Simple will template (Uganda)
In brief
A precedent simple will for a straightforward estate, structured to meet the Succession Act’s formalities.
When to use this
When making a will for a simple estate with clear beneficiaries.
When a bespoke document is needed instead: For complex estates, trusts, business succession or contested family situations — 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
THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
of [TESTATOR FULL NAME], (NIN [NIN]) of [ADDRESS], [occupation] (“the Testator”).
1. Revocation
1.1 I revoke all earlier wills and codicils made by me and declare this to be my last will.
2. Appointment of executor
2.1 I appoint [EXECUTOR NAME] of [ADDRESS] to be the executor and trustee of this will (“my Executor”).
2.2 If [EXECUTOR NAME] is unable or unwilling to act, I appoint [ALTERNATE EXECUTOR NAME] of [ADDRESS] in their place.
3. Debts, funeral & administration
3.1 I direct my Executor to pay my debts, funeral and testamentary expenses out of my estate before distribution.
4. Specific gifts
4.1 I give the following specific gifts: (a) [ITEM/PROPERTY] to [BENEFICIARY]; (b) [ITEM/PROPERTY] to [BENEFICIARY].
5. Devise of land
5.1 I give my land comprised in [DESCRIPTION — tenure, block, plot, location] to [BENEFICIARY], subject to any subsisting interest.
6. Pecuniary legacies
6.1 I give the sum of UGX [AMOUNT] to [BENEFICIARY].
7. Residuary estate
7.1 I give the rest of my estate, after debts and the above gifts, to [RESIDUARY BENEFICIARY]; and if they do not survive me, to [SUBSTITUTE].
8. Guardianship of minor children
8.1 If any of my children is under 18 at my death, I appoint [GUARDIAN NAME] of [ADDRESS] to be their guardian.
9. Provision for dependants
9.1 I confirm that I have made reasonable provision for my spouse, my children, any lineal descendant with a disability and any dependent relative, as the law requires.
10. Administrative powers
10.1 My Executor may sell, call in and convert my estate, postpone sale, and do all acts reasonably necessary to administer and distribute it.
11. Attestation
11.1 SIGNED by the Testator as the Testator’s last will, in the presence of us both present at the same time, who at the Testator’s request, in the Testator’s presence and in the presence of each other, have signed our names as witnesses:
Testator: ____________ Date: ________
Witness 1 (not a beneficiary): ____________ Name & address & occupation: ____________
Witness 2 (not a beneficiary): ____________ Name & address & occupation: ____________
Drafting notes
- Capacity
- The Testator must be of sound mind and not a minor.
- Reasonable provision
- Make reasonable provision for a spouse, children, a lineal descendant with a disability and a dependent relative — a will can be challenged for failing to.
- Executor & alternate
- Choose a willing, trustworthy executor and name an alternate in case the first cannot act.
- Witnesses
- Use two witnesses who are NOT beneficiaries (a beneficiary-witness can lose the gift), each signing and writing their name and address.
- Every page
- Sign or initial every page; a page lacking the witnesses’ attestation is at risk.
- Marriage revokes
- A subsequent marriage revokes a will — review the will after marrying.
- Guardianship
- Appoint a guardian where you have minor children, so the court has your wishes.
Execution requirements
- The Testator signs (or marks) the will, and two or more witnesses attest, each signing and writing their name and address (Succession Act s.47).
- A page lacking a witness’s name and address is void — complete the attestation fully.
- Neither witness should be a beneficiary or the spouse of a beneficiary.
- A will is revoked by the Testator’s subsequent marriage — review the will after marriage.
- Store the will safely and tell the Executor where it is; it is proved later by probate.
Governing law & citations
Governed by the Succession Act, Cap. 268 (2023 Revision), ss.29–30, 47, 53.
- Succession Act, Cap. 268 (2023 Revision) — ss.29, 30, 47, 53.