Petition for letters of administration template (Uganda)
In brief
A precedent petition for letters of administration of an intestate estate.
When to use this
When applying for letters of administration after a death without a will.
When a bespoke document is needed instead: Where there is a valid will — apply for probate instead; for contested matters, take advice.
The template
A precedent only. Replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your own details; it contains no real party data. Have it reviewed before use.
Heading
IN THE [HIGH COURT (FAMILY DIVISION) / CHIEF MAGISTRATE’S COURT] OF UGANDA AT [PLACE]
ADMINISTRATION CAUSE NO. […] OF [YEAR]
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE [DECEASED], DECEASED
AND IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION FOR LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION BY [PETITIONER]
Petitioner
THE HUMBLE PETITION of [PETITIONER FULL NAME], (NIN [NIN]) of [ADDRESS], the [relationship] of the deceased, SHOWETH:
1. Death
1.1 [DECEASED], who died on [DATE] at [PLACE], was at the time of death domiciled/resident at [ADDRESS] and died intestate (without a valid will).
2. Surviving relatives
2.1 The deceased is survived by the following relatives: [name, relationship, age and residence of the spouse, children and other beneficiaries].
3. The estate
3.1 The estate of the deceased comprises [land / bank accounts / shares / chattels — describe], of an estimated total value of UGX [VALUE].
4. Entitlement & clearance
4.1 Your petitioner is entitled to apply as [basis — e.g. surviving spouse / child / next of kin].
4.2 A certificate of no objection from the Administrator General [is attached / is not required because the petitioner is the widow/widower / it is a small estate].
5. Prayer
5.1 YOUR PETITIONER THEREFORE PRAYS that letters of administration of the estate of the deceased be granted to the petitioner, and for such further orders as the court deems fit.
6. Verification
6.1 I, [PETITIONER], do solemnly verify that the contents of this petition are true to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.
6.2 Sworn/declared before a Commissioner for Oaths at [PLACE] this [DATE]. Petitioner: ____________ Before me: ____________ Commissioner for Oaths.
7. Documents filed with the petition
7.1 Death certificate; certificate of no objection (where required); list of beneficiaries; consents of beneficiaries; valuation of the estate; passport photograph and identification of the petitioner.
Drawn and filed by [ADVOCATE/PETITIONER], [ADDRESS].
Drafting notes
- Right court
- Choose the court by estate value (Magistrate Grade I / Chief Magistrate / High Court Family Division).
- Particulars
- State the death, intestacy, relatives and residences, the right claimed and the estate’s likely value.
- Certificate of no objection
- Attach the Administrator General’s certificate unless you are an executor, widow/widower, or it is a small estate.
- Beneficiary consents
- Gather the consents of other beneficiaries to reduce the risk of a caveat or contest.
- Inventory undertaking
- Be ready, on the grant, to exhibit an inventory within six months and an account within one year.
Execution requirements
- The petitioner verifies the petition before a Commissioner for Oaths.
- File in the court with jurisdiction by estate value, with the certificate of no objection where required.
- Expect citations to interested persons; a caveat must be answered within 14 days and lapses if proceedings are not begun within six months.
- On the grant, exhibit an inventory within six months and an account within one year; the grant lasts a maximum of two years, extendable.
Governing law & citations
Governed by the Succession Act, Cap. 268 (2023 Revision), ss.242–243, 256, and the Administrator General’s Act, Cap. 264, s.5.
- Succession Act, Cap. 268 (2023 Revision) — ss.242–243, 256.
- Administrator General's Act, Cap. 264 (2023 Revision) — s.5.