Emily Susanne Dyk Wissanja v Zahid Asafali Wissanja (HCT-00-FD-MC-0008-2009) (HCT-00-FD-MC-0008-2009) [2009] UGHC 34 (23 July 2009)

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REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\b\f0\fs24\insrsid811503\charrsid14488998 \par }{\b\f0\fs24\insrsid16464716\charrsid14488998 IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA HOLDEN AT KAMPALA \par FAMILY DIVISION \par }{\b\f0\fs24\insrsid6714403\charrsid14488998 HCT-00-FD-MC-0008-2009}{\b\f0\fs24\insrsid16464716\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5324032 W}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1980574 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid6714403\charrsid14488998 Applicant \par Versus \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5324032 W}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1980574 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9066078\charrsid14488998 Respondent}{\f0\fs24\insrsid6714403\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9066078\charrsid14488998 \par \par }{\b\f0\fs24\insrsid9066078\charrsid14488998 BEFORE: THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE FMS EGONDA-NTENDE \par }{\b\f0\fs24\insrsid2326354\charrsid14488998 \par }{\b\f0\fs24\insrsid9066078\charrsid14488998 RULING \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid2326354\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid12131231\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard\plain \s15\ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14488998 \f36\fs22\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs24\insrsid12131231\charrsid14488998 The applicant and respondent were married on 5}{ \f0\fs24\super\insrsid12131231\charrsid14488998 th}{\f0\fs24\insrsid12131231\charrsid14488998 September }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12472549\charrsid14488998 1999 in Ottawa in }{\f0\fs24\insrsid15412584\charrsid14488998 a }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid12472549\charrsid14488998 civil ceremony at Manotic Registry. }{\f0\fs24\insrsid855118\charrsid14488998 Irreconcilable differences are stated to have arisen between the parties in 2003. On 13}{\f0\fs24\super\insrsid855118\charrsid14488998 th}{\f0\fs24\insrsid855118\charrsid14488998 March 2006 the applicant filed a statement of claim }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1657620\charrsid14488998 with CADER to resolve the dispute. Arbitration proceedings followed with a Mr. Jimmy Muyanja as an arbitrator}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid14363606\charrsid14488998 . On 25}{\f0\fs24\super\insrsid14363606\charrsid14488998 th}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14363606\charrsid14488998 August 200}{\f0\fs24\insrsid15412584\charrsid14488998 6}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14363606\charrsid14488998 the arbitrator issued a decree nisi. }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1444903\charrsid14488998 On 4}{\f0\fs24\super\insrsid1444903\charrsid14488998 th}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1444903\charrsid14488998 July 2007 the arbitrator issued a decree absolute. }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid9066078\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid13776484\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}{\f0\fs24\insrsid13776484\charrsid14488998 The applicant then attempted to register an Award in the form of the Decree Absolute in this court early 2008 and this was refused by }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7093369\charrsid14488998 the Registrar of this court}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14904849\charrsid14488998 . The applicant has now filed a formal application seeking registration of this award and this is my ruling in respect of that application.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid13776484\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid14904849\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14904849\charrsid14488998 The application is stated to made under Section }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid15957047\charrsid14488998 35 (2) (a) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Sections 98 of the Civil Procedure Act, Order 12 rule 3}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9180484\charrsid14488998 , Order 52 Rules 1 & 3}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid15412584\charrsid14488998 of the Civil Procedure Rules}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9180484\charrsid14488998 and }{\f0\fs24\insrsid80969\charrsid14488998 Rule 4 of the Arbitration Rules. The application is supported by the affidavit of the applicant.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14904849\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid10245936\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}{\f0\fs24\insrsid10245936\charrsid14488998 At the hearing of this application Mr. Fredrick Obbo appeared for the applicant. He submitted that the parties in this case had complied with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act and the applicant was entitled to have the award by the Arbitrator registered in this court.}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid6687061\charrsid14488998 He was supported by the Ms Matovu}{\f0\fs24\insrsid15412584\charrsid14488998 ,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid6687061\charrsid14488998 learned counsel for the respondent.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid3622045\charrsid14488998 Mr. Obbo also noted that he is not been able to come across any precedent in support of the position of the applicant.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid10245936\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid11158066\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5.\tab}}{\f0\fs24\insrsid11158066\charrsid14488998 The parties in this case signed an agreement}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid15930538\charrsid14488998 at the commencement of the arbitration proceedings.