KAMPALA, Uganda – On September 3, 2009, Ugandan widow Joyce was vindicated in court, as the two perpetrators responsible for illegally seizing her home and property from her in the aftermath of her husband’s death were found guilty of their crimes.

Widowed in 2000, Joyce cared for her and her late husband’s four daughters alone, but was able to provide for the family with the home and assets they had shared. But Joyce became a victim of property grabbing when an acquaintance of her late husband named Maaka John offered to take over the administration of her home and property. She trusted him, and assented when he convinced Joyce to process her late husband’s pension and set up a joint bank account with him. Soon, Joyce discovered that her account had been drained without her knowledge. Maaka also sold a structure on her property, a truck he stole from her and the sugar crop she had grown, giving her only a pittance.

When Joyce asked for the title to her home back, Maaka slapped her in the face and attempted to evict her from her own home. He then left the country with the profits he had illegally gained from Joyce’s property, leaving the title deed in the control of an accomplice.

International Justice Mission accepted Joyce as a client after Maaka’s assault, assigning her a lawyer and investigating the facts of her case. Maaka was eventually traced to Iraq. Upon his return to Uganda, IJM investigators supported the local police to secure his arrest and the arrest of his accomplice. IJM’s legal team worked alongside the Kira Court Resident State Attorney to prosecute the two perpetrators to ensure justice for Joyce.

In court, the two perpetrators pled guilty to the charges against them. Maaka is also required to provide financial compensation to Joyce for the theft he committed. Joyce is overjoyed at the outcome of her case and grateful to see the public justice system work on her behalf to enforce her rights as a Ugandan citizen. IJM aftercare will continue to support her as she rebuilds her life.