Proceedings in a civil suit challenging the administration of two family estates involving Mpigi High Court Judge Deepa Verma have been delayed after the case file was reportedly called by the Principal Judge, leaving the parties unable to proceed with a scheduled court session.
The parties appeared on Wednesday before Samuel Olumo, the Deputy Registrar of the High Court Family Division, for summons for directions. However, the proceedings could not take place because the case file was unavailable.
One of the applicants, Bunny Wallia, said the parties only learnt that the file had been called by the Principal Judge when they reported to court for the scheduled proceedings.
“We were supposed to appear before the Deputy Registrar at 3:00 pm for summons for directions, but unfortunately the file had been called by the Principal Judge,” Wallia said.
He explained that the parties were informed that no proceedings could take place in the absence of the file and were now awaiting communication from the Principal Judge’s chambers on the next course of action.
It remains unclear why the Principal Judge requested the file or whether any specific directions will be issued.
No new hearing date had been communicated by the time of filing this report.
The civil suit was filed by Bunny Wallia and Ahluwalia Jaspal against Verma, the Administrator General and another family member, challenging the process through which the estates of the late Zura Mama Kasuku and Ahluwalia Gudo were cleared for administration.
Verma is the second respondent in the suit. The applicants are questioning the circumstances under which the Administrator General issued Certificates of No Objection in favour of Verma and Jassa Wallia, allowing them to commence proceedings to administer the two estates.
According to court documents, the dispute arose from actions allegedly taken on June 12, 2026, when the respondents initiated the processing of files relating to the estates at the Office of the Administrator General.
The applicants contend that on the same day, Administrator General Victor Manzi conducted or supervised a family meeting concerning the estates, which they claim was attended by only four people.
Wallia and Jaspal allege that they, together with other family members whom they say have legitimate interests in the estates, were neither invited nor notified about the meeting.
They argue that the meeting was not representative of the wider family and could not fairly determine who should be entrusted with administering the deceased persons’ properties without taking into account the interests of all known beneficiaries.
Three days later, on June 15, the Administrator General allegedly issued Certificates of No Objection in favour of Verma and Wallia in respect of the two estates.
The applicants want the court to establish whether the certificates were issued after adequate verification of the relevant documents, identification of beneficiaries and compliance with applicable legal and administrative procedures.
A significant aspect of the dispute concerns Verma’s position as a serving High Court judge stationed at Mpigi.
The applicants say they do not seek to interfere with judicial independence or prejudge any matter before another judicial officer. However, they argue that a serving judge’s involvement in seeking authority to administer family estates raises questions about transparency, disclosure, propriety and the possible appearance of a conflict of interest.
They want the court to establish whether Verma’s judicial position was disclosed during the processing of the estates and whether her official status, influence or prestige was invoked, directly or indirectly, in obtaining the Certificates of No Objection.
The applicants also want the court to examine whether there was any improper communication or collaboration among the respondents and whether the information presented to the Administrator General was complete and accurate.
They further allege that some properties may have been included in the estates despite not belonging to either of the deceased persons.
The disputed properties are reportedly located in Mbarara City, with one of them housing Manji Memorial Secondary School.
Following the issuance of the Certificates of No Objection, Verma and Wallia reportedly commenced administration proceedings in the High Court Family Division under Administration Cause No. 599 of 2026, concerning the estate of Ahluwalia Gudo, and Administration Cause No. 600 of 2026, relating to the estate of Zura Mama Kasuku.
The applicants say they only became aware of the proceedings around July 10, 2026, after notices were published in the New Vision newspaper.
They contend that the administration process had commenced without their knowledge or participation, despite their claimed interests in the estates.
Their concern is that the properties could be sold, transferred, charged or otherwise disposed of before the interests of all lawful beneficiaries are established.
Through the civil suit, Wallia and Jaspal are seeking declarations that the process leading to the issuance of the Certificates of No Objection was irregular, unlawful or procedurally defective.
They want the court to set aside the certificates issued in favour of Verma and Wallia and order a fresh process to identify the rightful beneficiaries and persons entitled to administer the estates.
They are also seeking orders to preserve the disputed properties and restrain the respondents, their agents or representatives from selling, transferring, charging or otherwise disposing of the estate assets pending their lawful administration.
Other remedies sought include general, aggravated and exemplary damages, interest, costs of the suit and any other relief the court considers appropriate.
The value of the subject matter of the suit is stated to exceed Shs210 million.
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