[2009] UGHC 44

[2009] UGHC 44

The court found that the applicants are suitable guardians and that the child, Bakhita Nakiberu, has suffered abandonment and neglect, with no viable support from her biological parents or the government. The applicants have demonstrated their capacity and preparedness to provide a loving family environment, as...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2009] UGHC 44
Parties
Applicant: Patrick Kelly Cunningham; Applicant: Charity Elizabeth Cunningham; Respondent: Bakhita Nakiberu
Court
High Court of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
HCT-00-FD-FC-0067-2009
Procedural Posture
Miscellaneous Application / Ruling
Outcome
application_granted
Legal Topics
Guardianship, Intercountry Adoption, Best Interests of Child
Source Language
en
Family and Children Guardianship Intercountry Adoption Best Interests of Child

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Parties

Patrick Kelly Cunningham

Applicant

Charity Elizabeth Cunningham

Applicant

Bakhita Nakiberu

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Miscellaneous Application / Ruling

  1. 1 Whether the applicants are suitable to be granted legal guardianship of Bakhita Nakiberu.
  2. 2 Whether the grant of legal guardianship is in the best interests of the child.
  3. 3 Whether the court has jurisdiction to grant legal guardianship to foreign applicants intending to adopt the child abroad.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the applicants are suitable guardians and that the child, Bakhita Nakiberu, has suffered abandonment and neglect, with no viable support from her biological parents or the government. The applicants have demonstrated their capacity and preparedness to provide a loving family environment, as confirmed by home studies and the probation officer's report. Although the law on intercountry adoption imposes residency and foster care requirements, the Court of Appeal has held that the High Court retains jurisdiction to grant legal guardianship in exceptional circumstances. Given the lack of authoritative guidance from the appellate decisions and the dire circumstances of the...

Court Disposition

application_granted

Orders

  • An order of legal guardianship of Bakhita Nakiberu is granted to Patrick Kelly Cunningham and Charity Elizabeth Cunningham effective immediately.