Uganda — Help & Guidance
What to do after a death (Uganda)
We apologise this guidance is available only in English — Velanora doesn’t yet have the resources or local language expertise to provide this information accurately across Uganda’s many languages.
If this just happened right now, you don’t need to solve everything today. In Uganda, the fastest way to reduce chaos is to “unlock the paperwork” first: (1) confirm whether it’s a natural death or a case that needs police/pathologist involvement, (2) secure the body safely (health facility mortuary / licensed mortuary) and ask what documents will be issued next, (3) confirm the burial permission pathway in your district (and KCCA rules if Kampala), (4) start death registration and the NIRA death certificate workflow, (5) collect multiple copies/scans of key documents so you can handle NSSF, banks, mobile money, insurance, and succession without repeating trips.
Emergency: If there is immediate danger, suspected violence, a road crash scene, or urgent medical help is needed, call Uganda emergency services (commonly 999 / 112) or go to the nearest police station/health facility.
If unsure: treat it as urgent and seek official guidance before moving the body or disturbing the scene.
If unsure: treat it as urgent and seek official guidance before moving the body or disturbing the scene.
Quick Find — jump straight to what you need
You don’t have to read in order. Solve the bottleneck first.
First hours checklistWhen police/pathologist is involvedBurial permission + Kampala + transportRegister death + death certificate (NIRA flow)What delays the death certificate?Which documents matter mostFuneral decisions + cultural protocolsBenefits: NSSF/employer/public service/SACCOBanks/mobile money/loansHousing/land/propertySuccession + Administrator GeneralScams (fake links + LC letters)Children + widow/widower supportCall scripts you can copy
Best low-stress split: one person handles calls and travel, one person safeguards documents and keeps a simple log (date/time, who you spoke to, phone numbers, reference numbers).
Checklist (tick as you go)
Checkboxes are just for you while reading — they don’t save if you refresh.
📋 Print-ready checklist
One-page summary of key steps — save to phone or print.
First hours (today): what actually matters
Your goal is safety + the correct pathway, not ‘finishing’ everything.
- Confirm the pathway: natural death vs accident/violence/suspicious/unknown cause. If suspicious or in public, involve police and follow instructions before moving the body.
- Secure the body appropriately: health facility mortuary or licensed mortuary. Ask the facility what they need from the family and what documents they will issue next (and when).
- Collect identity details: National ID/passport details of the deceased (or alternatives if no National ID), next-of-kin contacts, and where the death occurred.
- Start a “document pack” folder: ID copies, facility paperwork, burial permission/letter, and later the death certificate. Photograph everything as a backup.
If emotions are high: pick just 2 wins for today — (1) confirm if police/pathologist is involved, (2) get clear instructions on what document you’ll receive and when.
1) When police/pathologist is involved (and why it changes timelines)
This is the biggest ‘fork in the road’ for documents and speed.
Police/pathologist involvement is common when there’s an accident, suspected violence, suspected self-harm, unknown cause, or when the death happens in public or under unclear circumstances. This can affect how quickly the medical cause of death is issued, and therefore how quickly registration can be completed.
If officials demand payment without a receipt: Pause. Politely ask for the official fee schedule (if applicable) and request an official receipt. Avoid “fixers” who promise to speed up police/post-mortem paperwork for cash.
Ask this directly (and write the answer down): “Is police/pathologist required for this death? What is the next document the family will receive, and what is the expected timeline for the documents needed for burial permission and registration?”
2) Burial permission (Uganda) — Kampala (KCCA) and inter-district transport
Uganda funerals move fast. Hidden delays happen at ‘permits’ and ‘transport’.
Families are often told different things depending on whether the death occurred in a health facility, at home, or in a case involving police. Many districts use a local authority / health office / LC pathway for burial permission.
- Ask who issues the burial clearance in your case: start with the health facility (if death in hospital), or your local LC office / sub-county or division offices for community deaths.
- Get it in writing: names, date, stamp, and any reference number.
- Keep the original safe: you may need it later for registration, benefits, mobile money, or succession.
Kampala City specific (KCCA):
If the death occurred in Kampala or you are burying/cremating within Kampala, additional permits from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) may be required — especially for cemeteries and cremation.
Ask your funeral provider: “Does this require a KCCA permit? Who applies for it?”
If the death occurred in Kampala or you are burying/cremating within Kampala, additional permits from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) may be required — especially for cemeteries and cremation.
Ask your funeral provider: “Does this require a KCCA permit? Who applies for it?”
Transporting the body to another district:
If the death occurred in one district but burial is in another (very common), you may need:
• Clearance from the health facility/LC where the death occurred
• Permission/notification requirements in the receiving district (health office or LC)
• A funeral director who handles inter-district transport
Ask your provider: “What documents are required to transport the body to [district name]?”
