A Uganda court made a groundbreaking decision about a sick teacher and his longtime girlfriend. Mark Park Kironde works for the government but cannot think clearly anymore due to a brain disease. His partner Babirye Annet asked the court to let her handle his money and property. The judge agreed even though the couple never had a wedding ceremony. They have been living together for more than fifteen years and raised three children.
Kironde started showing signs of mental illness back in 2019. Doctors at Butabika Hospital confirmed he has severe dementia that affects his thinking. The court papers show he cannot speak clearly or remember things properly. Justice Deepa Verma watched him during the hearing and saw how confused he appeared. She decided he needed someone to take care of his affairs.
Babirye had trouble at first because she lacked medical proof of his condition. She filed more paperwork and got a psychiatric report that helped her case. The judge ruled that long-term partners count as spouses under the mental health laws. Family members supported Babirye and told the court she takes good care of Kironde and their kids.
This ruling changes how Uganda handles similar cases. Women living with men without marriage papers can step in when their partners become sick. The decision protects people with mental illness through court supervision. Legal experts say this gives unmarried couples more rights when health problems strike.
Kironde started showing signs of mental illness back in 2019. Doctors at Butabika Hospital confirmed he has severe dementia that affects his thinking. The court papers show he cannot speak clearly or remember things properly. Justice Deepa Verma watched him during the hearing and saw how confused he appeared. She decided he needed someone to take care of his affairs.
Babirye had trouble at first because she lacked medical proof of his condition. She filed more paperwork and got a psychiatric report that helped her case. The judge ruled that long-term partners count as spouses under the mental health laws. Family members supported Babirye and told the court she takes good care of Kironde and their kids.
This ruling changes how Uganda handles similar cases. Women living with men without marriage papers can step in when their partners become sick. The decision protects people with mental illness through court supervision. Legal experts say this gives unmarried couples more rights when health problems strike.
