Recovering a debt in Uganda: checklist
In brief
Recovering a debt is a sequence: demand, sue by the right procedure, then enforce. This checklist keeps the steps in order and within time.
Who it's for & when to use it
Who it's for: Creditors and their advisers.
When to use it: When a liquidated debt is overdue.
When not to use it: For disputed, unliquidated claims that need a full trial.
The checklist
1. Confirm the debt and the deadline
- Confirm the amount, the basis and the due date, and that the debt is liquidated.
- Check the limitation period — a contract debt is generally barred after six years (Limitation Act).
2. Demand payment
- Send a letter of demand giving a clear deadline and the consequence of non-payment.
- For an undisputed, larger debt, consider a statutory demand under the Insolvency Act.
3. Choose the procedure
- Use the small-claims procedure for smaller debts (Small Claims Procedure Rules), or a summary suit for a liquidated demand (Civil Procedure Rules Order 36).
4. Sue and obtain judgment
- File and prosecute the claim; for a summary suit the defendant may defend only with leave.
5. Enforce the decree
- On judgment, enforce by attachment, garnishee or other execution (Civil Procedure Rules Orders 22–23).
Key authorities
- Limitation Act, Cap. 290 (2023 Revision).
- Judicature (Small Claims Procedure) Rules, 2011 — r.5.
- Civil Procedure Rules — Order 36 (summary suit); Orders 22–23 (execution).
Checklist · Debt & small claims.
Actively maintained.
Last reviewed 9 June 2026; next review due 9 June 2027.
This resource is a practitioner orientation and general information, not legal advice, and does not create an advocate–client relationship. It is AI-generated. Ugandan law changes and chapter and section numbers were revised in the 2023 Laws of Uganda. Verify every statute, rule, form, fee and authority against the current primary source — and the specific facts of your matter — before relying on it.