Court-annexed mediation in a long-running family property dispute has stalled after one of the parties demanded a written apology from a judge over alleged insulting and disrespectful remarks made during mediation proceedings. Businessman Bunny Wallia says he will not participate in further mediation sessions until Justice Deepa Verma apologises in writing for comments he says she made during court-annexed mediation before former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, who is handling Mediation No. 68 of 2025.
The allegations are contained in a letter addressed to Justice Buteera, in which Wallia claims he attended the mediation in good faith, expecting a respectful process aimed at resolving the dispute amicably. “I came to mediation in good faith, with the hope that the discussions would be calm, respectful, and helpful to both sides. Instead, I was repeatedly addressed in an insulting and disrespectful manner, which I found hurtful and upsetting,” Wallia wrote.
He argues that the alleged conduct undermined the purpose of mediation by creating tension and making it difficult for him to participate meaningfully. According to Wallia, mediation can only succeed when all parties are treated with dignity and allowed to express themselves freely without personal attacks or abusive language. As a result, he has asked Justice Buteera not to convene any further mediation sessions until Justice Verma issues a written apology.
He also wants assurances that future mediation sessions will be conducted respectfully. Uganda Radio Network understands that another mediation session had been scheduled at the Court of Appeal, but Wallia maintains that he will only return after receiving the apology. Despite his complaints, Wallia says he remains committed to resolving the dispute through mediation rather than prolonged court litigation.
“I remain willing to continue with mediation because I would still prefer for this matter to be resolved through discussion if possible. However, I can only do so if there is first a written apology and a clear understanding that any future sessions will be conducted in a respectful manner,” he wrote. The mediation stems from a succession dispute over the estate of the late Zura Mama Kasuku.
Court records show that Justice Deepa Verma petitioned the Family Division of the High Court seeking letters of administration for the estate, arguing that the deceased died intestate on August 18, 1999, leaving no surviving spouse. She contends that, as a granddaughter of the deceased, she is entitled to administer the estate. The estate reportedly includes property in Mbarara City, including land occupied by Manji Memorial Secondary School, property on Karekona Road, land in Kiswahili Cell, Kakoba Division, and Plot 25 in Rwenziringiro Bigere, Isingiro District.
However, Wallia disputes Justice Verma’s claims and has accused her of making false representations regarding the estate and her entitlement to administer it. The dispute has also expanded beyond the mediation process. On July 16, 2026, Bunny Wallia, Johnny Wallia, Ronnie Wallia and Jassie Ahluwalia petitioned President Yoweri Museveni, the Inspector General of Government, the Chief Justice and the Principal Judge, seeking investigations into what they describe as irregular, improper and unlawful conduct by Justice Verma in relation to the administration of the estates of the late Zura Mama Kasuku and the late Ahluwalia Gudo.
According to the petition, Justice Verma and her brother, Jassa Wallia, obtained Certificates of No Objection from the Administrator General within three days of submitting their application. The petitioners question the speed with which the certificates were issued and argue that other family members were not involved in the process. They further contend that Justice Verma’s position as a serving judicial officer raises concerns about whether they will receive a fair hearing. A related complaint has also been lodged with the Judicial Service Commission.
Justice Deepa Verma has not responded to the allegations. Efforts by Uganda Radio Network to obtain her comment since Wednesday were unsuccessful. Calls to her known telephone number were answered by a person who said she was presiding over court proceedings and promised she would return the calls, but no response had been received by the time of publication on Thursday afternoon-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
