Doctor accused of neglecting family land

LAND DISPUTE

KAMPALA - A Prominent dermatologist (skin doctor) Dr. Fred Kambugu, has been accused of neglecting the family estate and reneging on his duty as heir. 

The accusation was made by Kabugu's sibling, Dr. John Musisi, yesterday at the land probe commission public hearing in Kampala.

The family is locked in a dispute over a mysterious grab of 28 acres in Bamba village, Wakiso district.

Musisi emphasized that although Kambugu was a good-natured person, he had dedicated his maximum attention to managing his own vast property portfolio.

Musisi was prompted to attribute the family woes to the dermatologist when probe commissioner George Bagonza tasked him with explaining the root of the problem.

"Dr. Kambugu has lots of properties. He is not bothered about what our father left.

Dr. Kambugu and my father had problems and were not in good terms for a long time. So, that is my thought on negligence," said Musisi.

The land in Nangabo sub-county near Kiteezi forms part of the estate of their deceased father Simon Kambugu Kinaalwa, a prominent farmer and judicial officer who died in 2003.

Three months ago, the dermatologist and Apollo Kambugu Lumu petitioned the commission, accusing their brother Charles Kambugu Mulinde of fraudulent title ownership.

Mulinde is purported to have allied with Musisi. However, Mulinde has since testified and dismissed the allegations as false, saying he is a victim of con artistry.

Asked by probe commissioner Mary Ochan to describe his relationship with the skin doctor, Musisi reiterated his glowing tribute of his elder sibling but questioned his commitment.

"He is my family doctor, my brother, a good dermatologist. But I think deep down, Dr. Kambugu is not much into what our father left," said Musisi.

Prior, Musisi was tasked by assistant lead counsel Andrew Odiit, with explaining his role in part survey of seven acres near the family homestead.

Musisi was accused of contracting a surveyor to execute the job, with claims that three acres were unaccounted for as residue. But he responded that Kambugu personally sourced for the surveyor and that his role was to be present at the survey.

Commission Chairperson Justice Catherine Bamugemereire drew the conclusion that the siblings must equally shoulder the blame for abandoning the estate that is part of their inheritance.

Musisi agreed, saying their busy work schedules had impeded the ability of family cohesion and unity of purpose.