General power of attorney template (Uganda)
In brief
A precedent general power of attorney giving an attorney broad authority to act for the donor.
When to use this
When you need someone to manage your affairs generally.
When a bespoke document is needed instead: For a single transaction — use a special (limited) power of attorney instead.
The template
A precedent only. Replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your own details; it contains no real party data. Have it reviewed before use.
Title
GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
1. Appointment
1.1 BY THIS GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY I, [DONOR FULL NAME], (NIN [NIN]) of [ADDRESS] (“the Donor”), appoint [ATTORNEY FULL NAME], (NIN [NIN]) of [ADDRESS] (“my Attorney”) to be my true and lawful attorney.
2. Powers
2.1 My Attorney may, in my name and on my behalf: (a) manage, let and deal with my property; (b) operate my bank accounts and manage my money; (c) receive and give good receipt for money due to me; (d) execute documents and instruments; (e) commence, defend and settle legal proceedings; and (f) do all other lawful acts I could do personally.
3. Limits
3.1 This power is subject to the following limits: [state any limits — e.g. it does not authorise dealings with [SPECIFIC PROPERTY] / gifts above UGX [AMOUNT]].
4. Ratification
4.1 I ratify and confirm whatever my Attorney lawfully does or causes to be done under this power.
5. Duration & revocation
5.1 This power takes effect on [DATE] and continues until I revoke it in writing or I die. It is revoked automatically on my death or loss of capacity.
6. Attorney’s duties
6.1 My Attorney shall act in good faith and in my best interests, keep my money and property separate, and keep proper records and account to me.
Execution
SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED as a deed by the Donor: ____________ Date: ________
In the presence of — Witness: ____________ Name & address: ____________
Before me: ____________ Commissioner for Oaths.
Drafting notes
- Trust
- Only appoint someone you trust completely — a general power is broad and easily misused.
- Scope & limits
- State any limits; a general power otherwise authorises wide acts in your name.
- Attorney’s duties
- Impose duties to act in good faith, keep funds separate and account.
- Revocation
- Explain how and when it ends; it lapses on the Donor’s death or loss of capacity.
- Registration & stamping
- Register with the registrar of documents where it deals with land or is to be relied on, and pay any stamp duty.
Execution requirements
- The Donor executes the deed before a witness and a Commissioner for Oaths.
- Register the power with the registrar of documents where it deals with land or is to be relied on (Registration of Documents Act).
- Pay any stamp duty due; keep the original safe and give the Attorney a certified copy.
Governing law & citations
Governed by the Registration of Documents Act, Cap. 81 (2023 Revision) and the Stamp Duty Act, Cap. 339.
- Registration of Documents Act, Cap. 81 (2023 Revision).
- Stamp Duty Act, Cap. 339 (2023 Revision).