Masaka, Uganda – A High Court in Masaka has brought an end to a tense and emotional family dispute over the burial of prominent businessman Bosco “Bitanda” Ssenyonjo, clearing the way for his interment at his ancestral home in Kyalusowe, Nyendo-Mukungwe.
The ruling follows days of disagreement between Ssenyonjo’s widow, Jane Nabukeera, and his extended family over where he should be laid to rest. While the widow had pushed for burial at their family residence in Mpugwe, relatives “including his mother” insisted that he be buried in accordance with cultural tradition at the ancestral grounds.
In her decision, Justice Victoria Katamba sided with the extended family, emphasizing the importance of cultural norms and lineage in determining burial rites.
The court noted that there was no clear, documented evidence of Ssenyonjo’s personal wishes regarding his burial, describing competing claims as unverified and lacking credible witnesses.
Justice Katamba observed that Ssenyonjo’s life reflected a strong connection to his ancestral roots, reinforcing the court’s position. In a notable remark, she stated that “ancestry is not a matter of choice but of birth,” underlining the legal weight given to tradition in such disputes.
The court further ruled that Ssenyonjo’s two children, who perished alongside him in a tragic crash on the Entebbe Expressway, will be buried by their mother at the family home in Mpugwe. Additionally, it ordered that DNA samples from Ssenyonjo’s body be preserved to address any potential future legal claims.
The case, which drew widespread public attention, also revealed underlying tensions within the family, including claims by several women asserting customary marital ties to the deceased.
In closing, the court cautioned families against turning burial arrangements into prolonged legal battles, urging the use of mediation and dialogue during times of grief. The judge stressed that death should serve as a moment of unity rather than division.
With the ruling now settled, burial arrangements are expected to proceed, bringing closure to a dispute that had delayed the final rites for several days.
