Title: Dying Without a Will in Uganda: Why “Intestate Succession” Can Destroy Your Family
In Uganda, if you die without a valid will (intestate), the Succession Act (Cap 162) decides who gets your property. This often leads to years of court battles, especially in polygamous families or when there are children from multiple relationships.
What happens under Intestate Succession?
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Spouse & Children: The widow gets 15% of the estate, the children share 75%, and the remaining 10% goes to dependents (e.g., parents).
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No Children, Only Spouse: The spouse gets 50%, the parents get 25% each.
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Customary vs. Statutory Marriage: Customary marriages follow different rules, often favoring the clan or paternal relatives, which can exclude widows entirely.
Why you need a Will:
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You choose who inherits (not the government).
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You can appoint a trusted executor.
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You can provide for stepchildren or orphans explicitly.
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You avoid clan interference.
How to make a simple Will:
You don’t need a lawyer for a holographic will (handwritten entirely by you), but it’s risky. Better to visit an advocate who will draft, witness, and store it properly. Cost: UGX 150,000 – 500,000.