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid11158066\charrsid14488998 I will set out}{\f0\fs24\insrsid15930538\charrsid14488998 the same}{\f0\fs24\insrsid11158066\charrsid14488998 in part. }{\f0\fs24\insrsid3296514\charrsid14488998 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid14887202\charrsid14488998 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li1440\ri1109\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin1109\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14488998 {\f0\fs24\insrsid3296514\charrsid14488998 \lquote PROTOCOL FOR R}{\f0\fs24\insrsid12075473\charrsid14488998 E}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid3296514\charrsid14488998 FERENCE OF COURT CASES TO ARBITRATION REFERENCE FORM}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14896017\charrsid14488998 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8089359\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid14896017\charrsid14488998 IN THE MATTER OF EMILY SUSANNE DYCK WISSANJI (PETITIONER) }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8089359\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid14896017\charrsid14488998 AND }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8089359\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid14896017\charrsid14488998 ZAHID ASAFALI WISSANJI (RESPONDENT) }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8089359\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid14896017\charrsid14488998 ARBITRATION REFERENCE AGREEMENT }{\f0\fs24\insrsid14641979\charrsid14488998 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid14887202\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12667963\charrsid14488998 (A) That the case be referred to arbitration before Mr. Jimmy Muyanja a CADER certified arbitrator. }{\f0\fs24\insrsid14641979\charrsid14488998 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12667963\charrsid14488998 B) The law of arbitration shall be the Arbitration and Conciliation Act. }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid14641979\charrsid14488998 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid14887202\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12667963\charrsid14488998 C) Seat of arbitration shall be Uganda. }{\f0\fs24\insrsid14641979\charrsid14488998 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid13967749\charrsid14488998 }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid12667963\charrsid14488998 D) That in the event of the nominated arbitrator either declining the invitation or declaring conflict of interest}{\f0\fs24\insrsid8215285\charrsid14488998 then the following persons may be app}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid7736852\charrsid14488998 ointed by the Registrar CADER to preside over the dispute, as sole arbitrator in the following order of priority:-}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14887202\charrsid14488998 a. }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7736852\charrsid14488998 Mr/Mrs/Ms}{\f0\fs24\insrsid12868173\charrsid14488998 }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid14887202\charrsid14488998 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9375744\charrsid14488998 [not applicable]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14887202\charrsid14488998 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12868173\charrsid14488998 b. Mr/Mrs/Ms }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9375744\charrsid14488998 [not applicable]}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid7489224\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12868173\charrsid14488998 E) }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1599249\charrsid14488998 That}{\f0\fs24\insrsid12868173\charrsid14488998 we both jointly agree to pay the amounts due to CADER by 15}{\f0\fs24\super\insrsid12868173\charrsid14488998 th}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid12868173\charrsid14488998 June 2006 for the following scope of work:- }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7489224\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12868173\charrsid14488998 a. Filing fees on Arbitration }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7489224\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12868173\charrsid14488998 b. Filing fees on Arbitration Claim }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7489224\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12868173\charrsid14488998 c. Filing fees on Respondent\rquote s Statement }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7489224\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12868173\charrsid14488998 d. Requests to hold hearing and presentation of evidence }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7489224\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12868173\charrsid14488998 e. Rooms for arbitration }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7489224\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12868173\charrsid14488998 f. Delivery of Final Award}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1770282\charrsid14488998 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7489224\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1770282\charrsid14488998 F) That we both jointly undertake to appear before the arbitrator either in person or through our appointed legal counsel within 4 days to work out and establish the timetable of proceedings for the case. }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid7489224\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1770282\charrsid14488998 G) That the arbitrator shall provide a copy of the award of the record of proceedings to both parties. }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7489224\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1770282\charrsid14488998 H) That }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7489224\charrsid14488998 the arbitrator shall rule:- \par i) }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1770282\charrsid14488998 On all the issues, or }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8089359\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1770282\charrsid14488998 ii) The following issues: }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8089359\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1770282\charrsid14488998 a. Wh}{\f0\fs24\insrsid10431618\charrsid14488998 ether there is an irretrievable breakdown in