It’s been almost six months since Nakimuli and Fred got married. It’s been an eventful six months to say the least. Just last month, Nakimuli woke up to find Kapeere (Nakimuli’s ex-boyfriend and father to her daughter) seated at their doorstep demanding that she take him back or else he will stop sending money for Nakku (their child). Unfortunately, Nakimuli has never told Fred about Nakku, her daughter from a previous relationship. Nakimuli does not know how to deal with Kapeere's demands.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR NAKIMULI?
When two people like Nakumuli and Kapeere gave birth to Nakku, the law gave them a job called taking care of the child’s needs. They must provide accommodation, food, medical care, among other basic needs until Nakku (their child) is an adult (18 years old). The end of Kapeere and Nakku’s relationship does not end the job (duty) to Nakku their child, so they must continue to look after Nakku.
Similarly, when one or both partners enter new/different relationships like Nakimuli did, it does not take away that duty from the other parent, in this case, Kapeere to look after his daughter.
The law says a parent who refuses to take care of their child is committing an offence called Child Neglect. This is what Kapeere is doing therefore Nakimuli can start by asking elders such as the LC or someone Kapeere respects to mediate and help them agree on how Kapeere can make the child support payments.
If this fails, Nakimuli can report Kapeere to police and ask for their help in making Kapeere provide child support, OR Nakimuli can apply to a court and ask for child support from Kapeere. The court can order that this is taken from Kapeere’s salary or business.
#BarefootLaw
#osutayusuf
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