A Ugandan court has fined a lady Ksh. 336, 000(USh. 10.4 million) in a suit filed against her for violating a marriage promise.

Fortunate Kyarikunda met Richard Tumwine in 2015 while he was teaching at a primary school in the western region of Kanungu, where Kyarikunda was doing her teaching practice.

Narrating how events unfolded Richard told the court that he wanted his fiancée to complete her studies before tying the knot, and therefore entered a ‘promise to marry’ agreement with her in 2018.  

“I wanted her to complete her studies so that I can marry a well-educated wife that will not be dependent on me,” Tumwine was quoted by The Monitor.

He also revealed that Kyarikunda asked him to pay all fees of USh.9.43 million (Ksh.317, 121), when she enrolled for a law diploma at a Kampala college,, to which he agreed.

According to investigations the couple’s introduction marriage ceremony was set to take place in February of 2022, until Kyarikunda, now a law enforcement officer, opted out of the agreement, citing Tumwine’s age.

“When she disappointed me, I did not take the law in my hands because I knew the repercussions,” Tumwine said.

Instead, the teacher said he opted for a mediation process with Kyarikunda’s grandfather, as well as “local leaders, the police, relatives and friends… but no positive result was attained.” after which he turned to his friends.

“I was advised by my friends to file a civil case in the Kanungu chief magistrate’s court which I did on July 1… and the case was registered as No.24 of 2022. I was happy when the court last week ruled in my favour,” Tumwine told the publication.

The court last week fined Kyarikunda the Ush.9.43 million Tumwine spent on her tuition, and an additional USh.1 million as damages for inconveniences and psychological anguish.

Tumwine also said the money awarded to him will go towards upgrading and renovating his house as he prepares for the next chapter of his life.