Subheading: First-born son takes mother to court, blocking her attempt to gain sole control of late philanthropist’s vast wealth.
KAMPALA – September 18, 2025 – A bitter legal battle has engulfed the family of the late billionaire James Garuga Musinguzi, with his first-born son filing a caveat in the High Court to block his mother from obtaining sole control of the estate valued at over UGX 1 trillion (approximately $260 million).
The dispute, one of the most significant inheritance cases in recent memory, pits Alwyn Carl Musinguzi against his mother, Peace Kesime Musinguzi. It centers on the administration of the vast fortune left behind by James Garuga Musinguzi, a revered tea magnate, hotelier, and philanthropist who passed away earlier this year.
The conflict formally entered the court system as Administration Cause No. 1046 of 2025. According to court documents, Peace Kesime Musinguzi had applied to the court to be granted sole letters of administration, which would have given her exclusive legal authority to manage, distribute, and oversee the entire estate.
This move was swiftly challenged by the late tycoon’s son. Through his legal representatives, M/S Abaine-Buregyeya & Co. Advocates, Alwyn Musinguzi lodged a formal caveat at the High Court registry. This legal mechanism acts as an injunction, effectively freezing the process and preventing the court from granting the letters to his mother without first hearing his objections.
“The filing of a caveat is a clear indication that the son has a substantive interest in the estate and believes there is a compelling reason to contest sole administration by his mother,” explained a Kampala-based lawyer familiar with succession matters, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “It suggests a deep-seated disagreement over how the estate should be handled and by whom.”
The late James Garuga Musinguzi built a formidable empire spanning agriculture, hospitality, and philanthropy, making his passing a national event. The sheer size of the estate includes lucrative tea plantations, premium hotel assets, and other investments, making its administration a matter of significant economic and public interest.
The caveat sets the stage for a potentially protracted and public legal feud. The court must now hear arguments from both parties before deciding on the appointing of an administrator. Options include dismissing the caveat, appointing both mother and son as joint administrators, or even considering an independent professional administrator to oversee the trillion-shilling estate.
Neither Alwyn Musinguzi nor Peace Kesime Musinguzi could be immediately reached for comment. Their legal teams are expected to prepare for a series of hearings as the High Court untangles this complex family and financial dispute.
