law 17 August 2026 Nile Post
Judge Verma Proposes Family Meeting to Resolve Estate Dispute
Justice Deepa Verma and her brother Jassa Wallia have offered to meet with cousins who have challenged their bid to administer a deceased relative's estate, aiming to settle the dispute outside of court. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/363221/judge-deepa-verma-asks-to-hold-meeting-with-cousins-over-family-property-dispute
High Court Judge Deepa Verma and her brother Jassa Wallia have put forth a proposal to meet with relatives, including cousins Ahluwalia Jaspal and Bunny Wallia, to address a contentious family property dispute. The disagreement centers on the administration of the estate of the late Zura Mama Kasuku.
Verma and Wallia’s legal representatives have suggested dates in late August or early September 2026 for this crucial meeting. The goal is to find a negotiated settlement and allow the succession proceedings to move forward, thereby avoiding further legal battles.
The proposal comes after Bunny and other family members accused Verma and Jassa of excluding them from a prior meeting at the Office of the Administrator General. At that meeting, consent was allegedly obtained to support Verma and Jassa’s application for letters of administration, a process the cousins claim lacked transparency and their involvement.
Lawyers for Verma and Jassa stated in a letter that their clients are willing to meet to resolve these issues, emphasizing that the estate should not be hampered by the existing caveats and disagreements. They proposed specific dates for the meeting, aiming to overcome the impasse and ensure the estate is properly managed for all beneficiaries.
The cousins had previously petitioned several high-ranking officials, including the President and the Chief Justice, alleging irregularities in the administration of both Zura Mama Kasuku’s and Ahluwalia Gudo’s estates. They raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest due to Justice Verma’s involvement and questioned the speed at which certain administrative documents were issued.
The Judiciary has previously defended Justice Verma’s right to apply for letters of administration, stating that the law does not prohibit her from doing so if she meets the legal qualifications. However, the proposed meeting offers a potential avenue for reconciliation before further legal action is taken.
Should this meeting fail to yield a resolution, Verma and Jassa’s legal team has indicated they will proceed with legal proceedings, a move that could escalate the already complex family feud. The outcome of this proposed dialogue could significantly shape the future of the estate’s administration.