A family dispute surrounding the estate of late Ugandan businessman Moses Kaliisa Kalangwa has played out on social media, with accusations made against his official wife, Florence Joyce Kirabo, by some of his children. The claims include denial of school fees, control of the estate, sale of livestock, interference with the will, and prevention of access to the family home. However, an examination of Kalangwa's Last Will and Testament presents a more complicated picture. The will, signed in August 2023, contains detailed instructions on the administration and distribution of his property.
Kalangwa's will identifies his children as Jackline Birungi Kobusingye, Emmanuel Kamugisha, Michael Ezera Karuhanga, Eria Muhozi, Moses Kaliisa, Angel Nina, Antonio Kamusiime, Hanisa Kemigisha, Saidi Karangwa, and Sarah Mwebaze. He expressly stated that he was making the will voluntarily, of sound mind, and not under duress or undue influence. Kirabo is mentioned in the will as his wife, married customarily with plans to convert to a church marriage. Kalangwa appointed Kirabo, Emmanuel Kamugisha, and Michael Ezera Karuhanga as executors of his estate.
The will appoints Emmanuel Kamugisha as the heir, with Eria Muhooza taking his place if he dies. It makes specific provisions for different beneficiaries and properties, assigning responsibilities to those administering the estate. Some children accused Kirabo of working with the family's lawyer to keep them away from the estate. However, the will anticipated disputes and named Robert Okalang of Okalang Law Chambers as the sole arbitrator in case of disagreements over interpretation.
The involvement of Okalang or his law firm in questions concerning the will's interpretation or execution was contemplated by Kalangwa. This does not resolve disputes over whether the will has been properly administered, and allegations of misconduct or breach of duty require evidence and determination by authorities or a court. Social media accusations portray Kirabo as controlling everything left by Kalangwa, but the will contains a detailed scheme for administration and distribution.
Kalangwa stated that he acquired several properties during his lifetime, some registered in company names or those of his loved ones, with executed transfer documents. He distributed his property through the will, listing about 23 properties. The document devises and bequeaths his property, both real and personal, wherever situated. It attempts to determine who will receive particular properties and how some should be managed.
One of the most important provisions concerns the sale or disposal of property. Kalangwa stated that properties given to four persons in trust were not to be sold during specified periods. Income generated from those properties was to be used strictly to educate his children and dependents. The trustees were given responsibilities relating to claims made for or against the estate.
Education was specifically provided for in Kalangwa's will, directing that income from certain properties placed in trust should be used strictly to educate his children and dependents. One of the repeated accusations against Kirabo is that some children have been denied school fees. However, checks by this publication found that fees had been paid at schools attended by some of the children.
Key points
- The will of Moses Kalangwa outlines a detailed scheme for the administration and distribution of his property, contradicting some social media claims about his estate.
- Kirabo, Kalangwa's wife, was appointed as one of the executors of his estate, contrary to accusations that she assumed control after his death.
- The will provides for the education of Kalangwa's children and dependents, with income from certain properties to be used for this purpose.
