MBARARA
A family dispute involving High Court Judge His Worship Singiza Douglas who’s is also the chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission has erupted into a legal battle, with serious allegations of property misappropriation and forgery now before the Mbarara High Court.
Naome Karekona 80 years, the mother of Judge Singiza and his brother Sherura Muhumuza Alex, has accused her sons of unlawfully taking control of her late husband’s estate. According to Karekona, her husband left a will clearly naming her as the sole administrator of the estate. However, she claims that Sherura fraudulently added his name to the letters of probate, enabling both brothers to use the family land title as collateral for a bank loan, one she believes remains unpaid.
“They sold off all my cows, later they came for my land, it could be me next, I therefore fear for my life” narrates Karekona.
Karekona alleges that she was deceived during the process and has since been denied access to the property. In a heartfelt appeal, she has called on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to intervene and help her recover what she describes as her rightful inheritance.
“My husband entrusted me with the estate. I was tricked and now my sons have used the land to borrow money. I need help to reclaim what belongs to me,” Karekona said.
The case, now before the Mbarara High Court, centers on the authenticity of the probate documents and whether Sherura’s inclusion was legally justified. Karekona is challenging the legitimacy of the letters of administration and seeking full restoration of her rights as the estate’s administrator.
Legal experts say the matter raises broader concerns about inheritance fraud and the abuse of probate processes in Uganda. The involvement of a sitting judge has further intensified public interest, with calls for transparency and accountability in the proceedings.
As the court prepares to hear the case, observers await a ruling that could set a precedent for how family disputes involving high-profile individuals are handled within Uganda’s judicial system.
