The Respondent petitioned for divorce and distribution of
matrimonial property at Ukonga Primary Court. It was found by the Court that
there was no formal marriage between the parties, nevertheless it was satisfied
that a presumption of marriage had been established. It dissolved the marriage
and ordered an equal distribution of matrimonial property. The Appellant
unsuccessfully appealed to the District Court of Ilala in Dar es Salaam. Still
aggrieved, she appealed to the High Court which partly allowed the appeal.
Aggrieved with the decision of the High Court, the Appellant further preferred
the present appeal to this Court.