Divorce petition template (Uganda)
In brief
A precedent divorce petition framed around the Divorce Act and the equal-grounds position established by the Constitutional Court.
When to use this
When petitioning to dissolve a legally recognised marriage.
When a bespoke document is needed instead: For nullity or judicial separation, which are different remedies; take advice on contested matters.
The template
A precedent only. Replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your own details; it contains no real party data. Have it reviewed before use.
Heading
IN THE [HIGH COURT / CHIEF MAGISTRATE’S COURT] OF UGANDA AT [PLACE]
DIVORCE CAUSE NO. […] OF [YEAR]
[PETITIONER FULL NAME] ……… PETITIONER
VERSUS
[RESPONDENT FULL NAME] ……… RESPONDENT
Petition
THE PETITION of [PETITIONER], of [ADDRESS], SHOWETH:
1. The marriage
1.1 The Petitioner and the Respondent were married on [DATE] at [PLACE] under [the Marriage Act / the Customary Marriages (Registration) Act / Islamic law], and the marriage certificate is attached.
2. Cohabitation & children
2.1 After the marriage the Parties lived together at [ADDRESS] and have [number] children, namely [NAMES and dates of birth].
3. Jurisdiction & domicile
3.1 The Parties are domiciled/resident in Uganda and this Honourable Court has jurisdiction to hear this petition.
4. Ground for divorce
4.1 The Respondent has [state the ground relied on — e.g. committed adultery / treated the Petitioner with cruelty / deserted the Petitioner for at least [period]].
4.2 Particulars: [set out the facts supporting the ground].
5. No collusion
5.1 This petition is not presented in collusion with the Respondent.
6. Relief sought
6.1 The Petitioner prays for: (a) dissolution of the marriage; (b) custody and maintenance of the children; (c) a just division of the matrimonial property; (d) [alimony / costs]; and (e) any other relief the Court deems fit.
7. Verification
7.1 I, [PETITIONER], verify that the contents of this petition are true to the best of my knowledge.
7.2 Sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths at [PLACE] this [DATE]. Petitioner: ____________ Before me: ____________ Commissioner for Oaths.
Drawn and filed by [ADVOCATE], [ADDRESS].
Drafting notes
- Ground
- Plead a recognised ground with particulars; grounds and remedies apply equally to either spouse after the Constitutional Court decision.
- Ancillary relief
- Claim custody, maintenance and property division in the petition so the court can deal with everything together.
- Jurisdiction
- Choose the correct court and confirm domicile/jurisdiction; attach the marriage certificate.
- Property
- Plead division by reference to contribution — there is no automatic equal split.
Execution requirements
- The petitioner verifies the petition before a Commissioner for Oaths and files it in the court with jurisdiction.
- Serve the respondent and be ready to prove the ground at hearing.
- Property is divided on the evidence of each spouse’s contribution, not an automatic equal split.
- Attach the marriage certificate and the children’s birth certificates.
Governing law & citations
Governed by the Divorce Act, Cap. 144 (2023 Revision), s.4 and s.28, and art. 31 of the Constitution.
- Divorce Act, Cap. 144 (2023 Revision) — ss.4, 28.