Kampala – Uganda – The High Court of Uganda, Family Division, has issued a notice to all advocates and the general public regarding the expiration of grants of probate or letters of administration. This announcement comes in light of the enactment of the Succession Amendment Act, which became effective on April 10, 2022.
Under the provisions of the Succession Amendment Act, any grant of probate or letters of administration that was issued after the 10th day of April, 2022, will now have a limited validity period of two years. This means that these grants will begin to expire in April 2024.
Grants of probate or letters of administration that were issued prior to the 10th day of April, 2022, will retain their validity for a period of three years from the date the Succession Amendment Act came into force. This means that these grants will expire on April 10, 2025.
For grants of probate or letters of administration issued to the Administrator General prior to April 10, 2022, a longer validity period has been established. These grants will remain valid for a period of five years after the enactment of the Succession Amendment Act, expiring on April 10, 2027.
It’s important to note that these time frames are subject to possible extensions by the court upon application. The general public, including legal professionals, are urged to ensure that they adhere to the specified time frames to prevent any inconvenience.
The notice, signed by Ag. Registrar Katushabe Prossy, emphasizes the need for individuals to be aware of the new expiry dates for grants of probate or letters of administration. This adjustment in validity periods aims to streamline the administration of estates and ensure a smoother process for individuals involved in matters of succession.