Family Petitions President Over Estate Dispute Involving High Court Judge

Relatives of two deceased family members have lodged a formal complaint with President Yoweri Museveni, the Chief Justice, and other key authorities, alleging serious improprieties in the handling of two estates. The petition, dated July 16, 2026, claims that the succession process was irregular and excluded rightful beneficiaries, potentially involving an abuse of office by a serving High Court judge and the Administrator General.

The complainants, Bunny Wallia, Johnny Wallia, Ronnie Wallia, and Jassie Ahluwalia, accuse Administrator General Manzi Victor and Justice Deepa Verma of facilitating applications to manage the estates without the full involvement of what they consider the “true family members and beneficiaries.”

The dispute centers on two High Court Family Division cases, Administration Cause Nos. 599 and 600 of 2026, where Justice Verma and Jassa Wallia sought letters of administration for the estates of Ahluwalia Gudo and Zura Mama Kasuku. The family learned of these proceedings only after notices were published in a local newspaper, expressing alarm at their exclusion.

Documents suggest a family meeting was held on June 12, 2026, at the Administrator General’s office regarding the estates. However, the complainants assert they were not invited or informed, and other potential beneficiaries were also allegedly sidelined. Minutes from this meeting indicated family consent for a Certificate of No Objection to be issued to Justice Verma and Jassa Wallia.

The family questions the swift issuance of the Certificate of No Objection just three days after the meeting, raising concerns about the thoroughness of the process. They are seeking investigations into whether all necessary documentation, consultations, and approvals were obtained, and if the listed properties indeed belonged to the deceased.

The petition also highlights concerns regarding Justice Verma’s position as a judicial officer, suggesting her involvement could present a conflict of interest and raise questions about judicial propriety. The complainants are calling for an examination of whether any public office, judicial position, or official influence was misused in the administration of these estates.

This is not the first complaint involving Justice Verma and members of the Wallia family. An earlier petition in February 2026, submitted to the Chief Justice, alleged unprofessional conduct and breach of client confidentiality, stemming from Justice Verma’s prior role as a lawyer for their late father and aunt. That complaint was reportedly forwarded to the Judicial Service Commission’s Disciplinary Committee for investigation.

The complainants emphasize their intent is not to undermine judicial independence but to ensure oversight bodies scrutinize the estate administration process before court proceedings. They have requested a review of all related files from the Administrator General’s office and the court. The Judiciary, through spokesperson Justice James Ereemye Mawanda, stated that while they cannot comment on matters outside their purview, the law does not bar Justice Verma from applying for letters of administration if she qualifies. The Office of the Administrator General has also been contacted for comment.

Source: Nile Post