A couple in Mbarara has clashed over the paternity of their second-born son, following months of tension and mistrust.
Evelyn Musiimenta, a 26-year-old mother of two, alleges that her fiancé, George Williams Okello, abandoned her while she was pregnant with their second child.
Ms Musiimenta, who hails from Ntungamo and currently resides in Rwentojo, Mbarara City, claims Okello disappeared from their home in Kacence, leaving her to face mounting rent arrears.
"He left us alone in the house, and rent accumulated to Shs900,000," she said.
"When I called him about the rent, he switched off his phone. Later, he promised to clear it, but by July 1, the landlord threatened to evict us and confiscate our belongings."
Struggling to cope, Ms Musiimenta says she was forced to sell most of her belongings and relocate. "I moved to Rwentojo while pregnant. When it was time to give birth, I was broke and had to undergo a C-section," she added.
Mr Okello, an engineer originally from Gulu, has denied responsibility for the child, claiming that Ms Musiimenta's behaviour and alleged infidelity led to their separation nine months ago.
"It is true I know Musiimenta and her two children. I left our home in Kacence because I was tired of her behaviour and suspected she was cheating on me with our gateman and even some RDC," he said.
He also questioned the paternity of the second child.
"Before I learned about the pregnancy, I had already left for Kasese. Two weeks later, her tummy started to grow. She initially denied being pregnant, and we hadn't been intimate for months. Now she claims the child is mine," Mr Okello added.
Mr Okello insists he is willing to support his firstborn son but doubts the second child is his.
"I'm ready to take care of my son, Israel, and my sisters can look after him for me. For the second child, I'll pay Shs100,000 per month, but only out of goodwill since I don't believe he is mine. If she insists otherwise, let her take me to court; I am ready to serve my sentence," he said.
In response, Ms Musiimenta has challenged Ms Okello to a DNA test to resolve the dispute.
"If he doubts the second born, let him come, and we'll go for a DNA test. If the boy isn't his, he can take the one that is," she stated.
The strained relationship has left both parties avoiding each other's calls.
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Ms Musiimenta, currently staying with her maternal uncle in Kagarama, Ntungamo District, says she is estranged from her biological parents.
She maintains that her 1-year, 8-month-old son and 3-month-old baby are both fathered by Okello.
Mr Okello, meanwhile, says he is in Mbarara Town and willing to support the family if Musiimenta "tells the truth".
This unresolved paternity dispute continues to strain the couple, raising questions about trust and responsibility within their fractured relationship.
