Judiciary Hosts Two-Day Family Justice Summit in Kampala
The Judiciary is hosting a two-day Family Justice Summit in Kampala, featuring Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome as the chief guest. The event focuses on alternative dispute resolution and recent amendments to the Succession Act.
The two-day Family Justice Summit, organized by the Judiciary, commences today, Monday, August 12. The conference is taking place at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala, with Chief Justice Martha Koome of Kenya serving as the chief guest.
The theme of this summit is “Alternative Dispute Resolution” as a mechanism to foster effective and harmonious coexistence within families and communities. The sessions will focus on examining the recent amendments to the Succession Act, exploring the role of alternative dispute resolution in resolving family disputes, and identifying areas for policy reform.
On February 9, 2022, Parliament enacted amendments to the Succession Act, introducing new provisions and aligning the law with recent court rulings that questioned the constitutionality of certain sections.
Clause 21 of the Bill repealed Section 2 of the Act, eliminating distinctions between children born within and outside of wedlock for intestate estates (estates of deceased individuals without a will).
Under the new law, 20 percent of a deceased’s estate will be reserved for the benefit of minor children, if any, for their education.
Clause 24 permits any parent of a minor to appoint a guardian by will, thus ending the previous requirement for the guardian to be male.
Clause 31 mandates that all witnesses must write their names and sign every page of a will for it to be legally valid, adding an additional layer of security.
Furthermore, the law now criminalizes the eviction or attempted eviction of a lineal descendant or dependent relative from a residential holding to which they are entitled.
