The Deputy Chief Justice of Uganda Flavian Zeija has cautioned couples against hiding wealth from one another, noting that the habit which is predominantly done by men, derails family development.
Zeija made the remarks while speaking at the introduction ceremony of Mercy Kakooza, a daughter of the Chief Magistrate of Nakawa, His Worship Elia Kakooza, held at their country home in Sekanyonyi, Mityana District over the weekend.
“I had a client who opened up to me that he had several titles of land but his wife was not aware. I wondered because what if you die when no one’s knowing, ” he said, arguing that such properties can easily be taken by people.
He noted that couples have a tendency of hiding their wealth from one another and some even don’t tell the family members.
“You have now become one person, your husband’s properties are for both of you so is the wife’s wealth. Work together and develop your family, ” he emphasised.
Justice Zeija told the couple to use communication as a key tool in their marriage and cautioned the man against adultery.
“You have chosen our daughter so I do not expect you to wake up one day and claim you want another person,” he urged.
His Worship Kakooza emphasised the issue of knowing your partner’s wealth, arguing that most of the land titles they have as a family are in the names of him and the wife.
“Hiding properties is very dangerous. You have picked each other from a thousands. So grow together to make a difference in the community and the country at large,” he said.
Mr Kakooza congratulated the couple for reaching that milestone of choosing to stay together as husband and wife and guided them on how to keep the bondage.
“We are a living example as parents. I have stayed with my wife for 30 years now and you will never find us saying it’s over. This is an everlasting commitment you have chosen,” he said.
He gave the couple a land title for a plot of land in Kawanda in Wakiso District as a stepping stone in their marriage and promised to be there for any guidance they would need.
The function attracted a number of dignitaries including ministers, political leaders, judicial officers, and the clergy among others.
Judith Nabakooba, the Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, assured Joel (the groom) that he has
taken a well disciplined wife, citing the strong family background the wife comes from.
“When you marry from such a family where mum and dad have kept each other for 30 years like these, be assured that you have taken a full package,” she said.
She read for them a sermon in Corinthians 13 which talks about love and urged them to always spread peace in their family.
“We don’t expect to see Mercy inviting us one day saying it’s over with the husband. Your bed and mattres have been given to your your siblings. Keep your trust in God and love one another.”
Pr Patrick Ndyanabo, a pentecostal appostle of Uganda, also re-echoed about being open to each other and told the couple to work together as a family.
“When you buy land, it’s for both of you. You therefore need to share it with each one’s name indicated on the land title,” he said.
