Buying a house (1)

Looking for a house is not simple in Uganda. Buying a house is even more complicated. After looking around we had several options. Our favourite option is a plot walking distance from the city centre in a posh area of schools, lawyers and NGO’s. Most houses in the area have been renovated, but ‘our’ house has not been maintained for many years and is not occupied, except by some homeless people. Everything of value has been stolen from the house. Electricity wires, sockets, the electricity meter and even the cast iron lit of the septic tank. But the house has pretty outside walls and is big (17 x 11 meter), the plot around it is even large for a place so close to town (24x48 meter).

There are many reason why this house is for empty and still for sale. Not only is the place completely looted, but also a tenant was evicted (a Dutch man, which will we know well) and has claims against the owners about investments done by him and goods stolen from rooms. But the major reason of the state of the house is that the owner died 20 years ago and left behind 6 children, with 6 different mothers. In the age of 0-10 years old. Since the children were minors an uncle became caretaker of the house. To make a long story short 3 years ago the children took charge, hired a family lawyer and went to court to reposes the house. Since then the house is for sale and have had a number of offers and close deals. But the six children (influenced by family) could not agree. We did an offer on the house three weeks ago, but were warned to be very careful with the family. We checked with a Ugandan friend, the land office, their lawyer, etc. The family wanted to meet us, but only Michel was around. The real estate agent, the lawyer and our Uganda friend were not welcome and Michel meet 6 family members representing 3 children. The meeting was not successfully because the family refused to lower their price and we did not hear from them for 2,5 weeks. The rumour circuit was not silent at all. We spread the rumour we were not interested. Their family lawyer presented the family his bill for the last 3 years of his work. Suddenly the family was interested in a negotiation and we settled on the price the same day.

Normally in the Netherlands this means the deal is done and the rest is just administrative. We made another round to the officials Land office, water& electricity company, city council, the local chair person (appointed as guardian of the neighbourhood) and the former Dutch tenant. We hired our own lawyer to protect our interest. In a week’s time the family cleared the property and we transferred money from the Netherlands (which is a story on its own) to a just opened Uganda account. Friday at 8.30 all 6 children would be there to sign the agreement and to do the transfer of money.

The day went slightly different than expected. At 11.00 only 4 children were there. One would not come at all, but send the grandmother, which had not arrived yet. Another one probably on the way, but could not be reached. The original proof of ownership had to be taken from court by our and their lawyer. Finally grandma arrived. At 12.30 we were at the bank to do the transfer. As if we were not allowed to buy the property there was a power-cut and the automatic generator failed. At 14.30 finally the last child arrived signed and the bank transferred the money. Then the whole family moved to the house. We expected a handover of the keys and we even took a camera to capture this wonderful moment. But nothing goes as expected:

• 3 of the 4 locks had to be cut, because the keys could not be found.


• Suddenly the small shed on the property was not included in the sale and they wanted to take it away. And the only piece of value in the house, some kitchen cupboards was claimed by one family member. I asked if there were also planning to take the trees and the roof of the house, which they almost took seriously.


• The family is not used to bank transfers and were suddenly afraid they handed over the house without receiving the money. It took us and the bank a long talk to convince the transaction was definite, even though the money had not arrived on their bank account.

At 17.00 we came home exhausted, too tired to celebrate. The next quest is getting the house on our name. This is taken up by our lawyer.
To be continued...