A Kabale court ordered Bishop Asili Memorial School to pay 25 million shillings to a father who lost his daughter for five years. The school released the girl to her mother without asking the father first back during 2018. Mr. Ruzindantaro discovered his child had vanished when he visited the campus on April 25th. His ex-wife Kilande Mercy had already left Uganda days before taking the daughter away. Police investigations failed to bring the child back home to her father.
Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere ruled that both parents must agree before schools can release children to anyone. The Constitution protects parental rights and schools cannot ignore these legal protections. The mother claimed she needed medical treatment for stomach problems but never returned the girl as promised. Court records showed the woman departed from Entebbe Airport before writing her hospital letter. The judge said child abduction happened despite school claims about acting for the best interests.
The daughter testified during 2025 that she lived with family friends and attended different schools during the separation. She confirmed living with her father again and having no problems with their relationship since reuniting. The school offered only 5 million shillings but the court demanded more money for emotional damages. Educational institutions must respect both parents equally when making decisions about student welfare and safety.
Justice Karoli Lwanga Ssemogerere ruled that both parents must agree before schools can release children to anyone. The Constitution protects parental rights and schools cannot ignore these legal protections. The mother claimed she needed medical treatment for stomach problems but never returned the girl as promised. Court records showed the woman departed from Entebbe Airport before writing her hospital letter. The judge said child abduction happened despite school claims about acting for the best interests.
The daughter testified during 2025 that she lived with family friends and attended different schools during the separation. She confirmed living with her father again and having no problems with their relationship since reuniting. The school offered only 5 million shillings but the court demanded more money for emotional damages. Educational institutions must respect both parents equally when making decisions about student welfare and safety.
