Zari Hassan recently disclosed the intense battle over her late husband Ivan Ssemwanga's estate, which has led to conflicts with her in-laws. Before his death on May 25, 2017, Ivan had amassed a substantial portfolio of investments, including the prestigious Brooklyn City College in South Africa. He named his eldest son, Pinto, as the official heir to his property, with Zari designated as the custodian, responsible for preparing their children to manage the assets when they come of age.
Zari has accused her in-laws of attempting to seize control of the estate from her. The South Africa-based businesswoman emphasized that she, along with her children, holds shares in all of Ivan’s properties.
“Excuse you, I am the legal guardian and I have done my job to raise my sons, I have done my job to raise my kids. I know where I stand, I know how I am fighting to raise my kids, I know what I am doing with my kids.
“They (in-laws) don’t know how the kids are educated, they don’t know their medical needs, they don’t know what they eat,” Zari lamented during an interview with Sanyuka TV on Friday, July 19, 2024.
Zari Hassan further accused her in-laws of listening to outsiders, which has exacerbated the situation.
She claimed that the in-laws had been well-catered for, including receiving monthly payments from Brooklyn City College in South Africa. However, she suspended these payments after some in-laws displayed poor conduct that necessitated such action.
Zari highlighted that some of her in-laws sought advice from outsiders, which only intensified tensions and strained relationships.
The 43-year-old asserted that she is prepared to confront her antagonists while protecting the interests of the children she had with Ivan Ssemwanga before his passing.
“My friend, don’t try me, don’t try me. I won’t be a clown in their circus,” an angry Zari declared.
The mother of five challenged her in-laws, who seek to benefit from Ivan's estate without supporting her in managing the properties, to look for them at Ssemwanga’s final resting place in Kayunga.