[1978] UGCA 12

[1978] UGCA 12

The court found that the applicant had shown good cause for the delay in filing the memorandum of appeal, specifically due to the illness of his advocate. The delay was not excessive, and the advocate acted promptly upon recovery. The court emphasized that while illness may be a sufficient reason in some cases, it...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[1978] UGCA 12
Parties
Applicant: Augustino Okwachodoto; Respondent: Uganda
Court
Court of Appeal of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
Cr.App.No.4 of 1978
Procedural Posture
Criminal Application / Application for Leave to File Memorandum of Appeal Out of Time
Outcome
application granted
Judges
Ssekandi, JA
Legal Topics
Extension of Time, Memorandum of Appeal, Procedural Compliance, Advocate Illness, Court of Appeal Rules
Source Language
en
Criminal Law Civil Procedure Extension of Time Memorandum of Appeal Procedural Compliance Advocate Illness Court of Appeal Rules

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Parties

Augustino Okwachodoto

Applicant

Uganda

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Application / Application for Leave to File Memorandum of Appeal Out of Time

  1. 1 Whether the applicant has shown sufficient cause for extension of time to file a memorandum of appeal out of time.
  2. 2 Whether illness of an advocate constitutes sufficient reason for delay in filing appeal documents.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the applicant had shown good cause for the delay in filing the memorandum of appeal, specifically due to the illness of his advocate. The delay was not excessive, and the advocate acted promptly upon recovery. The court emphasized that while illness may be a sufficient reason in some cases, it should not be assumed to always justify extension of time. The remedy for advocates who may be prevented from rendering service due to illness is to avoid solo practice. In the interest of justice, the applicant should be heard on the merits of the case. Accordingly, the application was granted and the memorandum of appeal was deemed filed in time.

Court Disposition

application granted

Orders

  • The memorandum of appeal filed shall be treated as having been filed in time.
  • The applicant shall be heard on the merits of the case.