By Dean Lubowa Saava
In a bold move, embattled real estate tycoon Mohan Musisi Kiwanuka has appealed the Court of Appeal’s ruling that declared him mentally unfit to manage his vast business empire. The court’s decision, handed down on May 30, granted joint family control of his estate, citing his alleged mental incapacity due to Alzheimer’s disease dating back to 2017.
Kiwanuka’s legal team has swiftly responded, filing an appeal to challenge the ruling and save his business empire from potential collapse. The appeal highlights concerns over the court’s reliance on questionable medical evidence and alleged biases in the judgment.
According to sources close to Kiwanuka, the business magnate remains determined to protect his legacy and business interests. “Mr. Kiwanuka is resolute in his pursuit of justice and will exhaust all available legal avenues to clear his name and regain control of his empire,” a family spokesperson said.
The appeal process is expected to shed new light on the case, with Kiwanuka’s legal team presenting fresh evidence and arguments to counter the court’s findings. As the appeal unfolds, the business community watches with bated breath, aware that the outcome will have far-reaching implications for Kiwanuka’s empire and Uganda’s business landscape.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy began in 2019 when Kiwanuka’s eldest son, Jordan Sebuliba, challenged his father’s mental state, citing a 2017 medical report that diagnosed Kiwanuka with debilitating dementia. This condition allegedly affects his memory and cognitive functions. Sebuliba argued that his father’s deteriorating mental health had impaired his ability to make sound business decisions.
Court Rulings and Admissions
In February 2025, the High Court granted Kiwanuka’s relatives unrestricted access to him after his lawyer, Francis Buwule, admitted that his client is suffering from mental illness. This admission came after Kiwanuka’s sisters—Jalia Muwanga, Nantege Yudaya Nsereko, Berti Nsereko Kawooya, and Sarah Nsereko—filed an application seeking a formal determination of his mental health status.
Justice Flavian Zeija presided over the hearing and ordered that Kiwanuka’s family be granted unfettered access to him. This ruling settles the long-standing family dispute over Kiwanuka’s mental state and control of his business empire, which includes 32 companies and 46 properties in prime locations like Kololo and Nakasero.
Implications and Next Steps
The court’s decision has significant implications for Kiwanuka’s business empire. With his mental illness acknowledged, questions arise about the legal status of transactions and business decisions made since his condition was first documented in 2017. Sebuliba plans to use this new development to argue in the Court of Appeal that his father’s decisions after 2017 should be declared null and void.
Family Dynamics
The family remains deeply divided, with different factions vying for control over Kiwanuka’s empire. His wife, Maria Kiwanuka, has been accused of usurping powers of attorney to run the family’s business interests, while Kiwanuka’s children and siblings fight for control of his vast estate.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
