[2017] UGSC 80

[2017] UGSC 80

The Supreme Court found that the application raised a question of law of general importance regarding the distinction between a bequest and a gift inter vivos, specifically whether a person who is still alive can make and execute a will, and whether such a document constitutes a bequest or a gift inter vivos. The...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2017] UGSC 80
Parties
Applicant: Sophatia Beithi; Applicant: Ngobi Fred; Applicant: Mutaka Tom; Applicant: Josephine Kairu; Respondent: Nangobi Jane; Respondent: Nangobi Rose; Respondent: Irene Wambi
Court
Supreme Court of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
Civil Application 7 of 2015
Procedural Posture
Civil Application / Application for Leave to Appeal and Stay of Execution
Outcome
application granted
Judges
Tumwesigye, JSC, Kisaakye, JSC, Arach-Amoko, JSC, Mwangusya, JSC, Mwondha, JSC
Legal Topics
Leave to Appeal, Stay of Execution, Gift Inter Vivos, Wills and Bequests, Customary Land Tenure
Source Language
en
Civil Procedure Land and Property Leave to Appeal Stay of Execution Gift Inter Vivos Wills and Bequests Customary Land Tenure

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Parties

Sophatia Beithi

Applicant

Ngobi Fred

Applicant

Mutaka Tom

Applicant

Josephine Kairu

Applicant

Nangobi Jane

Respondent

Nangobi Rose

Respondent

Irene Wambi

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Application / Application for Leave to Appeal and Stay of Execution

  1. 1 Whether the intended third appeal concerns matters of law of great public or general importance warranting leave to appeal.
  2. 2 Whether the property in dispute was transferred by way of a bequest (will) or as a gift inter vivos.
  3. 3 Whether the express words of a will can be varied to turn a bequest into a gift inter vivos.

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court found that the application raised a question of law of general importance regarding the distinction between a bequest and a gift inter vivos, specifically whether a person who is still alive can make and execute a will, and whether such a document constitutes a bequest or a gift inter vivos. The Court held that this issue, along with unresolved questions of damages and compensation, warranted review to ensure justice is done. The Court also found that the applicants' affidavits were admissible and that the intended appeal was not frivolous. The balance of convenience favored maintaining the status quo, as the 4th applicant would suffer irreparable damage if evicted...

Court Disposition

application granted

Orders

  • Leave is hereby granted to the applicants to file a third appeal in this Court.
  • Execution of the judgment and orders of the Court of Appeal is stayed pending determination of the intended appeal or any further orders of this Court.