Three remanded over illegal takeover of deceased’s estate in Wakiso
KAMPALA: Three individuals have been remanded to prison over the alleged illegal takeover and destruction of property belonging to a deceased person’s estate in Wakiso District.
The suspects—Male Umar, Nsereko Hood Mukasa Ssembatya, and Namboze Janat Nsubuga—were arraigned before the Makindye Magistrates Court by the State House Anti Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
They face multiple charges, including intermeddling with the estate of a deceased person, eviction of lawful occupants, malicious damage to property, forcible entry, theft, destruction of growing plants, and trespassing on burial grounds.
Prosecution alleges that between 2024 and 2025, the accused, along with others still at large, unlawfully and violently took over approximately four acres of land located in Ndejje-Lubugumu, Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality in Wakiso District. The land is part of the estate of the late Ibrahim Katerega.
It is further alleged that the accused evicted bona fide occupants without a court order, destroyed plantations, and demolished houses while occupants’ property was still inside. During the alleged operation, the suspects are said to have used armed groups carrying machetes and sticks to intimidate residents.
Investigations also indicate that the accused fenced off parts of the land, including burial grounds, effectively blocking rightful beneficiaries from accessing the estate.
Authorities add that the suspects reportedly went ahead to sell off at least three acres of the contested land without obtaining letters of administration, a legal requirement in the management of a deceased person’s estate.
The case highlights ongoing concerns over land grabbing and illegal dealings involving estates of deceased persons, a challenge authorities say they are intensifying efforts to curb.
Court heard that the trio was remanded until April 29, 2026.
