Applying for child maintenance in Uganda: checklist
In brief
Both parents owe a child maintenance, and the Family and Children Court can order it. This checklist covers the application and enforcement.
Who it's for & when to use it
Who it's for: Parents, guardians and caregivers seeking support for a child.
When to use it: When a parent is not meeting their duty to maintain a child.
When not to use it: As a substitute for agreement where the parents can settle terms (use the agreement template).
The checklist
1. Try to agree first
- Where possible, agree maintenance in writing — it is quicker and cheaper than a court order (see the child-maintenance agreement template).
- If agreement fails or breaks down, apply to court.
2. Frame the claim
- Identify the liable parent — both parents have a duty to maintain the child (Children Act s.5).
- Apply to the Family and Children Court for a maintenance order (Children Act s.121).
3. Prove need and means
- Set out the child's needs (food, school fees, medical, clothing) and the respondent's income and means; the welfare of the child is paramount (Children Act s.3).
- Ask the court to fix the amount and mode of payment (Children Act s.121(2)).
4. Enforce
- If payments stop, return to court to enforce — the order can be varied or enforced (Children Act ss.122–123).
- Keep a record of payments made and missed.
Key authorities
- Children Act, Cap. 62 (2023 Revision) — ss.3, 5, 121, 122–123.
Checklist · Family.
Actively maintained.
Last reviewed 9 June 2026; next review due 9 June 2027.
This resource is a practitioner orientation and general information, not legal advice, and does not create an advocate–client relationship. It is AI-generated. Ugandan law changes and chapter and section numbers were revised in the 2023 Laws of Uganda. Verify every statute, rule, form, fee and authority against the current primary source — and the specific facts of your matter — before relying on it.