If the death occurred in one district but burial is in another (very common), you may need:
• Clearance from the health facility/LC where the death occurred
• Permission/notification requirements in the receiving district (health office or LC)
• A funeral director who handles inter-district transport
Ask your provider: “What documents are required to transport the body to [district name]?”
If you learn about a “transport requirement” late (day of travel), it can cause road delays. Confirm documents before you book vehicles.
Practical sequence (Uganda):
Confirm pathway (police/pathologist or not) → secure the body (mortuary) → confirm burial permission + transport documents → burial/funeral (often fast) → complete death registration + follow up the death certificate
Confirm pathway (police/pathologist or not) → secure the body (mortuary) → confirm burial permission + transport documents → burial/funeral (often fast) → complete death registration + follow up the death certificate
3) Death registration + death certificate: the Uganda (NIRA) workflow in plain English
The golden rule: bring the right two documents — most delays happen when families have only one.
Two separate documents (Uganda) — don’t confuse them:
1) Death Notification Record: issued by the health facility. Confirms the death happened there (facility death).
2) Medical Certificate of Cause of Death: issued by a doctor. Confirms the medical cause of death.
You typically need BOTH for NIRA registration.
2) Medical Certificate of Cause of Death: issued by a doctor. Confirms the medical cause of death.
You typically need BOTH for NIRA registration.
Community death (no health facility involved):
If the person died at home or in the community with no doctor present, you typically need:
• Two witness statements from community members who can confirm the death and identity
• An LC letter confirming the death occurred and the witnesses are credible
Ask your LC: “What is the process for registering a community death in this village?”
If the person died at home or in the community with no doctor present, you typically need:
• Two witness statements from community members who can confirm the death and identity
• An LC letter confirming the death occurred and the witnesses are credible
Ask your LC: “What is the process for registering a community death in this village?”
Where to register with NIRA (decision flow):
- NIRA offices: head office in Kampala plus regional offices.
- Hospital NIRA desks: some large hospitals have on-site registration for facility deaths (ask at the hospital administration/records office).
- LC / sub-county offices: in some districts these act as registration points or can direct you to the correct registrar.
- Online portal: exists, but not all cases qualify; many still need in-person follow-up with originals.
Ask this exact question at the facility/LC office/NIRA counter: “Where is the nearest NIRA registration point for THIS death in THIS district, and what is the checklist? Please give me a receipt/reference number.”
District variation warning: the “fastest office” and the exact documents required can differ between districts and even between facilities in the same district. If you hit a loop, go in person with originals and ask for the single missing item blocking the process.
Death occurred outside Uganda?
If the death happened abroad, you generally need to register the death in the country where it occurred first, then obtain authenticated/legalised documents for use in Uganda. Start by contacting the nearest Ugandan embassy/consulate and ask exactly what Uganda-side registration steps apply for your situation.
What delays death certificates? (and what to do if you’re stuck)
Fix the missing item — don’t just ‘wait’.
Common delays:
- Families have Death Notification but not the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (or vice versa)
- Community deaths missing witness statements or LC confirmation
- Names/dates don’t match the National ID exactly
- Cause-of-death paperwork incomplete or unsigned
- Police/post-mortem report pending (where applicable)
- Family disputes about who is the recognised notifier/next-of-kin
If you’ve waited longer than you were told, follow up in person with your receipt and ask:
“What is the exact missing item holding this certificate, and who must submit it?”
“What is the exact missing item holding this certificate, and who must submit it?”
When you follow up, leave with a name + phone number + reference number — otherwise you’ll repeat the same conversation next time.
4) The document pack: what to collect (and how many copies)
Most delays happen because families have only one copy, or the wrong document.
Aim to collect:
- Burial permission/clearance (original + high-quality scan)
- Death Notification Record (facility-issued, where applicable)
- Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (doctor-issued, where applicable)
- Witness statements + LC letter (for community deaths)
- Death certificate (and multiple copies if possible)
- Your proof of authority (ID + relationship proof; for bigger matters, formal authority may be required)
Missing documents?
- No National ID? Don’t panic. Requirements vary, but start with:
- LC letter confirming identity and residence
- Old national ID (if available)
- Passport, driver’s license, or voter’s card
- Witness statements from recognised community members
- No burial clearance yet: ask the issuing office for the readiness timeline and the correct contact person.
- No death certificate yet: the funeral may proceed quickly in Uganda, but do not abandon the registration follow-up — it will be needed for NSSF, banks, insurance, and succession.
Practical rule: keep one “master original” envelope and use copies for day-to-day errands. Photograph documents the moment you receive them.
5) Funeral planning in Uganda: make 3 decisions first
Uganda funerals can move fast — but ‘culture + transport + costs’ can create hidden delays.
- Where: city mortuary/funeral service vs transporting to the home area for burial.
