Buikwe Widow Reclaims Family Land After 19-Year Exclusion

An 86-year-old widow, Cornelia Nalwadda, has finally regained access to her late husband’s extensive property in Buwamba Village, Njeru Municipality, after a protracted 19-year family struggle. Nalwadda was reportedly excluded from the estate she helped build, facing humiliation and isolation primarily orchestrated by her third-born son, Andrew Sserubiri.

For nearly two decades, the elderly woman was denied her rightful place on the land, leading to dependency on neighbors and community support. Sserubiri allegedly accused his mother of causing misfortune within the family, a claim Nalwadda vehemently denies, stating her sole desire was peace and continued rightful use of her husband’s property.

The turning point came when Nalwadda reported her plight to the Office of the President. Assistant Resident District Commissioner Chris Richard Kakwezi initiated an investigation, uncovering that Sserubiri had taken control of the estate without the legally required Letters of Administration. Kakwezi also criticized local leaders for their inaction over the years.

Investigations revealed that parts of the land may have been sold without proper documentation. A reconciliation meeting was convened, involving clan leaders and family members. Despite some cultural interpretations suggesting Nalwadda had forfeited her rights by leaving the marital home earlier, government officials emphasized that legal rights supersede cultural beliefs.

During the emotional gathering, Sserubiri, acknowledging the pain caused, publicly apologized to his mother and sought forgiveness. The dispute officially concluded with Kakwezi ruling that Nalwadda is the rightful caretaker of the estate until administrators are formally appointed according to Ugandan succession laws.

https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/buikwe-widow-reclaims-late-husband-s-land-after-19-year-family-dispute-5483414