Developing Story: It is a stunning and tragic turn of events. One of Uganda’s most influential business magnates, Hajj Mohammed Majid Bagalaliwo, the man credited with introducing the Coca-Cola franchise to Uganda, has remained in a coma for more than two years! The Investigator can authoritatively report.
The wealthy tycoon, known not only for his business acumen, but also for his philanthropic heart and cultural contributions, slipped into coma in February 2023, right inside his Kololo residence, at Plot 9, along Hill Drive Lane, in the leafy, posh Kampala surbub.
Once a host to His Majesty Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi before the King’s coronation and the restoration of his official palaces, Hajj Bagalaliwo now lies immobile, sustained by oxygen and round-the-clock care. Yet, while doctors fight a losing battle to revive him, an entirely different and equally tragic battle is unfolding around him… a vicious war over his multi-billion estate.
The Battle Over Billion
At the center of this bitter wrangle is Hajj Bagalaliwo’s wife, Hajjat Sarah Nanziri Bagalaliwo, a trained lawyer, former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Representative, and currently, the Chairperson Board Of Directors of the Exim Bank – Uganda. In April 2023, just two months after her husband collapsed into coma, Hajjat Nanziri reportedly, controversially registered a charitable entity named theBaagalaaliwo Foundation.
According to her, this foundation was formed under her comatose husband’s instructions! This is a claim many within the family members and close friends strongly contest, arguing that he was already unconscious and incapable of legal instruction at the time.
Among the properties involved in the fracas is Kibuli Estate, located in Makindye Division. Comprising valuable rental properties, this estate belonged to Hajj Bagalaliwo’s late mother, Hajjat Mulasi Nakakawa. Despite being registered in Late Nakakawa` name, Hajjat Nanziri insists her husband actually purchased the estate comprised in Kyaddondo, Block 244, Plot 383 in 1974, but registered it in his mother’s name.
Another asset is Iganga Family Properties in Eastern Uganda. These include a commercial plaza and several land parcels donated by Hajj Bagalaliwo to his relatives in Busoga. Others are communityassets including a hospital, and a school built by Hajj Bagalaliwo, reportedly in memory of his mother. These are also among the disputed properties, which were specifically intended for the benefit of the local Muslim community.
Critics, including Bagalaliwo’s eldest son, Hajj Bashir Balozi Bagalaliwo, argue that the newly registered foundation is nothing more than a smokescreen to redirect these properties under Hajjat Nanziri’s control, against the known intentions of the ailing tycoon.
Family Fall Apart
The rift between Hajjat Nanziri and her stepson Hajj Balozi has deepened into a full-blown family feud. In a letter dated November 16th 2024, Hajj Balozi demanded the surrender of the Kibuli title deed, vowing to reclaim physical control over the property with or without his step mother`s cooperation.
Tensions escalated further when lawyers of Dhakaba, Nkuutu & Co. Advocates, representing theBaagalaaliwo Foundation, responded on November 11th 2024, claiming that the foundation, and not any individual, was now the legitimate owner of the estate. Ironically, the lawyers clarified that Hajjat Nanziri was merely a “member” of the foundation, not its sole controller.
Hajj Balozi, who heads the estate’s caretaker committee, counters that the registration of the foundation was done in bad faith. He insists that his father’s properties, especially those donated for charity, should remain with their intended beneficiaries.
Court Battles Begin
Attempts to resolve the conflict through a family crisis meeting held on November 18th 2024, at their Kololo family residence ended in deadlock. Despite efforts to negotiate a peaceful path forward, the meeting dissolved without consensus. It was then resolved that the courts of law would settle the matter.
In a dramatic legal twist, Hajjat Nanziri filed a lawsuit in the Family Division of the High Court, only to later instruct her lawyers to withdraw the same. The court, however, instead dismissed the suit outright, citing its lack of merit. Simultaneously, Hajj Balozi’s team had filed a counterclaim, which is now the primary avenue for determining the true ownership of the contested assets. Other lawsuits regarding the Iganga properties are also pending before the High Court in that jurisdiction.
The Implications
What began as a tragic health crisis has morphed into a power struggle that now threatens to tarnish the legacy of one of Uganda’s most respected entrepreneurs. Hajj Bagalaliwo, a man known for giving shelter to royalty, building hospitals, and pioneering business, is now at the center of a bitter feud, even as he`s laying down, voiceless and vulnerable.
The conflict also raises deeper questions about ethical stewardship, legal responsibility, and the safeguarding of charitable contributions. Should assets dedicated to family and community be easily rerouted in the absence of a unconscious donor? And who speaks for a man in a coma?
As courts begin hearing the cases, Uganda, and particularly the Muslim community in Iganga, awaits justice. The hope is that the legal process will offer clarity, protect legacy, and uphold the values Hajj Bagalaliwo lived by. Until then, this story remains one of tragedy, greed, and unresolved questions, the final chapter of which is still being written. Stay tuned for further developments.
Author Profile
- Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]
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Nice to read about Steven Muwabi’s article. I had taken years without hearing from him. Nice that you are still active. One thing you forgot to mention in your story is that Hajati Sarah Baagalaliwo is sister to former president Godfrey Binaisa(QC). She never had a child w iij th all her beauty but accepted to raise Baagalaliwo’s children. It is a pity things are taking that bad route. Hopefully they will solve their differences amicably. Josephine Maseruka. Veteran journalist.