Hits and misses for Nyaruguru couple in property separation

Regime separation of property is rarely the choice of couples in the Rwandan society – perhaps because, despite the current development, it remains highly conservative. The Rwandan law defines regime of separation of property as a contract by which spouses agree to contribute to the expenses of the household in proportion to their respective abilities while retaining the right of enjoyment, administration and free disposal of their personal property. However, it seems the community is yet to digest it and even word has it that most of the conservative church leaders in the country hesitate before wedding couples who opt for the choice, usually pushing them to choose the regime of universal community property which emphasises joint ownership of all property. So when Pascal Murekambanze, 59, publicly expressed his intentions to go for the property separation, almost everyone in attendance, including the civil registrar, was taken aback. Murekambanze, whose civil marriage was celebrated alongside that of other 103 couples last week in Rusenge Sector of Nyaruguru District, was to reaffirm his decision twice and was questioned on whether he understood all the implications of his decision. His answers left the audience in applause. Even his wife was asked if she had agreed with the choice to which she responded in the affirmative. ‘Avoiding conflicts’ Murekambanze, 59, a subsistence farmer who lives in the rural Jali cell of Rusenge sector, had been cohabiting with his much younger wife Fortunee Uwizeyimana, 37, for the past four years. Together, they have three children born out of their union-two of whom are twins. But it is not the first time the two individuals were ‘married’. Both Murekambanze and Uwizeyimana have three children each from their previous marriages. Murekambanze’s first marriage ended in 2005, shortly after he was released from prison where he had been detained on Genocide-related charges, after his then wife (they were as well not legally married) decided to leave him and “took family property” along. Uwizeyimana, on the other hand, lost his first husband to natural causes around the same time. “We have been hearing of husbands killing their wives or children and vice-versa and in most situations, it is due to conflicts over the management of family property,” Murekambanze told The New Times as he tried to explain their choice. “But when everyone has their own property and you agree on your respective contribution to the welfare of the family, the conflicts can’t arise.” He also said by choosing property separation, “we want to ensure that there are no property-related wrangles between our children, either those from our union and our past marriages.” Pascal Murekambanze, 59 brandishes a New Testament Bible saying the word of God will guide them in their new life.(Jean Pierre Bucyensenge) Murekambanze said the choice doesn’t have anything to do with being selfish. “Choosing the property separation doesn’t in any way imply selfishness or egoism as some people might think. Rather I think it is a better way to avoid possible conflicts that might come up and perhaps affect our relationships,” he explained. Although he declined to reveal what agreement exists between him and his wife, Murekambanze said they had established a ‘clear mechanism’ detailing everyone’s contribution to the family’s life, including educating their children, feeding, clothing, paying health insurance remittances as well as meeting other needs. “Separating properties doesn’t in any way take away our responsibilities as parents. Nor does it in any way insinuate that we do not love and trust each other. But it is our way of living which we believe fits well our expectations,” Murekambanze, a subsistence farmer, added. “Deep inside, I remain the head of family and know that comes with a lot of responsibilities. And above all children will always be the bond that will keep us altogether in this journey we have decided to take.” Uwizeyimana told The New Times that she remains a bit sceptical and hopes that their choice won’t affect the relationship. “We will continue pooling our efforts and resources to keep uplifting our family,” an optimistic Uwizeyimana said. “Above all, I hope we will both be able to stick to our promises and nothing is going to change our relationship.” Protecting wife and children The couple said they considered formalising their marriage as an important step towards ‘living a happy and normal life.’ “It is what God and the state want from us: abiding by the laws,” said Murekambanze, blandishing a New Testament bible. Besides, the couple also believes it is a way of ensuring that everyone’s rights can be legally claimed in case they are violated. “Legalising our union gives my wife and children their full rights to our property,” Murekambanze said, smiling at his wife. “I have constantly feared that anytime I might be thrown out of our family home or that he might choose to marry another wife. But now I am assured that he will not,” his wife reacted.

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Hits and misses for Nyaruguru couple in property separation