[2009] UGHC 48

[2009] UGHC 48

The High Court, despite conflicting Court of Appeal opinions, has jurisdiction to grant legal guardianship to foreign applicants where the requirements for inter-country adoption under Section 46 of the Children Act cannot be met, provided it is in the best interests of the child. In this case, the infant Hillary...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2009] UGHC 48
Parties
Applicant: Jason Wayne Forquer; Applicant: Hedda Christin Forquer; Respondent: Hillary Kakeeto
Court
High Court of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
HCT-00-FD-FC-0081-2009
Procedural Posture
Miscellaneous Application / Ruling
Outcome
application_granted
Legal Topics
Guardianship of Infant, Inter Country Adoption, Best Interests of Child
Source Language
en
Family and Children Guardianship of Infant Inter Country Adoption Best Interests of Child

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Parties

Jason Wayne Forquer

Applicant

Hedda Christin Forquer

Applicant

Hillary Kakeeto

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Miscellaneous Application / Ruling

  1. 1 Whether the High Court has jurisdiction to grant legal guardianship to foreign applicants intending to adopt a Ugandan child.
  2. 2 Whether the grant of legal guardianship is in the best interests of the child given the lack of local adoptive alternatives.
  3. 3 Whether the requirements under Section 46 of the Children Act apply to this application for guardianship.

Ratio Decidendi

The High Court, despite conflicting Court of Appeal opinions, has jurisdiction to grant legal guardianship to foreign applicants where the requirements for inter-country adoption under Section 46 of the Children Act cannot be met, provided it is in the best interests of the child. In this case, the infant Hillary Kakeeto was abandoned, has no local adoptive prospects, and is currently institutionalized. The applicants have demonstrated suitability, motivation, and have undergone a thorough home study. The absence of governmental support and the lack of local alternatives constitute exceptional circumstances justifying the grant of guardianship to non-citizens. The court finds that...

Court Disposition

application_granted

Orders

  • Legal guardianship of Hillary Kakeeto is granted to Jason Wayne Forquer and Hedda Christin Forquer effective immediately.