agreed Kananura should continue financial support.
Justice Keitirima found no sufficient evidence to suggest Kananura posed a danger to the children. He emphasized that parental responsibility is lifelong and that sole custody should not be granted simply due to parental animosity.
The court’s key orders include:
- Joint legal custody for both parents.
- Taratibu retains care and control of the children during school weeks.
- Kananura has access to the children on either Saturday or Sunday weekly, and for at least one week during school holidays.
- Both parents must consult on all major decisions affecting the children.
- Neither parent may take the children out of the country without the other’s written consent.
- No order was made on legal costs.
The judgment reaffirms principles in Ugandan and international law favoring shared parenting unless there is clear evidence it is not in the child’s best interest. The court cited precedent stressing that custody disputes should not alienate a child from either parent.
The ruling also addressed the children’s dependency status as American citizens residing in Uganda under their father’s dependency pass, noting Kananura’s continued legal and financial responsibility. This decision could influence future custody cases in Uganda where both parents claim capacity and interest in raising their children despite personal conflicts.
