Uganda Case Law

Nassimbwa Rose and Others v Kibugo David and Others

Nassimbwa Rose and Others v Kibugo David and Others (Miscellaneous Application 317 of 2024) [2025] UGHC 367 (2 June 2025)

Court

High Court of Uganda

Case number

Miscellaneous Application 317 of 2024

Judge

Bukirwa, J

The court found that the application was made in good faith to resolve genuine disputes regarding the paternity of certain beneficiaries, which is essential for the proper administration and distribution of the estate. All parties agreed to the necessity of a DNA test, and the absence of stored genetic material from the deceased made exhumation the only viable option. The court balanced the cultural and ethical reluctance to disturb the deceased's remains against the compelling need to establish parentage for estate administration. Given the consensus among parties and the interests of justic…

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• Paternity Disputes
• Estate Administration
• Dna Testing
• Exhumation Orders

Ntulume v Ssekisaka & 2 Others

Ntulume v Ssekisaka & 2 Others (Miscellaneous Application 2597 of 2024) [2025] UGHCFD 5 (24 February 2025)

Court

HC: Family Division (Uganda)

Case number

Miscellaneous Application 2597 of 2024

Judge

Komuhangi, J

The High Court dismissed an application seeking DNA testing of alleged children of a deceased man, finding the request premature, unsupported by good grounds, and based on a contested will.

• Succession Disputes
• Paternity Determination
• Dna Testing
• Will Contestation
• Succession-disputes
• Paternity-determination

Kiberu v Ssekisaka

Kiberu v Ssekisaka (Miscellaneous Application 1289 of 2024) [2024] UGHCFD 63 (11 October 2024)

Court

HC: Family Division (Uganda)

Case number

Miscellaneous Application 1289 of 2024

Judge

Komuhangi, J

The High Court dismissed an application seeking a DNA test on alleged paternity grounds, holding that the applicant lacked locus standi and was not a party to the main suit.

• Locus Standi
• Paternity Disputes
• Dna Testing
• Appointment Of Family Representative
• Locus-standi
• Dna-testing

Makokha v Namatovu

Makokha v Namatovu (Civil Revision 9 of 2022) [2023] UGHCFD 172 (20 November 2023)

Court

HC: Family Division (Uganda)

Case number

Civil Revision 9 of 2022

Judge

Nagawa, J

The High Court found that the Magistrate's Court acted within its jurisdiction in ordering a DNA test to establish paternity, as the applicant himself requested resolution of the paternity issue and the Children Act empowers courts to order such tests. The applicant was a party to the proceedings and the order was necessary to determine parentage, which is central to custody and maintenance matters. The court held that there was no illegality or material irregularity in the lower court's actions, and that the applicant failed to prosecute the revision application expeditiously. The interests…

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• Parentage Declaration
• Dna Testing
• Custody Orders
• Maintenance Orders

Makokha v Namatovu

Makokha v Namatovu (Civil Revision 9 of 2022) [2023] UGHCFD 103 (20 November 2023)

Court

HC: Family Division (Uganda)

Case number

Civil Revision 9 of 2022

Judge

Nagawa, J

The High Court dismissed a civil revision challenge to a DNA-testing order in a family cause, holding the magistrate acted lawfully within jurisdiction.

• Parentage Declaration
• Dna Testing
• Custody Orders
• Maintenance Orders
• Dna-testing
• Parentage

Tendo (Through Next Friend - Kiconco) v Tumwebaze Mugasha

Tendo (Through Next Friend - Kiconco) v Tumwebaze Mugasha (Miscellaneous Application 957 of 2023) [2023] UGHCFD 179 (15 September 2023)

Court

HC: Family Division (Uganda)

Case number

Miscellaneous Application 957 of 2023

Judge

Nagawa, J

The court found that the only scientifically conclusive method to determine the applicant's paternity is through DNA testing of the deceased's remains. While alternative testing using siblings or relatives may provide some clarity, it cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, which is essential for resolving the applicant's claim to the estate. The right of the child to know her genetic parentage and the need for certainty in estate administration outweigh the respondent's concerns about psychological trauma. The court exercised its inherent powers to grant exhumation, ensuring the process is conducted…

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• Paternity Disputes
• Dna Testing
• Exhumation Orders
• Estate Beneficiary Rights