the marriage }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8089359\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid10431618\charrsid14488998 b. Whether the parties should be granted a divorce }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8089359\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid10431618\charrsid14488998 And the award shall be incorporated as a substantive }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9595575\charrsid14488998 part of the judgment of the court. }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8089359\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid9595575\charrsid14488998 I) }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1599249\charrsid14488998 that}{\f0\fs24\insrsid9595575\charrsid14488998 parties are at liberty to state questions of law for determination by court or matters arising in the course of arbitration or appeal on questions of law arising out of the award}{\f0\fs24\insrsid8353946\charrsid14488998 . J) That the arbitrator shall tax costs in this matter. }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8089359\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8353946\charrsid14488998 K) That the parties shall lodge all payments directly with CADER.\rquote }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12868173\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid8353946\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 6.\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14488998 {\f0\fs24\insrsid8353946\charrsid14488998 The said agreement was signed by the parties and their counsel.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid13705860\charrsid14488998 }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid12732908\charrsid14488998 The arbitrator purported to proceed on the basis that that agreement constituted the parties agreement to refer}{\f0\fs24\insrsid11034249\charrsid14488998 their dispute}{\f0\fs24\insrsid12732908\charrsid14488998 to}{\f0\fs24\insrsid11034249\charrsid14488998 an arbitrator, and authorised the arbitrator }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1984636\charrsid14488998 to decide among other issues whether the parties should be granted a divorce. }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid14761254\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid1984636\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 7.\tab}}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1984636\charrsid14488998 I am not sure that the agreement referred to above can be the arbitration agreement envisaged under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act}{\f0\fs24\insrsid6699589\charrsid14488998 .}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14761254\charrsid14488998 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid6699589\charrsid14488998 That agreement signed by the parties and their counsel seems to }{\f0\fs24\insrsid14761254\charrsid14488998 be }{\f0\fs24\insrsid6699589\charrsid14488998 the reference to arbitration of the dispute between the parties rathe r an arbitration agreement in which parties express their }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12075473\charrsid14488998 intention to refer a dispute that will arise or has arisen to arbitration. Its heading is clear. It }{\f0\fs24\insrsid16739220\charrsid14488998 is head}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid11478107\charrsid14488998 ed \lquote }{\f0\fs24\insrsid16739220\charrsid14488998 a protocol for reference of court cases to arbitration}{\f0\fs24\insrsid11478107\charrsid14488998 \rquote }{\f0\fs24\insrsid16739220\charrsid14488998 . There is no court case here.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid8353946\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid14761254\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 8.\tab}}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14761254\charrsid14488998 That agreement contains no express or implied arbitration clause setting out }{\f0\fs24\insrsid68443\charrsid14488998 the dispute that has either arisen or which will arise and give rise to the reference to arbitration.}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid14761254\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid16739220\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 9.\tab}}{\f0\fs24\insrsid16739220\charrsid14488998 Without deciding that point}{\f0\fs24\insrsid11280612\charrsid14488998 ,}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid16739220\charrsid14488998 however}{\f0\fs24\insrsid11280612\charrsid14488998 ,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid16739220\charrsid14488998 it is clear to me that the parties purport to grant jurisdiction to an arbitr}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid3361564\charrsid14488998 ator to decide questions which}{\f0\fs24\insrsid11280612\charrsid14488998 ,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid3361564\charrsid14488998 in my view}{\f0\fs24\insrsid11280612\charrsid14488998 ,}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid3361564\charrsid14488998 can only be decided by a competent court. And that question is whether or not}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14776873\charrsid14488998 the parties }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1247266\charrsid14488998 ought to }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid14776873\charrsid14488998 be granted a divorce. }{\f0\fs24\insrsid16739220\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid14776873\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 10.\tab}}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14776873\charrsid14488998 Section 3 of the Divorce Act deals with jurisdiction in relation }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid2764520\charrsid14488998 to divorce matters. It states, }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1247266\charrsid14488998 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li1440\ri1109\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin1109\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14488998 {\f0\fs24\insrsid2764520\charrsid14488998 \lquote (1) Where all the parties to a proceeding under this Act are Africans or where a petition for damages only is lodged in accordance with Section 21, jurisdiction may be exercised by a court over which presides a magistrate grade 1 or a chief magistrate.