[2024] UGIC 60

[2024] UGIC 60

The court found that the respondent summarily dismissed the claimant without following the mandatory procedures under Section 65 of the Employment Act, including providing notice of allegations, a fair hearing, and adequate time to prepare a defense. The purported disciplinary hearing was an afterthought, and the...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2024] UGIC 60
Parties
Claimant: Akol George; Respondent: Mark Impex (U) Ltd
Court
Industrial Court of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
Labour Dispute Reference 48 of 2019
Procedural Posture
Labour Dispute Reference / Exparte Final Award
Outcome
Claimant's claim for unlawful dismissal is allowed; remedies awarded as specified.
Judges
Tumusiime-Mugisha, J, Wacha, Panel Member, Aciro Panel Member, Gidongo, Panel Member
Legal Topics
Unlawful Termination, Summary Dismissal, Right to Fair Hearing, Severance Pay, Payment in Lieu of Notice, General Damages
Source Language
en
Employment and Labour Unlawful Termination Summary Dismissal Right to Fair Hearing Severance Pay Payment in Lieu of Notice General Damages

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Parties

Akol George

Claimant

Mark Impex (U) Ltd

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Labour Dispute Reference / Exparte Final Award

  1. 1 Whether the claimant was lawfully terminated.
  2. 2 Whether the claimant absconded from work.
  3. 3 What remedies are available to the claimant.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the respondent summarily dismissed the claimant without following the mandatory procedures under Section 65 of the Employment Act, including providing notice of allegations, a fair hearing, and adequate time to prepare a defense. The purported disciplinary hearing was an afterthought, and the payment of outstanding salary did not constitute a compassionate gesture but rather confirmed summary dismissal. The respondent failed to adduce evidence that the claimant absconded from duty, and its only contestation was the claimant's demands. The court held that the dismissal was unlawful, entitling the claimant to payment in lieu of notice, repatriation allowance, severance...

Court Disposition

Claimant's claim for unlawful dismissal is allowed; remedies awarded as specified.

Orders

  • Respondent to pay claimant Ugx. 1,050,000 as payment in lieu of notice.
  • Respondent to pay claimant Ugx. 116,666.67 for untaken leave for January-June 2018.