A bitter family dispute surrounding the estate of the late businessman Dr James Musinguzi Garuga has taken a new turn after his widow, Peace Kesiime Bagorogoza, was accused of removing his elderly mother, Canon Violet Garuga, from land in Rugyeyo, Kanungu District.
A close family source told this website that Canon Violet had been living off the land, which was reportedly registered in the late Garuga’s names, by grazing animals and growing tea. The source said the late businessman had allowed his mother to use the property during his lifetime as a means of supporting herself and meeting her basic needs.
The alleged eviction has reportedly left the aging mother without access to an important source of livelihood. The family member described the development as particularly troubling, arguing that the land had been given to Canon Violet by her late son for her upkeep and that her interests should be considered during the administration of his estate.
The dispute comes amid a wider legal battle over who should control and administer Garuga’s extensive estate. Under the succession provisions cited in the case, where an intestate person is survived by a spouse, lineal descendants, a dependent relative and a customary heir or heiress, dependent relatives are entitled to four percent of the estate, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
Bagorogoza’s attempt to obtain sole letters of administration has already faced opposition from Garuga’s heir, Alwyn Carl Garuga. Alwyn lodged a caveat on September 2, 2025, challenging the application and raising concerns about the proposed administration of the estate.
In Civil Suit No. 346 of 2025, Alwyn reportedly accused Bagorogoza of grossly underdeclaring the deceased’s estate and questioned whether she could fairly and transparently manage the interests of all beneficiaries. He also made serious allegations concerning the circumstances surrounding Garuga’s death, claims that remain matters raised in court and have not been proven against Bagorogoza.
Alwyn further argued that the adult beneficiaries were capable of jointly administering their late father’s estate and accused Bagorogoza of sidelining other beneficiaries and bypassing family arrangements before seeking sole control. He also pointed to the absence of a Certificate of No Objection from the Administrator General in the application.
The High Court Family Division, presided over by Justice John Eudes Keitirima, eventually appointed the Administrator General, Victor Manzi, to take neutral control of the estate. The vast business empire has been described in the proceedings as being worth approximately Shs1 trillion, with the Administrator General now managing it under court supervision.
For now, the estate remains at the centre of a complex succession battle, while Canon Violet’s alleged removal from the land has added another layer to the family conflict. The Administrator General has management responsibilities but does not have authority to distribute the estate’s assets until the substantive court proceedings are concluded.
