TAKEAWAYS

• Veteran businesswoman Dr. Maggie Kigozi says having a will saved her family after her husband’s sudden fatal heart attack.
• The business mogul revealed that the document protected her and her three kids during a chaotic time of mourning.
• Kigozi noted that the legal clarity from the will actually paved the way for her eventual career move to Pepsi.

Veteran Ugandan businesswoman Dr Maggie Kigozi has highlighted the importance of making a will, sharing how the document helped her navigate the aftermath of her husband’s sudden death and protect her family’s interests.

Speaking during a local interview, Kigozi recounted how her husband died at the age of 49 after suffering a heart attack while watching television at night. His death came unexpectedly, but the existence of a will helped ease the challenges that followed.

According to Kigozi, her husband had clearly documented his immediate family, comprising his wife and three children, and specified how his assets should be distributed among them.

She explained that having the document in place provided clarity during a difficult period when the family was dealing with the loss of its head.

Kigozi also linked the will to her subsequent professional journey, explaining that it helped her manage the circumstances that eventually led to her working with Pepsi.

“Every man or woman should have a will, regardless of their age,” was the message she emphasised, urging people with assets to make arrangements for their distribution in the event of their death.

The businesswoman, who is also the mother of popular Ugandan rapper Navio, noted that the absence of such a document would have made the aftermath of her husband’s death considerably more difficult.

Her experience highlights a challenge faced by families when a relative dies without clearly documented wishes regarding their estate.

In such circumstances, disagreements over property ownership and inheritance can escalate into lengthy legal disputes, potentially draining family resources and damaging relationships.

A properly prepared will can help communicate a person’s wishes, guide beneficiaries and reduce uncertainty during an already painful period. However, it must meet applicable legal requirements to be effective.

Kigozi’s account serves as a reminder that estate planning is not exclusively for the wealthy or elderly. Preparing a will early can help individuals protect their families and provide greater certainty about what happens to their assets after death.