Former CID boss’s children challenge father’s will, sue stepmother over Shs1b estate

A high-profile probate dispute involving the estate of a former Ugandan law enforcement official has exposed significant vulnerabilities in the country's succession and property rights frameworks—critical considerations for European investors navigating East Africa's business landscape. The case centers on a disagreement between adult children and their stepmother over a substantial estate valued at approximately one billion Uganda shillings (roughly €250,000). The dispute hinges on allegations of irregularities in the probate application process, with the deceased's biological children claiming their stepmother misrepresented facts during estate administration. This confrontation represents more than a family matter; it reflects systemic challenges that directly impact foreign investment confidence in Uganda's legal infrastructure. **The Succession Planning Gap** Uganda's inheritance laws, while formally codified, suffer from inconsistent application and enforcement. The Estate Administration Act and the Succession Act provide frameworks for wealth transfer, yet disputes frequently arise due to insufficient documentation, unclear testamentary intent, or procedural lapses during probate approval. For European investors with significant assets in Uganda—whether in real estate, agribusiness, or manufacturing—these gaps create unpredictable legal outcomes that can tie up capital for years. The probate process in Uganda typically involves submission of the deceased's will to the High Court, verification of authenticity, and judicial