- When: expected burial date and how this affects mortuary fees, transport, and family travel.
- Budget: agree a ceiling early and insist on itemised costs.
Traditional/cultural authorities:
In some parts of Uganda (especially Buganda, Busoga, Toro, Bunyoro), cultural protocols may require notifying traditional leaders, especially for burials of clan leaders or on clan land.
Ask your family elders or local LC: “Are there any cultural notifications required for this burial?”
In some parts of Uganda (especially Buganda, Busoga, Toro, Bunyoro), cultural protocols may require notifying traditional leaders, especially for burials of clan leaders or on clan land.
Ask your family elders or local LC: “Are there any cultural notifications required for this burial?”
When a service provider says “Pay a deposit now or lose the slot”:
Say: “Thank you. We need to review the itemised quote with the family. Please send the written quote by SMS/WhatsApp/email. We will confirm within 24 hours.”
If they refuse: treat it as a red flag.
Say: “Thank you. We need to review the itemised quote with the family. Please send the written quote by SMS/WhatsApp/email. We will confirm within 24 hours.”
If they refuse: treat it as a red flag.
Ask for itemised costs (mortuary, coffin/casket, hearse/transport, church/mosque costs, tents/chairs/public address, food, grave preparation, announcements). Itemisation reduces “surprise add-ons”.
6) Benefits & payouts: NSSF Uganda, employer schemes, public service pensions, SACCOs
Week 1 goal: get each institution’s checklist + a reference number.
- Employer: ask HR about death-in-service benefits, group life cover, pension scheme rules, unpaid salary, and final dues.
- NSSF Uganda (survivor benefits): notify NSSF early and ask for the official claim checklist and reference number.
- NSSF funeral expenses refund (important): NSSF Uganda may refund up to UGX 1,000,000 for documented funeral expenses (separate from survivor benefits). Ask NSSF for the checklist and confirm the current cap/eligibility.
- Ask: “Does this member’s NSSF coverage include a funeral expenses claim? What receipts do you require?”
- Keep all receipts: mortuary, transport, coffin/casket, venue, food, tents/chairs, announcements.
- Request: claim reference number and a follow-up date.
- Public service / uniformed services: if the person was a government employee (or retired), ask the relevant ministry/department for survivor pension steps and required documents.
- SACCO burial / benevolent funds: many SACCOs automatically enrol members in a burial scheme. Payouts typically range from UGX 500,000 to 2,000,000. Ask your SACCO: “Was the deceased enrolled in a burial scheme or benevolent fund? What is the claim process and how long does it take?”
- Life insurance: notify the insurer early, ask for the official bereavement checklist, and get a claim reference number.
Phrase to use everywhere: “Please give me the official bereavement claim checklist, where to submit, expected timeline, and a reference number.”
7) Banks, mobile money, loans & automatic payments
Don’t rush to ‘close everything’. First: control risk + stop unnecessary outflows.
- Make a list: bank accounts, SACCOs, loans, standing orders, school fees, rent, utilities, subscriptions.
- Ask about timing: once a bank is formally notified, accounts may be restricted. This can cause payments to fail. Ask what alternatives exist.
- Loans (ask this): “Does this loan have payment protection insurance that covers death?” If yes: insurance may clear the balance. If no: the debt is usually owed by the estate, not you personally (unless you guaranteed it).
Mobile money (MTN MoMo / Airtel Money)
- Do NOT share the deceased’s SIM card, PIN, or OTPs with anyone.
- Use an official service centre and ask for the formal “deceased customer” bereavement process. Expect original documents and a reference/receipt.
Small balance shortcut (MTN MoMo / Airtel Money):
For low-value balances (ask what threshold applies), some telecoms may offer a simplified release process. Ask at an official service centre: “Is there a simplified bereavement process for low-value accounts?”
If yes, ask: “Exactly which documents do you accept for this pathway?”
For low-value balances (ask what threshold applies), some telecoms may offer a simplified release process. Ask at an official service centre: “Is there a simplified bereavement process for low-value accounts?”
If yes, ask: “Exactly which documents do you accept for this pathway?”
Never share PINs/OTPs or hand over a SIM card to a “helper”. If you must visit a bank or mobile money service centre, go to an official branch and insist on a receipt/reference.
8) Housing, land and property: protect the ‘real world’ first
Security and continuity matter more than paperwork in week 1.
- Secure the home: limit access, safeguard documents, land papers, vehicle logbooks, IDs, policies, and any will.
- Tenancy: find the tenancy agreement, confirm rent due dates, and communicate with landlord/agent in writing.
- Land/property: photograph key documents and keep a list of where originals are stored. Avoid handing originals to relatives “to keep safe”.
Keep receipts for essential costs (mortuary, transport, security, urgent bills). They can matter for reimbursements and family accounting later.
