Fellow Ugandans, if you were granted a Letter of Administration (LOA) before May 31, 2022, this message is for you, and it’s urgent.
Your authority to manage a deceased person’s estate will expire on May 31, 2025 unless you apply for a court extension. This change comes under Uganda’s amended Succession Act (2022), which introduced a 3-year limit on LOAs.
Many people are unaware of this deadline and fraudsters are waiting to take advantage of those who miss it.
What Is a Letter of Administration?
A Letter of Administration is a court-issued legal document that allows someone (usually a close family member) to handle the property and affairs of a deceased person who died without a will.
Before 2022, LOAs did not expire. But the new law aims to reduce delays and family conflicts in estate distribution. As a result, all LOAs now expire after three years, unless renewed.
What Happens If You Don’t Renew?
If your LOA expires and you continue managing the estate (e.g., selling land, collecting rent, making decisions), you may be acting illegally. Even worse:
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The Administrator General or other relatives can challenge your actions.
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Financial institutions and courts may refuse to honor your authority.
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Fraudsters and land grabbers can exploit the situation to forge documents or illegally take property.
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Your family could face conflicts, eviction, or asset loss.
Real Case Scenarios (Examples You May Hear About Soon)
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A widow in Kyotera tried to sell land using an expired LOA and was blocked by the bank.
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In Masaka, a forged LOA was used to sell land after the genuine one expired — now the family is in court.
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In Rakai, siblings are battling over property left behind, and the original LOA holder lost legal ground because they didn’t renew in time.
What You Should Do Now
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Check the date your LOA was issued.
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If it was granted before May 31, 2022, it will expire on May 31, 2025.
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Go to your nearest Chief Magistrate’s Court and apply for an extension or a fresh LOA.
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Bring your original documents, national ID, and any files related to the estate.
Watch Out for Fraudsters
Be especially careful now. Some criminals may:
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Pretend to be court agents and ask for bribes to “renew” your LOA.
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Forge expired LOAs to grab land or withdraw funds.
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Target widows, orphans, and elderly people in rural areas who may not know the law has changed.
👉 Only courts and the Administrator General can legally renew or issue LOAs.
Help Protect Others — Spread the Word
This legal change affects thousands of Ugandans, especially those handling family land or businesses of deceased relatives. Please help others by:
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Informing elders and widows in your community.
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Sharing this article with local leaders, churches, mosques, and village meetings.
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Printing and posting a copy at LC offices or on noticeboards.
Where to Get Help
Visit your nearest Chief Magistrate’s Court or contact the Administrator General’s Office. You can also speak to a lawyer or legal aid office if you need guidance.
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