}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid16612734\charrsid14488998 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1247266\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid16612734\charrsid14488998 (2) In all other cases jurisdiction shall be exercised by the High Court only.\rquote }{\f0\fs24\insrsid14776873\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1247266\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid16612734\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 11.\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14488998 {\f0\fs24\insrsid16612734\charrsid14488998 Apart from the scenario envisaged under Section 3(1) of the Divorce Act }{\f0\fs24\insrsid531516\charrsid14488998 jurisdiction} {\f0\fs24\insrsid14188004\charrsid14488998 in all cases of divorce under the Divorce Act is confined to the High Court only. The words are clear and plain. It is only the courts that have jurisdiction to issue orders for divorce be }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid7567643\charrsid14488998 it}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14188004\charrsid14488998 decree nisi or decree absolute.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1254903\charrsid14488998 The parties have no option of constituting their own tribunal for the grant of divorce and then rush to court and say }{\f0\fs24\insrsid15226141\charrsid14488998 \lquote }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1254903\charrsid14488998 recognise what }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12934238\charrsid14488998 the tribunal we constituted,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid8782852\charrsid14488998 \rquote }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7096481\charrsid14488998 (}{\f0\fs24\insrsid12934238\charrsid14488998 in this case an arbitrator}{\f0\fs24\insrsid7096481\charrsid14488998 )}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid12934238\charrsid14488998 , }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8782852\charrsid14488998 \lquote }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12934238\charrsid14488998 has decided}{\f0\fs24\insrsid8782852\charrsid14488998 .\rquote }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12934238\charrsid14488998 }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid11670649\charrsid14488998 T}{\f0\fs24\insrsid12934238\charrsid14488998 hat is the decree nisi and decree absolute}{\f0\fs24\insrsid2576235\charrsid14488998 in the awards of th}{\f0\fs24\insrsid7567643\charrsid14488998 e}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid2576235\charrsid14488998 arbitrator}{\f0\fs24\insrsid12934238\charrsid14488998 .}{\f0\fs24\insrsid16612734\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid2576235\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 12.\tab}}{\f0\fs24\insrsid2576235\charrsid14488998 Even }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8788219\charrsid14488998 if }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid2576235\charrsid14488998 the parties agreed in }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8788219\charrsid14488998 an }{\f0\fs24\insrsid2576235\charrsid14488998 arbitration agreemen}{\f0\fs24\insrsid8788219\charrsid14488998 t that an arbitrator will conduct divorce proceedings and award decree nisi and or decree absolute, which}{\f0\fs24\insrsid4804139\charrsid14488998 ,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid8788219\charrsid14488998 I am }{\f0\fs24\insrsid4804139\charrsid14488998 doubtful that it is the}{\f0\fs24\insrsid8788219\charrsid14488998 case here,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid2576235\charrsid14488998 whether ante nuptial or post nuptial agreement}{\f0\fs24\insrsid8788219\charrsid14488998 , }{\f0\fs24\insrsid4804139\charrsid14488998 such agreement would be void for it would be granting that which parties can not grant. It is }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7882828\charrsid14488998 a }{\f0\fs24\insrsid4804139\charrsid14488998 matter for the legislature to }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7882828\charrsid14488998 provide for in the form of l}{\f0\fs24\insrsid7096481\charrsid14488998 egislation}{\f0\fs24\insrsid4804139\charrsid14488998 .}{\f0\fs24\insrsid531516\charrsid14488998 Parties cannot confer jurisdiction on any private or public tribunal over a matter in which jurisdiction is reserved to the courts only.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid2576235\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid6250071\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 13.\tab}}{\f0\fs24\insrsid6250071\charrsid14488998 Mr. Obbo, learned counsel for the applicant argued that since the Arbitration and }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7215360\charrsid14488998 C}{\f0\fs24\insrsid6250071\charrsid14488998 onciliation Act}{\f0\fs24\insrsid7215360\charrsid14488998 is a latter statute to the Divorce Act it should be taken to have impliedly amended the Divorce Act}{\f0\fs24\insrsid4066233\charrsid14488998 , and allowed an arbitrator to exercise jurisdiction over di}{\f0\fs24\insrsid4994219\charrsid14488998 ssolution of marriage}{\f0\fs24\insrsid7215360\charrsid14488998 . He provided no authority for this view. A general statute }{\f0\fs24\insrsid139230\charrsid14488998 cannot impliedly amend a specific statute which has exclusive provisions for the subject at hand. It is an argument that I am unable to accept.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid6250071\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid1850233\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 14.