The High Cost of Delayed Succession: Kayunga Family Faces Prison Risk Over Father’s Estate

By Denis Mukisa

Sixteen years after the death of Philimon Makobero, his family remains divided and entangled in a bitter dispute over his estate. The long delay in distributing the property has led to accusations of mismanagement and greed, with serious legal implications for those involved.

Led by Robinah Makobero, the deceased’s daughters accuse their brother and appointed successor, John Makobero, of sidelining them and misusing family land. Robinah claimed that although the family had traced the properties and agreed on sharing, John allegedly switched off his phone on the scheduled distribution day. The daughters further allege that he has been renting out the land and keeping the proceeds without consulting his siblings.

“We want to legally have our shares so that each of us can manage our own,” Robinah said. She added that the girls have been completely sidelined in decisions concerning their father’s estate.

Annet Awinjo, chairperson of Nawankonge village in Kafumba parish, Kayoonza subcounty, confirmed the late Philimon owned land in the area. Part of the land includes a football field donated to the community, while other portions are occupied by squatters. She noted that tenants now pay rent directly to the heir, worsening tensions within the family.

During a tense family meeting attended by seven out of the ten children, Collins Kafeero, Kayunga probation and social welfare officer, warned the family about the dangers of delaying formal succession processes. He reminded them of Uganda’s Succession Act and stressed that no one should interfere with a deceased person’s property without acquiring letters of administration.

Robinah Makobero, the deceased’s daughters accuse their brother and appointed successor, John Makobero, of sidelining them and misusing family land

“Anyone who intermeddles with the property of the deceased risks up to 10 years in prison under the new amendments,” Kafeero cautioned.

He clarified that heirs are not owners or managers but custodians with family responsibility. Kafeero ordered an immediate end to the unlawful renting of the land without the consent of all ten children. He urged the family to consolidate all property and follow the law to avoid further conflict.

Despite being given an opportunity to respond, John Makobero remained silent throughout the meeting.

Kafeero advised the family to stop fighting over wealth they did not create and instead seek justice through official channels. He appealed for calm and encouraged them to secure letters of administration so they can finally share the estate peacefully.

In his closing remarks, he reminded the family in Luganda that “Buli kimu kigwaawo,” meaning everything eventually comes to an end.