Making a valid will in Uganda: checklist
In brief
A will that fails the formalities is worthless when it matters most. This checklist covers capacity, mandatory provision for dependants, and correct execution and attestation.
Who it's for & when to use it
Who it's for: Anyone making a will, and advisers drafting one.
When to use it: When making or updating a will.
When not to use it: As a substitute for advice on a complex estate or contested family situation.
The checklist
1. Plan the will
- List your assets and the people you wish to benefit, and choose a willing, trustworthy executor (and an alternate).
- Where you have minor children, decide who should be their guardian.
2. Capacity and provision
- Confirm the testator is of sound mind and not a minor (Succession Act s.29).
- Make reasonable provision for a spouse, children, a lineal descendant with a disability and a dependent relative (s.30).
- Ensure the will is free of fraud, undue influence, duress or mistake (s.36).
3. Execute correctly
- The testator signs or marks the will (s.47(1)).
- Two or more witnesses attest, each signing and writing their name and address; a page lacking a witness's name and address is void (s.47(1)–(2)).
- Use witnesses who are NOT beneficiaries (or spouses of beneficiaries) — a beneficiary-witness can lose the gift.
4. Avoid the traps
- Remember a will is revoked by the testator's subsequent marriage (s.53) — review the will after marrying.
- Revoke an earlier will only by marriage, a later will/codicil, a writing executed like a will, or destruction with intent (ss.54–55).
5. Store safely
- Store the will safely (for example with your advocate or the registry) and tell the executor where it is.
- Review the will after major life events — marriage, children, new property.
Key authorities
- Succession Act, Cap. 268 (2023 Revision) — ss.29, 30, 36, 47, 53, 54–55.
Checklist · Succession & estates.
Actively maintained.
Last reviewed 9 June 2026; next review due 9 December 2026.
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.