news 15 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Children of Late CID Boss Challenge Will, Sue Stepmother Over Shs1 Billion Estate
Children of the late former CID director Chris John Bakiza are suing their stepmother Robinah Mbabazi in Uganda's High Court, contesting his will for failing to adequately provide for dependents and alleging she undervalued the Shs1 billion estate as Shs100 million. They accuse her of mishandling assets and seek fair distribution among all 12 children plus removal of current executors. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ex-cid-boss-children-contest-his-will-sue-stepmother-over-shs1b-5391924
A bitter family feud has erupted over the estate of Chris John Bakiza, the late former head of Uganda’s Criminal Investigations Directorate and noted lawyer. Several of his children, including minors represented by their mothers, have filed a lawsuit in the High Court Family Division against stepmother Robinah Mbabazi and the will’s executors.
The plaintiffs argue that Bakiza’s will from February 2021 and its July 2023 codicil do not reflect his true intentions. They claim it neglects reasonable support for young dependents, particularly in education and upkeep for five school-going children.
Demanding equal shares for all 12 children, they want court orders for fair school fee payments, scholastic materials, and general maintenance from the estate. The children also question the executors’ fitness, seeking their removal and appointment of new ones from among the family or co-executorship.
Accusations against Mbabazi include controlling access to Bakiza during his final illness at facilities like Mulago Cancer Institute and in India. Post-death, they allege she transferred vehicles—such as a Town Ace (UBE548G), Noah (UAY995Q), and double cabin (UBF267K)—to her name and withdrew over Shs70 million from his Stanbic Bank account without authority.
Further, in probate filings, the estate was declared at Shs100 million, but the children estimate its true value at Shs1 billion. Assets listed in the will encompass the Kyadondo matrimonial home, Ntinda commercial property, lands in Kabale, Katuna, Gayaza, Mityana, Busiro, Kiboga, a Mushenyi family house, livestock, vehicles, a gun, and his law firm.
Prior criminal complaints led to mediation at Buganda Road Court under retired Judge Paul Mugamba, but after five sessions, no resolution has been reached. The children claim ongoing interference, like tree felling on family farms and property access blocks. The High Court case awaits a hearing date.
Source: Daily Monitor