news 12 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Bakiza Estate Feud Escalates as Mediation Fails, Family Battle Heads to High Court
Mediation efforts to resolve the inheritance dispute between the children of late CID boss Chris John Bakiza and their stepmother Robinah Mbabazi have collapsed despite multiple sessions led by retired Justice Paul Mugamba. The wrangle over a Mityana farm and the will's provisions now awaits a ruling from the Family Division of the High Court. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mediation-in-bakiza-estate-dispute-collapses-as-family-wrangle-deepens-5420746
Mediation aimed at settling the bitter property dispute in the estate of former CID Director Chris John Bakiza has broken down, intensifying tensions between his children and stepmother, Robinah Mbabazi.
The process, overseen by retired Supreme Court Justice Paul Mugamba under the court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution framework, failed to yield any agreement after several meetings. The case originated from Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court and has now returned to the Family Division of the High Court.
At the heart of the conflict is a 70-acre farm in Chance Village, Busunju, Mityana District, owned by Epex Limited where Bakiza held 99% shares. His daughter Brenda Bakiza owns the remaining 1% and serves as the surviving director. The children accuse Mbabazi of unlawfully cutting trees worth Shs70 million on the property, ignoring court warnings, and blocking their access to the land which includes coffee, matooke plantations, and livestock.
The plaintiffs, including minors represented by their mothers, challenge the validity of Bakiza’s will, claiming it fails to provide adequately for younger dependents’ education, maintenance, and upkeep. They seek fair distribution among all 12 children, removal of current executors for alleged mismanagement, and appointment of new ones, possibly including some beneficiaries for better oversight.
Additional grievances include Mbabazi allegedly controlling access to Bakiza during his final illness in 2023, transferring vehicles to her name, and unauthorized bank withdrawals, some of which have led to criminal cases.
With mediation stalled, the High Court will now handle the matter, highlighting the rising inheritance conflicts in Uganda’s blended families.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)