A family dispute involving High Court Judge Justice Deepa Verma has escalated into a legal battle over the administration and control of a multimillion-shilling estate left behind by members of her extended family. Justice Verma, attached to the High Court in Mpigi, initially sued three of her cousins Jonny Wallia, Bunny Wallia and Leila Walli accusing them of mismanaging the estates of their late relatives and disposing of family properties to the detriment of beneficiaries. The estates include land and properties in Isingiro, Mbarara, Lugazi, Kampala, Kasese and other areas, as well as bank accounts and other assets.
According to court documents, the dispute involves the estates of the late Ahluwalia Gudo, who died intestate in August 2011, and Sunder Kaka Wallia, who died intestate later in October 2012. Mr Wallia had initially been appointed administrator of Ms Gudo’s estate before his death. His surviving sons, Bunny Wallia and Ahluwalia Jaspal, were subsequently appointed administrators of his estate. Justice Verma alleges that the administrators mismanaged the estates and sold several properties, leaving the estates exposed to liabilities exceeding Shs1 billion arising from the execution of a court judgment.
The cousins have since filed a counter-suit against Justice Verma and her biological brother, Jassa Wallia, challenging the manner in which they obtained a Certificate of No Objection from the Administrator General to administer the estates. They allege that other beneficiaries were not adequately involved in the process and want the court to establish whether Justice Verma disclosed her position as a High Court judge or whether her official position, influence or prestige was used directly or indirectly to obtain the certificate. They have also sued the Administrator General, accusing the office of failing to properly inquire into the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the certificate.
The cousins are asking the Family Division of the High Court to annul the disputed Certificate of No Objection and reopen the administration process so that all beneficiaries with legitimate interests can participate. They are also seeking damages for alleged inconvenience, anxiety, prejudice and violation of their lawful interests. The court has summoned Justice Verma and Mr Jassa Wallia to file their defence within 15 days of receiving summons dated August 24, 2026. The allegations and counter-allegations contained in the two cases have not yet been tested or determined by the court.
