By Spy Uganda
A bitter succession battle has erupted over the estate of the late Musinguzi James Garuga, after his biological son moved to court to block any attempt to administer his father’s property without his consent.
On September 2, 2025, Musinguzi Alwyn Carl Garuga lodged a caveat in the Family Division of the High Court in Kampala, effectively freezing any dealings with the estate. The late Garuga, a prominent businessman and social figure, passed away on August 6, 2025, at Nakasero Hospital.
Disputed Property
At the centre of the dispute is Garuga Place, a well-known commercial property in Mbuya, Nakawa Division, along with other assets forming the deceased’s estate. The petition for letters of administration had earlier been filed by Musinguzi Peace Kesimie, prompting Alwyn to seek urgent court intervention.
Caveat Lodged
In his caveat, filed through Abaine-Buregyeya & Co. Advocates, Alwyn declared: “Let nothing be done in the matter of the estate of the late Musinguzi James Garuga without notice to me.”
He identified himself as the biological son and a rightful beneficiary of the estate, asking the court to halt any administrative process until his claim is considered.
The court document, officially stamped and lodged in the registry, now places the estate under legal lock until the matter is heard and determined.
The development has sent ripples through the Garuga family and among the deceased’s business associates, many of whom regarded him as an influential figure in Kampala’s social and business circles.
Legal experts say such caveats are common in high-value estates and often signal the start of prolonged legal battles over inheritance — disputes that can stretch for years before final resolution.
For now, the Garuga estate remains in limbo, awaiting the court’s decision on who will be granted the authority to administer it in the coming weeks.