9) Succession (Uganda): the practical path (and how to avoid early mistakes)
You don’t need to solve inheritance in week 1 — but you should avoid decisions that cause permanent damage.
In Uganda, access to major assets often requires formal authority (probate/letters of administration) especially where there is land, multiple heirs, or family dispute.
Burial on family land ≠ inheritance (important):
Burial alone does not transfer ownership or inheritance rights. You still need formal succession (letters of administration or probate) to legally own or transfer land. Do not assume: “We buried him, so the land is ours.”
Burial alone does not transfer ownership or inheritance rights. You still need formal succession (letters of administration or probate) to legally own or transfer land. Do not assume: “We buried him, so the land is ours.”
Need a lawyer?
The Uganda Law Society can help refer you to qualified advocates near you. Ask for pro bono or legal aid if you cannot afford private representation.
Website: uls.or.ug
The Uganda Law Society can help refer you to qualified advocates near you. Ask for pro bono or legal aid if you cannot afford private representation.
Website: uls.or.ug
If there is conflict, multiple households, or significant property, speak to a qualified Ugandan advocate early before signing or transferring anything.
Scams to avoid (Uganda): common patterns after a death
Grief + urgency is exactly what scammers exploit.
- Fake NIRA / NSSF websites and SMS links: scammers send messages like “Your death certificate is ready” or “NSSF payout approved” with a link that steals your information. NIRA and NSSF do not send payment links via SMS. Always access portals by typing the official address yourself — never click links in unsolicited messages.
- Fake ‘NSSF agent’ / fake HR / fake insurer — promises payout but asks for OTPs, PINs, or a “processing fee”.
- Fake LC letters / forged introductions: used to access assets or present as “next-of-kin”.
- Verify LC letters directly: call the LC office using a number you find yourself (not the one on the letter) and ask: “Did your office issue a letter for [name] on [date]?”
- Genuine letters have stamps, dates, and signatories you can verify
- If a letter is being used to claim land/property, verify immediately before anything moves
- “We can speed up the death certificate” — asks for cash or insists on WhatsApp-only handling with no receipt.
One sentence that protects you: “Please give me your full name, office, and reference number — I will call back using the official number I find myself.”
Children and funerals
Children may attend — it can be confusing, and it can also be healing with the right support.
- Let them choose whether to attend the viewing or burial.
- Assign one calm adult to be their person — not actively grieving — who can step away with them anytime.
- Explain what they’ll see and hear before it happens (simple, no graphic detail).
- It’s okay if they play or laugh. This is not disrespect.
- Answer questions honestly and simply, and repeat as needed.
If you are a widow or widower
Some communities in Uganda have difficult traditions around widowhood — isolation, “cleansing” rituals, property grabbing, or being blamed for the death. You do not have to accept mistreatment.
Probation and Social Welfare Office (district):
Every district has a Probation and Social Welfare Officer. They can help with:
• Protection support if you are threatened or harassed
• Referrals for grief counselling
• Support for orphaned children
• Family mediation
Ask at your district headquarters for the Probation and Social Welfare Office.
Every district has a Probation and Social Welfare Officer. They can help with:
• Protection support if you are threatened or harassed
• Referrals for grief counselling
• Support for orphaned children
• Family mediation
Ask at your district headquarters for the Probation and Social Welfare Office.
- FIDA Uganda (Uganda Association of Women Lawyers): legal aid and support.
- NAWOU: women’s rights and community support networks.
Grief is not a problem to solve. It is a weight to carry — and over time, you grow stronger, even if the weight never disappears.
Call scripts (copy/paste)
Ask for the 4 things: checklist, where to submit, timeline, reference number.
Burial permission / transport / Kampala (KCCA)
Hello. We are arranging burial/cremation for [Full name]. The death occurred in [district] and burial is in [district]. Please confirm the burial permission requirements and the documents needed to transport the body. If this is within Kampala, does it require a KCCA permit, and who applies for it? Please give me the checklist and a contact person.
Registration office / NIRA workflow (death registration + death certificate)
Hello. I need to register a death and begin the death certificate process for [Full name], who died on [date] at [place]. Please tell me the exact documents required — specifically the Death Notification Record and the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (or community equivalents) — where to submit, expected processing time, and give me a receipt/reference number. Also: where is the nearest NIRA registration point for THIS death in THIS district?
Mobile money service centre (MTN/Airtel)
Hello. I need the official bereavement process for a deceased customer’s mobile money account. Please tell me the required documents, steps, expected timeline, and provide a reference/receipt. Also: is there a simplified process for low-value balances, and which documents apply to that pathway?
End every call with: “What is the next step, and by when should I do it?” Then write it down.
Next steps
When you have more energy
Velanora provides general practical information only — it is not legal advice. If the death is disputed, there’s significant property, multiple households, or conflict, speak to a qualified Ugandan advocate.