\tab}}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1850233\charrsid14488998 Secondly the Judicature Act has provided specifically for arbitration in cases which have been filed in the courts, }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1705818\charrsid14488998 as has the Civil Procedure Rules. H}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1850233\charrsid14488998 ad the parties in this case been so intent on arbitration, }{\f0\fs24\insrsid723904\charrsid14488998 the divorce matter ought to have been filed in the }{\f0\fs24\insrsid8332356\charrsid14488998 competent court}{\f0\fs24\insrsid723904\charrsid14488998 and }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12353069\charrsid14488998 the parties would have applied under Section 27 of the Judicature Act,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid8332356\charrsid14488998 or the Civil Procedure Rules, }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12353069\charrsid14488998 to have the matter referred to arbitration by court, if this matter was of the kind that could be referred to arbitration. }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1850233\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid2251771\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 15.\tab}}{\f0\fs24\insrsid2251771\charrsid14488998 Even if it may be supposed in this particular case that there was }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid4994219\charrsid14488998 an }{\f0\fs24\insrsid2251771\charrsid14488998 arbitration agreement between the parties in writing}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14227446\charrsid14488998 , either an ante nuptial ag}{\f0\fs24\insrsid16349947\charrsid14488998 reement or post nuptial agreem}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14227446\charrsid14488998 ent}{\f0\fs24\insrsid8324606\charrsid14488998 ,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14227446\charrsid14488998 which}{\f0\fs24\insrsid8324606\charrsid14488998 ,}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid14227446\charrsid14488998 among other things}{\f0\fs24\insrsid8324606\charrsid14488998 ,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14227446\charrsid14488998 provided for resolution of whether the parties}{\f0\fs24\insrsid16349947\charrsid14488998 \rquote }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid14227446\charrsid14488998 marriage should }{\f0\fs24\insrsid16349947\charrsid14488998 be }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5060021\charrsid14488998 dissolved}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14227446\charrsid14488998 such an agreement would be void on grounds of public polic}{\f0\fs24\insrsid13053323\charrsid14488998 y. Children may be a consequence of a marriage. The legal relationship between two people}{\f0\fs24\insrsid7674980\charrsid14488998 ,}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid11012319\charrsid14488998 who are spouses,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid7674980\charrsid14488998 that is}{\f0\fs24\insrsid16349947\charrsid14488998 the relationship}{\f0\fs24\insrsid7674980\charrsid14488998 of marriage, may give }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid13053323\charrsid14488998 rise }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1461761\charrsid14488998 or birth }{\f0\fs24\insrsid13053323\charrsid14488998 to }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5060021\charrsid14488998 children}{\f0\fs24\insrsid13053323\charrsid14488998 . It would not be right that the rights of these other people, that is the children }{\f0\fs24\insrsid7674980\charrsid14488998 or}{\f0\fs24\insrsid11211628\charrsid14488998 issue of such marriage, should be determined by an agreement between }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid11610769\charrsid14488998 the spouses without the}{\f0\fs24\insrsid11211628\charrsid14488998 participation}{\f0\fs24\insrsid11610769\charrsid14488998 of those people}{\f0\fs24\insrsid11211628\charrsid14488998 .}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid2251771\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid1461761\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 16.\tab}}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1461761\charrsid14488998 It is possible for parties to have an arbitration agreement in respect of a number of matters in relation to their marriage including property}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1722128\charrsid14488998 but such matters may not extend to those over which the law has placed exclusive jurisdiction in the courts. In such situations once in court the parties may invoke mediation}{\f0\fs24\insrsid2506103\charrsid14488998 or other permissible mode}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid14176395\charrsid14488998 of}{\f0\fs24\insrsid2506103\charrsid14488998 alternative dispute resolution}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1722128\charrsid14488998 as provided for by the}{\f0\fs24\insrsid2506103\charrsid14488998 law}{ \f0\fs24\insrsid1722128\charrsid14488998 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid2506103\charrsid14488998 to settle some or all of the questions }{\f0\fs24\insrsid13059748\charrsid14488998 before the court }{\f0\fs24\insrsid2506103\charrsid14488998 as the court may direct. }{ \f0\fs24\insrsid1461761\charrsid14488998 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langfenp1033\insrsid14176395\charrsid14488998 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 17.\tab}}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14176395\charrsid14488998 In the result I find that the proceedings before the arbitrator chosen by the parties were void}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5064984\charrsid14488998 .}{\f0\fs24\insrsid15751608\charrsid14488998 I dismiss this application with no order as to costs given that both parties hereto supported this application and proceeding by agreement of some sort before the arbitrator.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid14176395\charrsid14488998 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-360\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14488998 {\f0\fs24\insrsid12337173\charrsid14488998 Signed, dated and delivered at Kampala this 23}{ \f0\fs24\super\insrsid12337173\charrsid14488998 rd}{\f0\fs24\insrsid12337173\charrsid14488998 July 2009}{\f0\fs24\insrsid15751608\charrsid14488998 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-360\li0\ri0\sa200\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14488998 {\f0\fs24\insrsid12337173\charrsid14488998 \par \par \par \par FMS Egonda-Ntende}{\f0\fs24\insrsid2326354\charrsid14488998 \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid12337173\charrsid14488998 Judge \par }}